These delicious tuna patties are a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, they are packed with flavor and have a satisfying crunch. Serve them with a side salad or on a bun for a tasty sandwich.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a few items if you don't have them on hand. Make sure you have breadcrumbs and mayonnaise as these are essential for binding and flavoring the patties. Garlic powder and olive oil are also key for seasoning and cooking.

Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Drained canned tuna is the main protein source for these patties.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and give them a nice texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the patties.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the mixture.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the patties.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Tuna Patties
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of water to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before frying can help them maintain their shape and prevent them from falling apart in the frying pan.
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 provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a binder similar to an egg.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise but with fewer calories.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more robust garlic 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 heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
To store your tuna patties in the refrigerator, first allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container, separating each patty with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For freezing, arrange the cooled tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid. This step prevents them from sticking together.
Once the tuna patties are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen tuna patties, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed tuna patties on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the tuna patties in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy again.
If you prefer a microwave, place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly warmed.
How to Reheat Leftover Tuna Patties
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the patties with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
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 about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
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 heating evenly.
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 crispy and warmed through.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fork: Handy for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Use this to finely chop the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.
Frying pan: Use this to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Helpful for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Plate: Use this to place the formed patties before frying and to serve them once cooked.
Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Patties
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, 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.
Double the batch: Make extra patties and freeze them for a quick meal later.
Use an ice cream scoop: Form evenly sized patties quickly with an ice cream scoop.

Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 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, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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