These tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, they come together with simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry items. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or mayonnaise on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have canned tuna and lemon juice available, as these are essential for the recipe.

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 flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
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 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, add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate a few more breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture and prevent the patties 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 tuna patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a gluten-free option and offer a slightly different texture.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) works as a vegan binding agent.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
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 a high smoke point, making it suitable 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. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the tuna patties within 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the tuna patties for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
- When ready to eat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the tuna patties 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 skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
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 drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the patties crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
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 and have regained their crispy exterior.
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. This method is quick but may not maintain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the patties.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on a toaster oven tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.
Best Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, 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: Use these to measure out the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Needed for finely chopping 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: Perfect for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Plate: Place the cooked patties on this to serve them hot.
Paper towels: Useful for draining any excess oil from the patties after frying.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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, and other ingredients in a food processor for a consistent texture.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Batch cooking: Form all the patties before you start frying to streamline the cooking process.
Use an ice cream scoop: For uniform patties, use an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture.

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 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 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, lemon juice, 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 with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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