Tuna Patties are made with mouthwatering ingredients like lemon juice, fresh parsley, and panko bread crumbs. They’re perfect on their own for a light lunch, or you can pair them with a side of veggies and rice for a delicious dinner. No matter what time of day you serve them, these simple tuna patties are always a big hit!

A bite of tuna patty has been removed with a fork.


Tuna Patties

I feel like too often, tuna gets pushed to the side as a lackluster protein. I think too many of us grew up eating tuna sandwiches and never realized how amazing tuna can really be! Of all the tuna recipes I know and love – some of which are listed at the bottom of this post – these tuna patties are one of my favorites. They’re easy to make, totally scrumptious, and perfect for lunch or dinner.

While these tuna cakes may be pretty easy to whip up, you’d never know that by tasting them! Seriously, they taste like they should be on the menu at a beachfront seafood restaurant. It’s not just all of the savory, zesty flavors that meld together perfectly that make them so memorable, it’s also how incredibly the patties are cooked. With a tender, soft inside and a wonderfully crunchy outside, these tuna patties are true perfection.

If this recipe piques your interest, then you definitely need to check out my Tuna Salad Recipe! The recipes are super similar, and if you happen to fall in love with my tuna salad recipe, you’re in luck. You can actually make these patties using the tuna salad recipe! It’ll be a bit different than this exact recipe, but it’ll still be tasty.

Tuna patties are arranged in a large skillet with lemon slices.

How to Make Them

These tuna patties are so easy to make, and they come together in no time! This is a perfect recipe to make when you’re really hungry and don’t want to wait a long time for lunch or dinner. They’re very similar to these Salmon Patties and a little like a budget friendly crab cake, all so tasty!

Combine. In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, egg, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt and pepper until combined.

Shape. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.

Heat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Cook. Add the patties to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the patties over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve. Serve with tartare sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tuna patties are placed on a plate next to lemon slices and leafy greens.

How long will tuna patties stay fresh?

In an airtight container in the fridge, these tuna patties will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend popping them back onto the stove top and cooking for just a few minutes on each side. The crisp exterior of the tuna cakes doesn’t hold up very well in the microwave.

Can they be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze tuna patties. Simply pop them into an airtight, freezer-proof baggie or container once they’re fully cooled at room temperature. In the freezer, the patties will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

To reheat the patties from frozen, I recommend using the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F, then cook the patties for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be good as new!

Tuna patties are on a white plate.

What should I serve them with?

When I make these easy tuna patties for lunch, I usually just make them all by themselves and serve them with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Now dinner is another story! Here are just a few side dishes I love pairing tuna patties with for dinner:

Five tuna patties are lined up on a long white serving plate.

If you love tuna as much as I do, you’re going to be obsessed with these other tuna recipes! Don’t ever let anyone tell you tuna is boring when there are recipes like this to prove them wrong.

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Tuna patties are arranged in a large skillet with lemon slices.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Patties Recipe

Easy to make Tuna Patties come together in just minutes. The perfect lunch or dinner!
4.50 from 2 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 5- ounce cans Solid White Albacore Tuna in water
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup panic bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

  • skillet

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, egg, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt and pepper until combined.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the patties to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the patties over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve with tartare sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Tuna patties can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to reheat.
Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 555mg, Potassium: 155mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 159IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1mg