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Tuna Patties Recipe

Tuna Patties Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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