Crispy Tuna Patties Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Tuna patties offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy seafood any night of the week.

The crispy golden exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful center that satisfies even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Serve them as a main course alongside simple sides, or tuck them into buns for a delicious sandwich option.

They work beautifully for meal prep since they reheat well and taste just as good the next day.

Kids who usually turn their noses up at fish often devour them without hesitation.

Plus, pantry staples mean you can prepare a satisfying meal without a last-minute grocery run.

Check out the recipe below and see how simple it is to make something so satisfying.

Why Easy Tuna Patties Is A Go To

• Quick Protein Punch: These tuna patties deliver a solid protein boost that keeps your hunger satisfied without complicated kitchen work.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Canned tuna transforms into a delicious dinner that saves money and doesn’t sacrifice flavor, perfect for tight grocery weeks.
• Super Simple Preparation: With just a few pantry ingredients and basic mixing skills, anyone can create these golden, crispy patties without culinary training.
• Flexible Serving Option: Serve these patties on a salad, sandwich, or solo with a quick sauce for a versatile meal that adapts to what’s in your kitchen.

Ingredient List for Easy Tuna Patties

• Canned Tuna (2 (6 oz) cans): Your protein star that forms the base of these quick patties. Drain it well to keep the mixture from getting soggy.

• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Help hold your patties together and add delightful texture.
• Egg (1 large): Creates the perfect binding to keep your patties from falling apart.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and rich flavor to your tuna mixture.

• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp chopped): Brings a bright, fresh herb note to your patties.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Adds a subtle tangy kick that perks up the tuna flavor.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Provides a gentle background warmth to your patties.
• Salt (1/4 tsp), Black Pepper (1/8 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used to create a golden, crispy exterior when frying your patties.

Everyday Kitchen Equipment for Tuna Patties

• Large Skillet: Your go-to pan for perfectly crispy tuna patties with even golden-brown color.
• Colander: Essential for draining tuna and removing excess liquid that could make your patties too wet.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Spacious bowl where all your ingredients come together for easy combining.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools to ensure your patties have the right balance of ingredients.
• Spatula: Helpful for flipping patties gently without breaking them apart.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Perfect for draining excess oil after cooking and keeping patties crisp.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for forming and shaping your tuna patties.
• Kitchen Knife: Handy for chopping fresh parsley or preparing lemon wedges.
• Mixing Hands: Your best tools for combining ingredients and forming patties with the right texture.

Steps for Making Easy Tuna Patties

Kitchen Notes For Easy Tuna Patties

• Press tuna thoroughly in a colander to remove every bit of liquid, ensuring your patties stay firm and crisp.
• Use your hands to blend ingredients completely, making sure each patty gets an even distribution of flavors.
• Refrigerate patties for 10 minutes before cooking, which helps them maintain their shape and prevents falling apart in the pan.
• Watch for golden-brown edges when cooking, which signals your patties are developing a delicious crispy exterior.
• Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon or your favorite sauce to brighten up the tuna’s rich flavor.

Easy Variations for Tuna Patties

• Salmon Swap: Replace tuna with drained, flaked canned or fresh salmon for a richer fish flavor, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the patties safe for your celiac friends.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap tuna for mashed chickpeas or black beans, adding extra herbs to boost the protein and create a plant-based version that satisfies your craving for a hearty patty.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Mix in diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce to give your patties a zesty, warming heat that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Serving And Pairing Ideas For Easy Tuna Patties

• Plate with Fresh Greens: Serve these tuna patties on a bed of crisp mixed salad greens for a light, refreshing meal that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
• Pair with Zesty Sauce: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using mayo, sriracha, and chopped fresh herbs to give your patties an extra burst of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Side Dish Companions: Roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa salad make perfect partners for these golden-brown patties, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner.
• Breakfast Twist: Slide a patty onto a toasted English muffin with a slice of cheese for a protein-packed breakfast that’ll kickstart your morning with deliciousness.

What’s The Proper Storage For Easy Tuna Patties

• Wrap extra patties tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days so your leftovers stay fresh and ready to reheat.
• When freezing, separate each patty with a small piece of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking and make future meals super easy.
• For best reheating, warm your patties in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them crisp and prevent drying out, which helps maintain their delicious texture.
• Always drain your tuna thoroughly and press out excess moisture before mixing, as this helps your patties hold together perfectly and prevents a soggy result.

Easy Tuna Patties Helpful FAQs

Tuna Patties Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

These Tuna Patties deliver a quick, satisfying meal packed with flavor and protein that comes together faster than takeout. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make perfect weeknight dinner heroes your whole family will devour.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 (6 ounces) cans of tuna

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Completely drain 2 (6 oz) cans of tuna in a colander, pressing out every drop of liquid with the back of a spoon.
2. Combine drained tuna with ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Use your hands to blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the mixture.
4. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties, each measuring approximately ½ inch thick with gentle, firm pressure.
5. Place patties in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help them maintain their structure during cooking.
6. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F) until the oil begins to shimmer and look slightly rippled.
7. Carefully place patties in the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns a deep golden brown.
8. Gently flip the patties using a spatula and cook the second side for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and heated completely through.
9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
10. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce for added zest.

Notes

• Drain the tuna super well by pressing firmly in a colander to remove all moisture, which helps patties hold together perfectly.
• Chilling the patties for 10 minutes before cooking helps them stay compact and prevents falling apart during frying.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried for a lighter, more tender texture that complements the tuna’s delicate flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the same crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Tuna
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg