easy tuna patties recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy tuna patties recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my easy tuna patties recipe that has become a staple in our household. This dish is a classic, and for good reason – it’s quick, easy, and packed with protein and flavor. I love serving it to my family for a weeknight dinner or as a special treat on the weekends.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re a tuna lover or just looking for a simple, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please.

Growing up, I always loved tuna patties when my mom made them for us. She would mix together canned tuna with some breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, shape them into patties, and then fry them up in a pan. It was always such a treat.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it healthier and more convenient for busy weeknights. One of the things I love about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can add in diced veggies like carrots or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and add some extra flavor.

Or, if you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can serve the patties on a bed of greens instead of on bread. Of course, no tuna patty recipe would be complete without discussing the importance of using high-quality ingredients. Look for sustainably sourced tuna that’s low in mercury and rich in omega-3s.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings – a sprinkle of paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.

Easy Tuna Patties

Easy Tuna Patties

4.6 from 1848 votes

These crispy tuna patties are quick to prepare using pantry staples. They make a perfect weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Patties

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2Mix thoroughly with a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
3Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
4Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them firm up, which prevents them from breaking apart during cooking.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6Carefully place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding, cooking in batches if needed.
7Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the patties should feel firm to the touch when done.
9Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
10Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with lemon wedges or tartar sauce if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Fork
Large skillet
Spatula
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. You can also add chopped fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor. Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.

Watch Video Of How Easy Tuna Patties Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply thaw out however many patties you need for your meal and cook according to your preference.

When reheating leftover patties, be sure to add some extra moisture with a splash of water or broth if needed – this will help keep them from drying out.

If you’re looking for some creative ways to serve these patties beyond just serving them on their own, try pairing them with some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Patties

Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

A: While fresh tuna is certainly an option, canned tuna is often more convenient and cost-effective. Plus, it’s already been cooked, so you can skip the step of cooking it before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Q: What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

A: You can easily substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even crushed chips – just be sure to adjust the amount according to your preference.

Q: How do I store leftover tuna patties?

A: After cooking your patties, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezing for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these patties ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can mix together all the ingredients except for the egg and shape them into patties before refrigerating or freezing them until ready to cook.

Q: What if I want to serve these as sliders instead of regular patties?

A: Simply shape the mixture into smaller balls and cook them in a pan until they’re golden brown on both sides – then serve on small buns or toasted bread.

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