These tuna patties are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that can be served as a main course or a tasty appetizer. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful, tender interior, they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry. However, if you don't usually keep canned tuna or breadcrumbs on hand, you may need to pick them up at the supermarket. Additionally, fresh parsley and lemon juice might not be staples in every kitchen, so be sure to grab those as well.

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 a lot of flavor.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the patties.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
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, you can add a little more lemon juice or a splash of water. Conversely, if it's too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This will help achieve the perfect texture for frying.
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 crunch and binding effect as breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a healthier, whole-grain option that also helps bind the patties.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a vegan binder.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
onion - Substitute with scallions: Scallions offer a fresh, mild onion flavor that works well in patties.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements fish well.
parsley - Substitute with dill: Dill pairs excellently with fish, providing a slightly tangy and aromatic flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic brightness to the patties.
lemon juice - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can provide the necessary acidity if citrus is unavailable.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a slight sweetness and is also good for frying.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
Allow the tuna patties to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation from making them soggy.
Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The tuna patties will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the patties. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to eat, thaw the tuna patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving the patties as it can make them rubbery.
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 loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs.
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 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through. This method ensures the patties remain crispy on the outside.
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. This method is quick but may result in a 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 3-5 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy. This method is great for maintaining the crunch without adding extra oil.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and keeps the patties 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, onion, and parsley.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and parsley.
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 frying.
Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the patties after frying.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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 in a food processor for a uniform texture.
Preheat the pan: Heat the olive oil in the frying pan while forming the patties to save time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties 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
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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