These delicious and easy-to-make tuna burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, they offer a delightful twist on the classic burger. Serve them with your favorite toppings and buns for a satisfying meal.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if you don't have them on hand. Make sure you have breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. These ingredients are essential for binding the patties and adding flavor.

Ingredients For Tuna Burgers Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein and flavor for the burgers.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and adds texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and flavor to the patties.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the mixture.
Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate a bit more breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture for your tuna burgers.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish-based burgers.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar binding and texture to the mixture.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a gluten-free alternative and provide a similar binding effect.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions for a subtler taste.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess while being lower in fat.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Burgers
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Burgers
- Allow the tuna burgers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each tuna burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their shape and prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped tuna burgers in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Tuna burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen tuna burgers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Reheat the tuna burgers 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 skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
- For an extra crispy exterior, consider reheating the tuna burgers in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
- Serve the reheated tuna burgers with fresh buns and your favorite toppings to recreate that just-cooked experience.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the tuna burgers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna burgers in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and have a nice, crispy exterior.
For an air fryer option, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Burgers
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Fork: Useful for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise accurately.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the onion on.
Frying pan: Used to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Plate: To place the cooked patties on before serving.
Paper towels: To drain any excess oil from the patties after frying.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store or chopping them in bulk and storing them in the fridge.
Mix ingredients in advance: Combine all ingredients the night before and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld and reduces prep time.
Use an ice cream scoop: Form patties quickly and uniformly by using an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.
Non-stick spray: Use non-stick spray on your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking while forming patties.
Preheat the pan: Ensure the frying pan is preheated to save cooking time and achieve a perfect golden brown crust.
Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- 3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- 4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and buns.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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