These delicious tuna patties are a quick and easy meal option that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, they are packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve them with a side salad or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Most of the ingredients for these tuna patties are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up some fresh parsley and lemon juice if you don't have them on hand. Make sure to get good-quality tuna packed in water or oil, depending on your preference.

Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Canned tuna, either packed in water or oil, is the main protein source for these patties.
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 flavor to the patties.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
Lemon juice: Provides a tangy flavor that brightens up the patties.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
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 a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making 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 and crumbly, you can add a little more lemon juice or a small amount of mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients. Conversely, if the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until you achieve the desired consistency.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an excellent alternative for tuna patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons water can replace one egg, offering a vegan alternative.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth and umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for frying and adds a subtle sweetness to the patties.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
- Allow the tuna patties to cool completely after cooking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other to avoid sticking.
- Flash freeze the patties by placing the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This step helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Once the tuna patties are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date for easy tracking.
- For added protection against freezer burn, you can wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer bag or container.
- Store the tuna patties in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the thawed patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat the tuna patties directly from frozen. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking or frying time.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and have a nice, crispy exterior.
Microwave Method: 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 halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer 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 heated through and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
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 other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for finely chopping the onion and parsley.
Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the onion and parsley finely.
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
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Save time by using pre-chopped onions and parsley from the store.
Mix in a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for a quicker, more uniform mixture.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Make extra for later: Double the recipe and freeze extra tuna patties for a quick meal later.
Use an ice cream scoop: Form patties quickly and evenly with an ice cream scoop.
Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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