These tuna burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, these patties are packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
Most of the ingredients for these tuna burgers are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or mayonnaise on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs help bind the patties together, while mayonnaise adds moisture and richness.

Ingredients For Tuna Burgers Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein and flavor for the burgers.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and adds texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Technique Tip for Tuna Burgers
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 lemon juice to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before cooking can help them firm up and maintain their shape better in the frying pan.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an excellent alternative for fish-based burgers.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture properties 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 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.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise but with fewer calories.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic profile and can be used in the same quantity as lemon juice.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust flavor and can be used in a slightly smaller quantity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Burgers
How to Store or Freeze Tuna Burgers
- Allow the tuna burgers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the patties soggy.
- Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and don't stick together.
- Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the tuna burgers have been stored.
- Store the patties in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated patties, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a frying pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- For frozen patties, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated patties.
- If you're in a hurry, you can reheat frozen patties directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Avoid microwaving the tuna burgers as it can make them rubbery and unevenly heated.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna burgers in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and have a nice, crispy exterior.
Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the tuna burgers 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.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are hot and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick steam method, place the tuna burgers in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method keeps them moist and tender.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Burgers
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients together.
Can opener: Essential for opening the cans of tuna.
Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Required for finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.
Whisk: Handy for beating the egg before adding it to the mixture.
Frying pan: Used to cook the tuna patties.
Spatula: Helps in flipping the patties while cooking.
Plate: For placing the formed patties before cooking.
Paper towels: To drain any excess oil from the cooked patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Burgers
Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store or chopping them in bulk ahead of time.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix tuna and other ingredients using a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
Cook in batches: If your pan is small, cook the patties in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Prepare toppings in advance: Have your buns and favorite toppings ready to go before you start cooking the patties.

Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- 3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- 4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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