Tuna patties – Made with pantry staples like canned tuna, eggs, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings, this dish is both budget-friendly and versatile. These patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with protein – perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tuna Patties
- Draining the Tuna: Make sure to drain the canned tuna well. Excess moisture can make the patties fall apart.
- Consistency Matters: If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, mix in a splash of milk or an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Chill Before Frying: For firmer patties, let them chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape.
- Use Quality Tuna: Solid white albacore tuna gives the best texture and flavor, but light tuna works well too.
Tuna Patty Variations
Get creative with these simple tweaks to suit your taste:
Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like oat flour or crushed rice cakes.
Spicy Tuna Patties: Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Cheesy Tuna Patties: Mix in ¼ cup grated parmesan or cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.
Healthy Option: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. Air fry the patties for a lighter version.
Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired patty.
How to Serve Tuna Patties
- With a Side Salad: Pair the patties with a fresh green salad for a healthy, light meal.
- On a Bun: Serve them as a burger with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce.
- As an Appetizer: Make mini tuna patties and serve them with aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
- For Breakfast: Top tuna patties with a poached egg for a high-protein breakfast option.
How to Store and Reheat Tuna Patties
Storing:
- Let the patties cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Lay the cooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- To keep them crispy, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also use an oven (350°F for 10 minutes) or an air fryer (5 minutes at 375°F).
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can! Cook and flake fresh tuna before mixing it with the other ingredients. It works beautifully but requires an extra step.
2. Why are my tuna patties falling apart?
This can happen if the mixture is too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to balance the texture, and be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly.
3. Are tuna patties healthy?
Absolutely! They’re high in protein, low in carbs, and can be made healthier by baking or air frying instead of frying in oil.
4. Can I make tuna patties ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them perfect for meal prep.
5. What’s the best sauce for tuna patties?
Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice are all excellent choices.
Tuna Patty
Tuna Burgers : Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, they bring together tender tuna with zesty seasonings and a touch of freshness. Perfectly pan-seared to golden perfection, these patties are a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to the classic beef burger.
Ingredients
- 2 (5-6 oz) cans tuna, drained (save a little water if using tuna in water)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup white bread, torn into pieces
- 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water (or reserved tuna liquid)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp chives, green onions, or shallots, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Crystal or Tabasco hot sauce, to taste
- 1 raw egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil + ½ tsp butter
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Drain your tuna well. If using water-packed tuna, save 1 tablespoon of the liquid and add a teaspoon of olive oil later for extra moisture.
- In a bowl, combine drained tuna, mustard, torn bread, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Once satisfied, mix in the egg.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into patties. For best results, chill the patties for 1 hour to help them hold together (skip this step if you’re short on time).
- Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place the patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for that extra citrus kick. These patties are also perfect on slider buns with tartar sauce for a quick tuna burger!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 142Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 58mgSodium 236mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 9g
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
Tuna burger patties are a culinary gem that can elevate your meals while keeping things healthy and delicious. With endless customization options, they fit seamlessly into any lifestyle or occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or impressing guests at a barbecue, these patties are sure to be a hit.
Try these other tuna recipes:
