Tuna Patties are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch option. Made with pantry staples, these patties are packed with protein and flavor, boasting a crispy exterior and a tender, savory interior. With the right mix of seasonings and ingredients, they can be customized to suit your taste, making them a go-to recipe for tuna lovers and newcomers alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this tuna patty recipe for its incredible flavor and convenience. The combination of flaky tuna, fresh herbs, and zesty seasonings creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, these patties are easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re following a high-protein diet, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick dinner solution, these tuna patties fit perfectly into any lifestyle. They are also budget-friendly, using canned tuna as a primary ingredient, making them accessible for everyone.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your tuna patties, consider the following tips:
- Chill the Mixture: After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate the tuna mixture for about 10-15 minutes before shaping into patties. This helps them hold together better while cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill can add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be a good substitute—just remember to use less.
- Experiment with Binders: While breadcrumbs are traditional, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Cooking Method: For a healthier twist, try baking the patties instead of frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make Ahead Tips
For busy cooks, these tuna patties can be prepped in advance. You can prepare the tuna mixture a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also shape the patties and flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to cook, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up with these variations:
- Spicy Tuna Patties: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick.
- Mediterranean Style: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions in the mixture and serve with a spicy mayo dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Serve your tuna patties hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of tartar sauce. They are perfect on their own or served on a toasted bun for a satisfying sandwich. Pair them with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness of the patties. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your tuna patties, consider pairing them with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with a splash of lime also make great choices. As for sides, crispy potato wedges or a light pasta salad would pair beautifully, while a light fruit salad or sorbet could serve as a refreshing dessert.
How to Store
Leftover tuna patties can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze them, place cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
You will need a mixing bowl, a skillet or frying pan for cooking, and a spatula. A food processor is optional but can help to finely chop the ingredients quickly. If you prefer a healthier option, an air fryer can also be used to cook the patties.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the tuna with chickpeas or a plant-based tuna alternative. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent instead of eggs, and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary. For a nut-free version, ensure that any added ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, are free from nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, feel free to add diced fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers to your mixture for a garden-fresh taste. During the colder months, consider adding warm spices like paprika or cumin to create a cozy flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? Yes, but you’ll need to cook the fresh tuna first and then flake it.
- Can I make these patties without breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use ground oats, crushed crackers, or even mashed potatoes as a binder.
- How long do I cook the patties? Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side over medium heat until golden brown.
How To Make tuna patty recipe
Tuna Patties
Tuna Patties are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch option.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, diced onion, chopped parsley, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes to help it firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the patties in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and let drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 198Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 66mgSodium 705mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 16g
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
Making tuna patties at home is not only simple but also provides a delicious way to enjoy nutritious ingredients. With the flexibility to adapt to various dietary needs and the ability to customize flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your can of tuna and get cooking — your taste buds will thank you!
