These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, they are packed with flavor and easy to make. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, these patties are sure to become a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up breadcrumbs and parsley if you don't already have them at home. Breadcrumbs can usually be found in the baking aisle, while parsley is typically located in the produce section.

Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Canned tuna is a convenient and protein-rich ingredient that forms the base of these patties.
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 a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor to the patties.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to give them a crispy exterior.
Technique Tip for Making Tuna Patties
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a bit 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 and prevent them from falling apart in the frying pan.
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: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg, which works well as a binder.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to parsley.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor as lemon juice.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic provides a more robust garlic flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but is slightly milder.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, 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 before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the tuna patties fresh and ready to reheat.
- For longer storage, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the tuna patties for up to 3 months. This ensures they maintain their flavor and texture.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing preserves their quality.
- Reheat the tuna patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps them crispy.
- Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. This gives them a freshly cooked taste.
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 the patties with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
- Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the patties with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
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 about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and warmed through.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a toaster oven tray.
- Cover with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
Fork: Useful for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: To accurately measure the breadcrumbs and lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: To measure the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: For finely chopping the onion and parsley.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the onion and parsley.
Frying pan: To cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: For flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Paper towels: To drain excess oil from the cooked patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Patties
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and parsley ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.
Mix thoroughly: Combine all ingredients in one go to ensure even distribution and save mixing time.
Form patties quickly: Use a measuring cup to portion out the tuna mixture for uniform patties.
Heat oil while forming patties: Start heating the olive oil as you form the patties to save cooking time.

Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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