Tuna Patties Recipe

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With a soft and rich interior that is coated by a crispy golden crust, these tuna patties are bursting with bright flavors! This recipe only uses a few staple ingredients and can be prepared in no time.

four tuna patties on a round white plate with lemons to the side.

Tuna patties are one of my favorite easy, go-to meals! This recipe is very budget and time friendly, but still brings so much flavor to the table. There are so many ways to serve these patties. You can make the patties into a sandwich served on these homemade buns and add vegetables and ranch dip on the side for a quick lunch or dinner. Not only do these patties taste delicious, but they are packed with protein which will help you stay satisfied and full.

I love how the bright and zesty tang of the lemon juice elevates the tuna patties and makes all of the flavors stand out! If you are trying to find a new way to add some excitement to a can of tuna, look no further than this recipe. 

tuna patty on a spatula ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The recipe is simple and easy to make, making it the perfect last minute meal. 
  • The patties cook quickly on the stove, leaving you with a delightful, crispy and creamy texture. 
  • You only need a few, inexpensive ingredients you might already have on hand. 
  • Between the lemon juice and old bay seasoning, these patties do not hold back on the flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

portion bowls each with digitally labeled raw ingredients to make tuna patties recipe.
  • Canned Tuna—Drained. Any brand will work great, so choose your favorite!
  • Eggs—To help bind the ingredients together. 
  • Italian Bread Crumbs—Gives the patties that golden brown, crunchy exterior.
  • Mayo—Helps make the patties rich and creamy on the inside.
  • Old Bay Seasoning—A classic seafood spice blend that can be found at most major grocery stores.. 
  • Lemon Juice—Adds a little bit of zest to the patties.


See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Tuna Patties

portion bowls each with raw ingredients to make the tuna patties recipe.
clear mixing bowl in the process of making tuna patties.

Step #1. Gather all of the ingredients you need for making tuna patties.

Step #2. Use a large fork to fold together the tuna, eggs, bread crumbs, mayo, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice until the ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.

cast iron skillet with three tuna patties cooking.
four tuna patties on a round white plate with lemons to the side.

Step #3. With a ¼ cup, scoop out some of the tuna mixture and place it in a pan or skillet coated with oil or nonstick cooking spray.

Step #4. Cook your patties over heat on both sides until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart?

If your mixture is too wet, then the patties will fall apart when cooking. To avoid this, be sure to drain your tuna as much as possible, and if needed you can pat it dry before mixing it with the other ingredients! This will help your mixture be moist enough to stick together, but dry enough to keep the patties from falling apart. 

Can I add veggies to my tuna patties? 

Absolutely! A great way to add more nutrients and volume to your patties is by adding vegetables. Some veggies that mix well into tuna patties are grated carrots or potatoes and chopped spinach or broccoli! Be careful of vegetables that have too much moisture, such as zucchini, because this will make the patties too moist and can cause texture issues. For more flavor, you can throw in some chopped up green onions or jalapenos.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

The breadcrumbs in the tuna patties add texture, crispiness, and flavor but they aren’t completely necessary. If you choose to leave them out, your patties will still turn out great. If you are looking for an alternative, try gluten free panko or breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can use crushed up club or saltine crackers for the nice crunch.

forkful of a bite of a freshly made tuna patty.

How to Serve and Store Tuna Patties 

Tuna patties are great on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce! But you can also use them to make a tasty sandwich with bread, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your other favorite toppings. Another fun way to serve tuna patties is after cooking, you can chop them up and add to a salad for extra protein and flavor. Any way you decide to serve them, these tuna patties are amazing!

If you have leftover tuna patties, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container, lined with a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture. You can enjoy these patties cold, or reheat them for 35 seconds in the microwave. 

Expert Tips

  • You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the patties once they finish cooking for a little extra zest.
  • Because the eggs help bind all of the ingredients, it is crucial to make sure the mixture is combined together thoroughly. This will help each patty have an even texture.
  • You might want to spray the pan with oil or nonstick spray between each patty so that they do not stick on the pan and create a mess. 
  • Instead of tuna you can also make these patties with canned salmon.

More Seafood Recipes To Consider

four tuna patties on a round white plate with lemons to the side.
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Tuna Patties Recipe

These tuna patties are crispy on the outside, flavorful inside, and quick to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a fast, delicious meal!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 4 canned tuna, 5 ounce cans (20 ounces total) drained
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Instructions 

  • Use a large fork to fold together the tuna, eggs, bread crumbs, mayo, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice until the ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
  • Use a ¼ cup scoop out some of the tuna mixture and place it in a pan or skillet coated with oil or nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook your patties over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • These patties are great on their own, on sandwiches, or chopped up and added to a salad.
  • Draining your tuna will help prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. If the mixture is too wet then it can fall apart.
  • We like to squeeze some fresh lime juice on top of our patties once they finish cooking to add a little extra zest.
  • The eggs help bind all of the ingredients together, so make sure you fold the mixture together thoroughly.
  • You can store any leftover tuna patties in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Leftover patties can be enjoyed cold or reheated for 35 seconds in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 75mg, Sodium: 397mg, Potassium: 198mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 147IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 48mg, Iron: 2mg
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