Tuna Patties, also known as Tuna Cakes, are a delicious and budget-friendly meal that can be made easily using ingredients that are likely already in your pantry!
I didn’t grow up eating tuna patties, and when I first heard about them long ago, I turned up my nose. The thought of canned tuna fried in a skillet didn’t sound appealing to me. However, little did I know that they are actually really delicious!
We also love making these Salmon Burgers for a quick meal or this Creamy Lemon Tortellini. Both are delicious and require little effort and ingredients.
Tell Me More About Tuna Patties
- Savory and so delicious served with this Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
- Liked by both young and old
- Budget-friendly
- Made with simple and easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have!
Ingredients
TUNA: Use tuna in water or oil. Drain before using in this recipe
BREADCRUMBS: Helps hold the patties together
PARSLEY AND ONION: Add great flavor
MAYO: It adds a little something extra to the patties that makes them taste so delicious, so I don’t recommend leaving it out.
LEMON: Brightens up the patties!
PARMESAN: Another flavor component that pairs so nicely.
How To Make Delicious Tuna Patties
This is just a quick overview of the method for these tuna cakes. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
STEP 1: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix just until combined. Form into six equal-sized patties.
STEP 2: Fry in oil over medium to medium-low heat until golden brown. Serve immediately.
FAQs
YES! Just replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
In this recipe, the breadcrumbs and eggs keep the patties from crumbling, so it is very important not to leave them out. Be sure to turn them carefully when browning the other side. Once both sides are browned, they hold together quite nicely!
Place cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, or eat them cold!
Prepare and form them into patties. Place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes or until firm. Remove them from the baking sheet and wrap each in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator and follow the recipe for cooking instructions. You can also freeze cooked patties in a freezer-safe container.
Tips and Suggestions
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: There are several ways to use these delicious cakes!
*Serve on a toasted bun with tomato, lettuce, and Homemade Tartar Sauce.
*My kids like to eat these patties cold along with this Creamy Coleslaw.
*If you aren’t a fan of coleslaw, they would go great with almost any other salad option. To make it super simple, grab one of those bagged salads!
*Serve over a bed of this Rice Pilaf along with your favorite steamed vegetable.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
*GLUTEN-FREE? Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko.
*NO BREADCRUMBS? Use panko, finely crushed saltines or butter crackers.
* NO FRESH PARSLEY? Use your favorite dried herbs instead. Just use 1/3 of the amount for dried herbs.
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Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 2 (12oz) (340g) cans tuna, drained well
- ½ cup (65g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (35g) minced onion
- ¼ cup (8g) minced parsley
- ¼ cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Season with salt if desired and mix just until thoroughly combined. Divide mixture into 6 equal patties.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Gently lay patties in skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Gently flip and brown on other side until golden.
Notes
- STORAGE: Place cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Or eat them cold!
- NUTRITION FACTS: Nutrition calculated using tuna packed in water. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
Sounds really good. Will try soon. I always have tuna on my pantry shelf.
It’s a great staple to have on hand for sure!