These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these flavorful patties in no time.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or mayonnaise on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs can usually be found in the baking aisle, while mayonnaise is typically located in the condiments section.

Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein and flavor for the patties.
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.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
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 bit more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too wet, sprinkle in some extra breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture for your tuna patties.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar binding effect and crunch to the patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a gluten-free option and provide a good binding texture.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing flaxseed meal with water creates a gel-like consistency that can mimic the binding properties of an egg.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a good alternative.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the patties.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for frying and adds a subtle sweetness to the patties.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze Your Dish
Allow the tuna patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled tuna 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. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy texture.
For freezing, arrange the cooled tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
Freeze the tuna patties on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.
Transfer the frozen tuna patties to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Store the tuna patties in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed tuna patties in a skillet over medium heat, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through 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.
- Lightly brush the patties with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
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 and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and have a nice golden crust.
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 evenly heated.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray the tuna patties with olive oil.
- Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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 accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for 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.
Plate: For placing the cooked patties once they are done.
Paper towels: Useful for draining any excess oil from the cooked patties.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the tuna, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients in a food processor for a uniform mixture.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple patties at once if your pan is large enough to speed up the process.

Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 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, mayonnaise, 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
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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