These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to transform canned tuna into a flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a tasty dish ready in no time.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or mayonnaise on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs can be found in the baking aisle, while mayonnaise is typically located in the condiments section.
Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Canned tuna is the main protein source for these patties. It is convenient and packed with flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties together and give them a nice texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor to the patties.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the tuna.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to give them a crispy exterior.
Technique Tip for Perfect Tuna Patties
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate a bit more breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture and prevent the patties from falling apart in the frying pan.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a healthier, whole-grain option that also helps bind the patties.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for frying and adds a subtle, unique flavor to the patties.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Patties
- Allow the tuna patties to cool completely after cooking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps to freeze them individually without sticking together.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the patties freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm to the touch.
- Once frozen, remove the patties from the baking sheet and place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the bag or container with the date.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled patties in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, if frozen, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
- If reheating from the refrigerator, simply warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftover Patties
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and have a nice golden crust.
For a quick microwave option, place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
To reheat on the stovetop, place the tuna patties in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to create steam, which will help keep them moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Fork: Useful for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Used to finely chop the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.
Frying pan: Used to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Patties
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the tuna, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients in a food processor for a uniform consistency.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Make extra: Double the recipe and freeze uncooked patties for a quick meal later.
Use an ice cream scoop: Form evenly sized patties quickly with an ice cream scoop.

Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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