Tuna Patties
Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh? Same. Tuna patties slide into that sweet spot where dinner feels homemade but requires almost zero heroics. They crisp up golden on the outside, stay tender inside, and somehow make you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
Want a veggie alternative later? Try the crunchy quinoa veggie patties if your mood swings toward plants. But for now let us focus on the humble, glorious tuna patty and get you fed fast.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Why is this so great? Short answer: it works. Long answer: it is forgiving, fast, and flexible. You can whip the whole thing up in about 20 minutes. No fancy gear. No declawing a lobster. Just pantry staples and a skillet.
It is idiot proof even I did not mess it up the first dozen times. Want protein? Check. Want crunch? Check. Want comfort food that does not require ordering food at 2 AM? Also check. Plus these patties play well with sauces, salads, or just a fork and a napkin. Pro tip keep the patties chilled a little before frying so they hold together better.
Also, if you want other kinds of patties when you get bored try the sweet potato and red lentil option for a hearty twist that still feels like a hug crispy sweet potato red lentil patties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can tuna, drained. Yes drain it. Do not be lazy.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Plain or seasoned, your call.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped. Small bits only please.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise. This keeps things moist and delicious.
- 1 egg. Binder central.
- 1 tablespoon mustard. Adds a little wake up to the mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste. Don’t under-season.
- Oil, for frying. Neutral oil works best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, bread crumbs, onion, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands. Get messy if you feel inspired.
- Mix until well combined. Press a bit to test texture. If it feels too wet add a tablespoon more bread crumbs. If it feels crumbly add a smidge more mayo or another egg yolk.
- Form the mixture into patties. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. I like palm sized rounds about 3 1/2 inches across.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the heat will drop.
- Serve warm. Slide them onto buns, over greens, or straight onto a plate with lemon wedges and a dollop of sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the tuna properly. Wet tuna ruins patty structure and makes everything sad.
- Making patties too big. Giant patties burn outside before cooking through. Keep them reasonable.
- Skipping the chill step if your mixture feels loose. A quick 10 minute rest in the fridge helps patties hold their shape.
- Overcrowding the pan. Crowded pans steam food instead of crisping it.
- Using too high heat. Charred outside raw inside is a rookie move. Medium heat wins here every time.
- Forgetting to season. Tuna needs salt. Be brave with the seasoning.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No bread crumbs? Crush crackers or use crushed cornflakes. Want to skip mayo? Try Greek yogurt for tang and slightly fewer calories. Egg allergy? Use a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water as a binder and let it sit until gelatinous.
Prefer a different protein? Swap tuna for canned salmon or mashed chickpeas for a vegan take. If you want extra crunch add chopped celery or panko instead of regular bread crumbs. My personal favorite swap is tossing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky nudge IMO it makes the patties sing.
If you want a satisfying plant forward option that still gives you that crunchy patty vibe, check this cozy alternative for inspiration delicious crunchy quinoa veggie patties comfort.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A. Sure if you want to fillet, cook, and flake fresh tuna go for it but that adds time and effort. Canned tuna keeps this recipe cheap and fast.
Q. Can I bake these instead of frying?
A. Yes you can bake at 400 F on a greased sheet for about 12 to 15 minutes flipping halfway through. They will be a bit less crispy but still tasty.
Q. Can I use margarine instead of oil for frying?
A. Technically yes but why hurt your soul like that? Use a neutral oil for best results.
Q. What can I serve with these?
A. Salads, fries, steamed veggies, or toss them into a pita with tzatziki. They play well with nearly everything.
Q. Can I freeze uncooked patties?
A. Absolutely. Freeze them on a tray first then bag them. Cook from frozen but add a minute or two per side.
Q. How long do leftovers last?
A. In the fridge keep them up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the outside crisp.
Q. Need to make them gluten free? What then?
A. Use gluten free bread crumbs or almond flour. They will be slightly different in texture but still good.
Final Thoughts
You just made something quick, satisfying, and undeniably tasty. These tuna patties are the kind of weeknight magic that makes you look like you tried harder than you did. Keep a stash of canned tuna in the pantry and you will always have dinner options when inspiration takes a nap.
Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You have earned it. FYI you can tweak these endlessly so have fun and make them yours.
Conclusion
If you want another simple reference or a slightly different take on tuna patties check out this helpful recipe for more ideas Easy Tuna Patties Recipe – Allrecipes.
Print
Crispy Tuna Patties
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Quick and easy tuna patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, bread crumbs, onion, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into palm-sized patties, about 3 1/2 inches across.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings and sauces.
Notes
Chill the patties before frying to help them hold together better. Use a neutral oil for frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: tuna patties, quick dinner, easy recipes, seafood, comfort food
