These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, they are easy to make and full of flavor. Serve them with a side salad or in a sandwich for a satisfying dish.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or lemon juice on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs can be found in the baking aisle, while lemon juice is typically located near the condiments.
Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Canned tuna is the main protein source for these patties. Make sure to drain it well before using.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties together and give them a nice texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the patties.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the tuna.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Tuna Patties
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more lemon juice or a tablespoon of mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before frying can help them maintain their shape better.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for tuna patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons water can act as a vegan binder.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can offer a more robust flavor, use about 1 clove per teaspoon of garlic powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the patties.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
- Allow the tuna patties to cool completely after cooking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. This step helps them freeze individually.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the patties freeze for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step ensures they hold their shape.
- Once the patties are frozen solid, remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- If stacking the patties in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store the tuna patties in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best flavor and texture, try to use them within this timeframe.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture.
- Reheat the thawed patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a frying pan over medium heat with a little olive oil until they are warmed and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
- Place the tuna patties in the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a toaster oven tray.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are thoroughly warmed.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Fork: Useful for beating the egg and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for finely chopping the onion.
Chef's knife: Ideal for finely chopping the onion.
Frying pan: Used to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Helps in flipping the patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked patties.
Plate: For serving the hot tuna patties.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by buying pre-chopped onions from the store.
Mix in a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for a quicker mix.
Form patties in advance: Shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Use non-stick spray: Apply non-stick spray to your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking while forming patties.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze extra patties for future quick meals.
Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except olive oil.
- Form mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup Recipe1 Minutes
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe10 Minutes
- Flat Iron Steak Recipe25 Minutes
- Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies Recipe4 Hours 10 Minutes
- Wilted Lettuce Salad Recipe15 Minutes
- Yogurt Recipe15 Minutes
- Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad Recipe15 Minutes
- Pan-Seared Tuna Steaks Recipe16 Minutes

Leave a Reply