These Tuna Patties are a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal option perfect for lunch or dinner! Made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, these golden, crispy patties are easy to whip up and packed with protein.
Why You’ll Love Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are the perfect example of a dish that’s easy to make, nutritious, and incredibly adaptable. Here are some reasons to love them:
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like canned tuna, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Quick to Cook: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-Friendly: Canned tuna is an affordable protein option, making this dish ideal for meal prep and large families.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crispy exterior and mild flavor of these patties.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Patties
- Drain the Tuna Well: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the canned tuna. This helps the patties hold together better and ensures they get crispy.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings like Old Bay, lemon zest, or chopped capers for a flavor boost.
- Chill the Mixture: If the mixture feels too wet or loose, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before forming the patties. This helps them firm up and makes shaping easier.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: It’s essential to prevent the patties from sticking and to get that beautiful golden crust.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
Tuna patties are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to try:
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix in grated ginger, chopped scallions, and a splash of soy sauce. Serve with a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Cheesy Twist: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra savory goodness.
How to Serve Tuna Patties
- With a Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich patties perfectly.
- In a Sandwich: Tuck the patties into a soft brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce.
- As an Appetizer: Serve mini patties with a side of spicy aioli or garlic yogurt dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: A great way to make it a heartier meal!
Storing and Reheating Tuna Patties
- In the Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- In the Freezer: Place uncooked or cooked patties on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch and freeze! These patties are perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! If using fresh tuna, cook it first and then flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. However, the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Ensure the tuna is well-drained, and don’t skimp on the binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs. Chilling the mixture before forming patties can also help.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, panko, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Are tuna patties healthy?
Absolutely! Tuna is a lean protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs and add extra veggies to make the patties even healthier.
Can I make these patties in the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Tuna Patties
These Tuna Patties are a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal option perfect for lunch or dinner! Made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, these golden, crispy patties are easy to whip up and packed with protein.
Ingredients
- Tuna: 2 cans (5-ounce each) of skipjack tuna in water, drained
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons, for creaminess
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons, to add a tangy kick
- Fresh Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced for that aromatic boost
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten for binding
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (or ¼ teaspoon of regular salt)
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Fresh Herbs: ½ cup chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness
- Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin, for that golden, crispy fry
Instructions
- Set your oven to "keep warm" at 170°F, so your patties stay perfectly toasty.
- Drain the tuna well and flake it with a fork in a medium bowl. Add the mayo, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until everything is well combined.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Using a 4-tablespoon scoop (or a measuring cup), portion out four mounds of the tuna mixture into the hot oil. Flatten gently with the back of a fork. - Fry the patties for about 3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked patties to the warm oven while you finish frying the rest.
- Enjoy these crispy delights immediately, either on their own, with a salad, or tucked into a sandwich!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 62Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 18mgSodium 271mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 10g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
These tuna patties are a go-to recipe for busy nights, last-minute guests, or whenever you’re craving something crispy and savory. With endless ways to customize and serve them, they’ll never get boring. Give this recipe a try, and let me know your favorite variation in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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