National Dish Palau: Breadfruit and Tuna Patties (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Breadfruit and Tuna Patties, a taste of the Pacific that captures the easy island spirit of Palau on a single plate. Nutty, starchy breadfruit is mashed and folded together with flakes of fresh tuna, then shaped into little cakes and pan-fried until crisp and golden. The result is savoury, tender and surprisingly moreish — as happy served as a snack between meals as it is as the centrepiece of a laid-back supper. Bring a slice of Palauan island cooking straight to your own kitchen.
About Breadfruit and Tuna Patties
Breadfruit and Tuna Patties are a classic national dish of Palau, one that reflects the cultural influences woven through the region. The pairing of nutty and savoury flavours is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to make the most of fresh, local ingredients. Breadfruit is rich in nutrients and gives the patties a satisfying, hearty base, while the fresh tuna brings a delicate, fine flavour of its own. Whether you serve them as a between-meals snack or as a main course, they win people over every time.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 ripe breadfruit
- 200 g fresh tuna, chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Breadfruit and Tuna Patties, choose fresh tuna from a sustainable fishery to help protect marine resources. Make sure the breadfruit is properly ripe, as this has a real impact on the flavour and texture of the finished patties. Fresh spring onions and garlic matter too, as they lift and sharpen the aromas. Visit a local market or the fresh-fish counter at your supermarket to track down the best ingredients.
Preparing the dish
A little preparation is the key to perfect Breadfruit and Tuna Patties. First, the breadfruit should be boiled and mashed until it reaches a smooth consistency. While the breadfruit cools, you can chop and ready the remaining ingredients. It is worth finding just the right balance so that the flavours of the tuna and the breadfruit sit in harmony with one another.
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel the breadfruit, cut it into pieces and cook in boiling water for around 20 minutes, until soft.
- Drain the breadfruit and mash until it has a creamy consistency.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed breadfruit, chopped tuna, spring onions, garlic and lime juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and shape small patties from the mixture.
- Fry the patties in the hot oil until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Drain on kitchen paper and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
One of the great advantages of Breadfruit and Tuna Patties is that they are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. The main ingredient, breadfruit, contains no gluten, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance. Just take care to choose gluten-free options for the other ingredients too, such as the oil you fry in. That way you can enjoy this tasty dish with complete peace of mind.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version, Breadfruit and Tuna Patties are easy to adapt. In place of fresh tuna, use tofu or a plant-based alternative such as jackfruit to mimic that meaty texture. Add aromatic spices and herbs to build up the flavour. These variations are every bit as convincing and open the recipe up to plant-based diets. The same trick works beautifully in Sweet Potato Fritters.
More tips and tricks
To make your Breadfruit and Tuna Patties even tastier, try adding spices such as cayenne pepper or cumin to give the dish a little extra character. For a lovely crispness, roll the patties in breadcrumbs before frying. You can also bake the patties in the oven if you would rather cut down on the oil. Experiment with different methods until you land on the result that suits you best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Breadfruit and Tuna Patties leave plenty of room for creative tweaks. You might work grated vegetables such as carrot or courgette into the mixture, for instance, to add extra nutrients and fibre. A handful of fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley can also deepen the flavour. This way you can vary the recipe to match your own tastes and whatever is in season.
Ingredient substitutions
If fresh breadfruit is hard to come by, you can use frozen options or try other starchy vegetables such as sweet potato instead — much like the base of a comforting Sweet Potato Pudding. Feel free to experiment with the spices to find your own personal signature. Olive oil can stand in for vegetable oil, whether you fry or bake the patties. Substitutions like these keep the recipe flexible and accessible for everyone.
Drink pairing ideas
The ideal drinks to serve with Breadfruit and Tuna Patties are refreshing and light. Coconut water or tropical fruit juices such as pineapple or mango pair beautifully with the flavours of the dish — a chilled Mango Coconut Smoothie is a natural match. A cold beer or a fresh cocktail can round the meal off nicely too. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your Breadfruit and Tuna Patties at their best, arrange them on a colourful plate and garnish with fresh herbs or a wedge of lime. Serve the patties with a refreshing dip, such as a lime-and-coriander sauce. A neat arrangement of the patties alongside sides like a fresh salad or a zesty Green Mango Salad makes the dish even more appealing. Pay attention to colours and textures to make the whole plate a visual treat.
A bit of history
Breadfruit and Tuna Patties are a fine example of Palau’s culinary tradition, shaped by the bounty of nature and the rhythms of local farming and fishing. Across many Pacific island cultures, breadfruit is a staple food and a symbol of prosperity. Tuna has long held great importance for the islanders and plays a central role in Palauan cuisine. These patties are not just a delicious dish but a slice of history, illustrating the deep connection between the people and their land.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Breadfruit and Tuna Patties
Breadfruit and Tuna Patties are a treat of Pacific cooking that is as nourishing as it is delicious. With the right preparation and a few interesting variations, this dish is easy to adapt to your own tastes. It offers plenty of nutritional benefits and is wonderfully versatile — whether you serve it as a snack or as a main course. Savour the flavours and the cultural influences of Palau at your own table!
