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Tunisian Tuna-and-Egg Turnover

This traditional Tunisian tuna and egg turnover, often known as a brik, is a magnificent high-protein dish that delivers a wonderful contrast of textures. The outer layer of spring-roll pastry is fried until shattering and golden, providing a crisp shell for the savoury filling of flaked tuna, tangy capers, and aromatic flat-leaf parsley. The true highlight is the whole egg hidden inside, which should be cooked just enough to leave the yolk rich and molten.

Perfect as a sophisticated starter or a light lunch, these turnovers are best served immediately with a generous squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness. While the technique of sealing a raw egg inside pastry might seem delicate, using a tuna 'ring' to hold the egg in place makes this homemade version achievable for any home cook. It is an impressive dish that brings a genuine taste of North African street food to your kitchen.

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Ingredients for Tunisian Tuna-and-Egg Turnover

  • 1 (170g) can tuna in olive oil, drained

  • 60ml chopped spring onions

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers, coarsely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 egg white

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • About 725ml vegetable oil

  • 6 (8-inch-square) spring-roll wrappers

  • 6 whole eggs (preferably medium)

  • Accompaniment: lemon wedges

  • a deep-fat thermometer

  • 2 pastry brushes

How to make Tunisian Tuna-and-Egg Turnover

Mash together tuna, spring onions, parsley, capers, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until tuna is broken up and mixture is combined well.

Stir together egg white and water in a cup with a fork.

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 93°C.

Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet until it registers 177°C on thermometer.

While vegetable oil is heating, arrange 2 spring-roll wrappers on a work surface and brush centres lightly with olive oil (do not oil edges). Leaving a 1-inch border all around, put 2 tablespoons tuna mixture near lower right corner of 1 wrapper and form mixture into a ring (about 1/2 inch high and 3 inches in diameter) to contain egg.

Repeat procedure with other wrapper. Brush edges of both wrappers with egg white mixture (use separate brushes for oil and for egg white), then break an egg inside each "ring" and season eggs lightly with salt and pepper. Fold top left corner of each wrapper over egg to form a triangle and press edges together to seal.

Immediately lift 1 brik gently by tip of triangle and lower into oil, keeping long side of triangle in centre of skillet. Repeat with second brik and fry briks, lapping oil over exposed wrappers with a metal spatula, until undersides are golden, about 1 minute. Flip each brik over sideways with aid of 2 metal spatulas, so long side of each triangle stays in centre, then continue to fry, lapping exposed wrapper with oil, until wrapper is golden and egg is cooked but yolk is still runny, about 1 minute more. Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly, then put on a baking sheet and keep warm in oven while making remaining briks.

Make more briks in same manner (using a second baking sheet for keeping last batches warm). Return oil to 177°C between batches.

Serve briks warm.

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While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 17 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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