Crispy Easy Tuna Patties
Tuna Patties are 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!
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. A little like tuna burgers but can totally stand on their own with out all the burger toppings.
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 tuna patty 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 and makes for an easy dinner.
What are Tuna Patties Made Of
- Tuna – This is where canned tuna is transformed, be sure to buy cans of tuna packed in water and we love using White Albacore Tuna or chunk light tuna for it’s mild flavor.
- Bread Crumbs – Panko bread crumbs lend a light, yet crispy crust without adding a lot of filler. You can substitute with crushed saltine crackers, regular bread crumbs or ritz crackers.
- Egg – One large egg binds all the ingredients together so your cakes hold together.
- Mayonnaise – Also, a binding agent, be sure to use mayonnaise that you love.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon Juice and lemon zest adds freshness to the cakes.
- Seasoning – Kosher Salt and Black Pepper are all I use for seasoning but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs or smoked paprika to level up the flavor.
For a full list of the simple ingredients see the recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Tuna Patties
This crispy tuna patties recipe is 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!
- Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the drained tuna fish, egg, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh 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. Reduce the stovetop to medium 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. Serve with crispy tuna patties with tartar sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.
For added flavor, mix in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, a splash of hot sauce and a teaspoon grated parmesan cheese. You can also add chopped green onion or shallots for a light, fresh flavor.
How To Store Leftover Tuna Patties
In an airtight container in the fridge, this tuna patties recipe 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.
How to Freeze Tuna Patties
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!
How to Keep Tuna Patties from Falling Apart
The egg and mayonnaise are a great binding agent creating a texture that helps keep your tuna patties from falling apart. When assembling, lightly press the mixture together in between your hands to form that patties and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Best Sides to Serve with Tuna Patties
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:
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Get the Recipe: Tuna Patties Recipe
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
7 Comments on “Crispy Easy Tuna Patties”
Is the tuna supposed to be drained? The recipe doesn’t say, but most recipes that call for tuna or salmon say to use drained.
I went ahead and drained them, but the tuna mixture was very wet and could not be formed into Pattie’s. What did I do wrong?
Update…I let the tuna mixture sit for about 15 minutes and it was better. Still couldn’t handle with hands to form pattie’s. I just used a spoon and spooned it onto the skillet and the patted them in shape with a fork. The flavor was good.. I’ll just had a few more breadcrumbs next time.
Best ever. I am not one who usually eat fish , salmon and other kinds. But this recipe I really like. Thank you.
So glad you like it!
Panko bread crumbs, you mean.
Sounds delish and i will try soon!
Yep, definitely Panko!