Tuna Patties are a simple, budget-friendly dish that transforms pantry staples into a crispy, flavorful meal. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they are quick to prepare, highly versatile, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. With just a few ingredients, canned tuna becomes a satisfying dish that feels both comforting and nutritious.
The base of Tuna Patties is usually canned tuna mixed with binders like eggs and breadcrumbs. These help hold everything together while giving the patties structure and a pleasant texture. Onion, garlic, parsley, and a touch of mustard or mayonnaise are commonly added to enhance flavor and moisture. Seasonings like black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice bring brightness and balance to the rich tuna.
One of the best things about Tuna Patties is how adaptable they are. You can easily customize them based on what you have in your kitchen. Some versions include grated cheese for extra richness, while others add chopped celery or bell peppers for crunch. Herbs like dill or chives also pair beautifully with the mild flavor of tuna.
Once the mixture is formed into small patties, they are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on both sides. The exterior develops a satisfying crunch while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They can also be baked or air-fried for a lighter version, making them suitable for different dietary preferences.
Tuna Patties are often served with a variety of sides and sauces. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of tartar sauce adds brightness and creaminess. They pair well with salads, roasted vegetables, rice, or even tucked into a sandwich or burger bun for a quick tuna burger.
This dish is especially popular because it is affordable, fast, and uses ingredients that many people already have at home. It is a great way to repurpose canned tuna into something more exciting than a simple salad or sandwich filling.
Warm, crispy, and full of savory flavor, Tuna Patties are a dependable go-to meal that works for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Their simplicity, versatility, and satisfying texture make them a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna drained
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup onion diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
- pinch salt to taste
- pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and diced onion. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the patties in the heated oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve immediately as desired.
Nutrition
Yum! Reminds me of my grandma’s recipe! Gonna make them every week now!
Tuna? Really? I prefer mine grilled. This is like a waste of good fish.
These tuna patties are simply amazing! I added some garlic and it took them to a whole new level! My family loved them!
Tuna? Really? Who wants to eat that? No thanks, I’ll stick to burgers.
I’ve made tuna patties before, but this recipe is by far the best! Love the addition of lemon!
I totally agree! The lemon really brightens up the flavor. I added some garlic powder too, it was amazing!
Really? I’ve tried other recipes and didn’t like the lemon. Maybe it’s just me…
Tuna patties? Why not just eat the tuna straight outta the can? LOL!
Tuna is like, really good for you right? I guess I’ll try this tonight!
My grandma used to make something similar! Brings back memories! Love the recipe!
Best recipe ever! I used canned salmon instead and it still worked great!
Really? I don’t think that will taste same as regular tuna. Tuna is tuna, right?
Canned salmon? That’s interesting! I never thought of that. I’ll have to try it!
Patties are alright but I don’t like the onion, kinda overpowers the taste for me.
Quick and easy recipe! Perfect for lunch. Recommend to everyone!
Honestly, they were too bland for my taste. I think it needs a bit more seasoning.
Hated it! 😡 Too much fishy flavor, no thanks!
I followed the recipe, but they fell apart while frying. Not sure what went wrong.
I made these for my kids and they loved ’em! So easy, just what I needed! 👍
I was skeptical at first, but they turned out pretty decent. They tasted a bit fishy for my liking.
I dunno, they didn’t turn out like I expected. Maybe my tuna was bad? Idk.
Tuna? Really? Who wants to eat that? I think I’ll stick to chicken.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Tuna in a patty? But wow, my kids loved it! Will definitely make again.
These tuna patties are awesome! I made them for dinner and my kids loved them. Will try again!
So glad to hear your kids loved them! They’re a hit at my house too.
Best tuna patties ever! Can’t believe I made this from a can! 😂👏
Made these for dinner and my husband loved it. Easy and tasty!
Yum! Super easy! Just made them for lunch, and they came out perfect! Might make again for dinner!
Simple n quick recipe! I don’t even like tuna much but these patties were nice! 😋
Simple and quick recipe! Perfect for lunch, but I added some spices for extra flavor.
Pretty good but too much mayo for my liking… next time I’ll cut that in half.
Yum! I added hot sauce to dip ’em in. Made them even better!
These tuna patties are a game-changer! I added some spices and it was delish! 🤤
is tuna healthy? i thought it was bad for you since mercury?
Why do they say tuna is healthy?? Can’t be that good for ya…