These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, they are easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of breadcrumbs, onion, and parsley adds a delightful texture and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep canned tuna or breadcrumbs on hand, you will need to pick these up at the supermarket. Fresh parsley might also be something you need to grab from the produce 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 slight crunch and flavor.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and seasoning.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Perfect 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 and crumbly, add a little more lemon juice or a small amount of mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients. Conversely, if the mixture is too wet, add a bit more 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 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: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can act as a vegan binding agent similar to an egg.
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, slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust flavor; use about half a clove minced for each ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
- Allow the tuna patties to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled tuna patties in an airtight container.
- Layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Freeze the patties for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid.
- Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, placing parchment paper between each patty to avoid sticking.
- Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from the refrigerator:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Reheating from the freezer:
- Thaw the tuna patties in the refrigerator overnight.
- Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated patties.
- Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring to cover with foil to retain moisture.
- For a quicker reheating method, you can also use a skillet:
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the tuna patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or 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. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method ensures even heating and keeps the patties crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through. This method helps to maintain the crispy exterior of the patties.
Microwave Method: Place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. This method is quick but may result in a slightly softer texture.
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 hot and crispy. This method is great for retaining the crunchiness of the patties.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.
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 and black pepper precisely.
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.
Plate: To place the cooked patties once they are done.
Paper towels: To drain any 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 a food processor: Quickly mix the tuna, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients with a food processor.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Make extra: Double the recipe and freeze the extra patties for a quick meal later.
Use non-stick spray: Spray the pan with non-stick spray to reduce the amount of olive oil needed and speed up cooking.
Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ 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, and black pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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