Tuna Patties Recipe

Be the first to rate this recipe!

By Katie

July 16, 2024

29 comments

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

This post may contain affiliate links. View my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more details.

These easy Tuna Patties are crispy, golden brown, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients like canned tuna, bell pepper, onion, and Old Bay seasoning, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with homemade tartar sauce, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

A stack of three tuna patties garnished with a dollop of white sauce and sprinkled with chopped herbs on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Patty Recipe

This Tuna Patty recipe is a great way to transform a humble can of tuna into a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s an easy dinner option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re a fan of tuna cakes, tuna burgers, or just love trying new tuna recipes, these patties are sure to become a favorite. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the perfect way to use up those cans of tuna in your pantry. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and make for excellent leftovers.

I’ve been making these tuna patties for a while now and they never get old! I usually make a double or triple batch of these to store in the fridge and eat for a quick lunch or high protein snack.

Various ingredients for preparing a dish are arranged on a light-colored surface, including minced meat, chopped red peppers, an egg, breadcrumbs, spices, herbs, cheese, butter, and a white sauce—perfect essentials for making delicious tuna patties.

Ingredients Needed for Tuna Patties

Canned Tuna: Opt for chunk light tuna or albacore tuna for the best texture.
Large Egg: Helps bind the tuna mixture together.
Saltine Crackers: Crushed finely to add a nice crunch.
Red Bell Pepper: Petite diced for a pop of color and sweetness.
Onion: Petite diced to add flavor.
Old Bay Seasoning: Adds that classic seafood seasoning kick (paprika, celery salt, and a dash of garlic powder).
Flat Leaf Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped for a burst of freshness.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
Butter: For frying the patties.
Tartar Sauce: For serving. Use your favorite store bought tartar sauce or make my homemade tartar sauce.

Variations

Fresh Tuna: Cooked and flaked fresh tuna can be used in place of canned tuna.
Breading: Use fresh bread crumbs, Panko bread crumbs or Ritz Crackers instead of Saltines.
Gluten-Free: Substitute saltine crackers with almond flour to make these gluten free.
Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of curry powder to the tuna mixture.
Different Herbs: Swap parsley for green onions, or fresh dill.
Lemony: Add some fresh lemon zest to the tuna mixture before frying, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice just before for serving.
Cheesy: Mix in some grated parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer: Cook in an air fryer for a healthier option.

A plate with two tuna patties garnished with chopped herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of white dipping sauce. Wooden cutlery and a napkin are in the background.

How to Make Tuna Patties

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are my step by step instructions for making these simple tuna patties:

1. Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the tuna (drained from the liquid in the can), egg, crushed crackers, bell pepper, onion, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Combine until just combined, don’t over mix!

A beige bowl on a speckled surface contains shredded canned tuna, perfect for making Tuna Patties. A lemon wedge, a white spoon, and some greens are in the background. A green cloth is partially visible on the left.

A bowl containing chopped herbs, diced onions, diced red peppers, breadcrumbs, an egg, tuna for delicious tuna patties, and various spices, with lemon wedges and green cloth in the background.

2. Form Patties

Shape the tuna mixture into 4-inch diameter flat patties. Place formed patties on parchment paper to prevent sticking before frying.

Hands using an ice cream scoop in a bowl of seasoned tuna mix on a counter with lemon halves, parsley, and a green cloth, preparing Tuna Patties.

Two hands shaping a tuna patty from a mixture in a bowl, with lemon halves and herbs in the background.

Pro Tip: For easier handling, refrigerate the tuna mixture for 30 minutes before forming patties. (optional)

3. Preheat Skillet

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter.

4. Fry Patties

Fry the tuna patties for about 5 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with tartar sauce (optional).

A hand is flipping a tuna patty with a spatula in a frying pan, while other uncooked tuna patties sit in the background on a cutting board.

Two tuna patties sizzle in a non-stick frying pan, while three cooked patties rest on a white plate beside the pan.

Storage + Make Ahead Directions

Store cooled to room temperature patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or the air fryer to retain their crispiness.

Make Ahead

Prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Cook from frozen or thaw in the fridge before frying.

a piece of homemade Tuna Patties on a fork being dipped into tartar sauce

More Tasty Tuna Recipes to Try!

This Tuna Patties Recipe is an easy, delicious way to enjoy canned tuna. Perfect for meal prep, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste. The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.