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When life gets busy and the thought of cooking feels overwhelming, there’s something incredibly comforting about reaching for a simple can of tuna in your pantry. I first stumbled upon this quick Tuna Patties recipe on a hectic weekday, desperately seeking a meal that wouldn’t turn into an all-night ordeal. What I discovered was not just a solution to my dinner dilemma but a delightful treat that surprised even my seafood-skeptical friends. Each bite of these golden, crispy patties bursts with flavor, and they are versatile enough to serve as lunch, a snack, or even a party appetizer.

Just imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, they embody everything we love about home-cooked meals: simplicity, savings, and satisfaction. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into making these budget-friendly Tuna Patties!

Why You’ll Love These Tuna Patties

Quick and Easy: These Tuna Patties come together in less than 30 minutes, making them the ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Versatile Options: With a simple ingredient list, you can customize the flavors or swap out tuna for salmon to suit your taste.

Budget-Friendly Meal: Utilizing canned tuna keeps your grocery bill low without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Crispy Perfection: The golden, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the moist, flaky interior, offering a delightful texture in every bite.

Crowd-Pleaser: Family and friends will rave about these tuna patties, perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes—they won’t even realize they’re eating seafood!

Feeling inspired? You can enhance these patties even further by checking out my tips for serving suggestions that elevate your meal experience!

Tuna Patties Ingredients

• Grab your pantry essentials to whip up these delicious Tuna Patties!

For the Patties

Tuna – Use well-drained canned tuna for a protein-packed base; canned salmon is a tasty alternative.
Lemon Juice and Zest – Fresh lemon adds brightness; ensure you have the zest for extra flavor.
Eggs – Lightly beaten, they bind everything together beautifully for perfect patties.
Chives – Fresh chives provide a mild onion essence; green onions can also do the trick!
Garlic – Minced adds depth to the patties; adjust to suit your taste, or swap with ½ tsp garlic powder.
Mayonnaise – For a creamy touch; use regular mayo instead of salad dressings for the best results.
Dijon Mustard – Provides a tangy kick; regular mustard works if that’s what you have on hand.
Bread Crumbs – Help hold the mixture together; consider gluten-free varieties for a gluten-free option.
Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds a lovely salty flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
Panko Bread Crumbs (optional) – For a satisfying crispy crust when pan-frying.
Olive Oil – Use for frying; feel free to substitute with vegetable or avocado oil.
Fresh Parsley – Great for flavor and garnishing; choose your favorite herb as a substitute.

Ready to turn these ingredients into a mouthwatering meal? Let’s keep the delicious journey going!

How to Make Tuna Patties

Prepare the Mixture: Start by draining your canned tuna thoroughly, then flake it into a large bowl. Add in all the chopped ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
Shape the Patties: Measure out ⅓ cup portions of the mixture and gently form them into patties about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Be careful not to press too hard to keep them light and airy!
Chill the Patties: For best results, place your formed patties on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Coat and Cook: Dust each patty lightly with breadcrumbs, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy.

Optional: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Tuna Patties?

Complement your meal with delightful sides that elevate the flavor and experience of these scrumptious patties.

Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances the richness of the patties, providing a refreshing palate cleanser with each bite.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, these potatoes create a cozy comfort that pairs excellently with the crispy texture of the patties.
Mixed Green Salad: A light, zesty salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, healthy contrast to the hearty tuna patties.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their slight sweetness and crispiness complement the savory patties perfectly, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Lemon Wedges: A simple garnish that adds a fresh squeeze of citrus, elevating the overall taste and brightening the dish beautifully.
Creamy Dill Sauce: A tangy and creamy dip enhances the flavor of the patties, offering a perfect cooling element to the fried goodness.

These pairing ideas will make your Tuna Patties experience even more delightful, creating a meal that your family and friends will talk about for days!

Tuna Patties Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these Tuna Patties by customizing flavors and ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Substitute mayonnaise with avocado to maintain creaminess without dairy.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, ensuring everyone can enjoy!
Extra Protein: Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the mix for a heartier, protein-packed patty.
Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a delightful heat that elevates the flavor.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or basil to give the patties a unique twist. Each herb brings its own flavor story!
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the mixture for extra nutrition and color.
Asian Flair: Add soy sauce and sesame oil for a nod to Asian flavors, and consider serving with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Baked Option: For a lighter alternative, bake the patties at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

Explore these variations, and make your Tuna Patties uniquely yours!

How to Store and Freeze Tuna Patties

Fridge: Store cooked tuna patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven for best results, ensuring they stay crispy.

Freezer: For longer storage, cool completely and lay the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. They can last up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead: Uncooked patties can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen tuna patties directly from the freezer in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil for crispiness.

Expert Tips for Tuna Patties

Flake Carefully: Flake tuna with forks for smaller, evenly mixed pieces that hold together better and create a cohesive patty.
Watch the Oil Temp: Ensure the oil is hot before adding patties. It’s crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior without sogginess.
Gentle Handling: Form patties gently to avoid breaking; a light touch keeps them tender. A gentle press helps maintain their shape during cooking.
Chill for Shape: Don’t skip the chilling step. This prevents the patties from collapsing and helps them cook evenly, resulting in perfect tuna patties.
Season to Taste: Taste your mixture before cooking. Adjust seasonings if needed for a flavor-packed patty everyone will enjoy.

Feel confident in your cooking journey with these tips, and enjoy your delicious Tuna Patties!

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Tuna Patties are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the mixture and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance, just be sure to refrigerate them tightly covered to keep them fresh and prevent browning. You can also coat the patties in breadcrumbs ahead of time for extra convenience. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat your skillet and fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. If you have leftovers, cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop for that crispy texture, ensuring that they taste just as delightful as when they were first made!

Tuna Patties Recipe FAQs

What type of tuna should I use for the patties?
Choose well-drained canned tuna, either in water or oil, as both work perfectly in creating delicious patties. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, canned salmon is a delightful alternative that adds its twist to the dish.

How should I store leftover Tuna Patties?
Store cooked tuna patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop or oven to help retain their crispy exterior. Just reheat until warmed through and you’ll be enjoying them like freshly made again!

Can I freeze Tuna Patties?
Absolutely! To freeze, first cool the patties completely. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm. Afterwards, transfer the frozen patties into freezer bags. They can be enjoyed for up to 3 months—perfect for those busy days!

What should I do if my patties fall apart while cooking?
If your patties crumble, they may need more binding agent. Next time, try adding a bit more mayonnaise or an extra egg. Additionally, chilling the patties before frying helps them set and hold their shape better during cooking. Press them gently but firmly when forming to keep them intact!

Are there any gluten-free options for Tuna Patties?
Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones to make your tuna patties gluten-free. Just make sure that any other ingredients you add (like sauces or seasonings) are also gluten-free, to accommodate dietary restrictions fully.

Can I make Tuna Patties ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare uncooked patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying. This makes weeknight dinners even easier, allowing you to simply cook them when you’re ready to eat.