Crispy Tuna Patties: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Tuna Patties: A Kid-Friendly Favorite Adults Love Too

Tuna patties!

All you have to do is say these two words and I’m flooded with childhood memories. We kids are only a few feet high, have tiny feet, scabbed knees, and boundless energy.

In between chasing each other around the dining room table, we are squealing to our mother, “We’re having tuna patties!”

We were enthusiastic about food, to say the least. And always hungry.

An Easy Go-To Dinner

Back then, this was one of my mother’s go-to dishes. No idea what her recipe was, and it’s been so long since she’s made them, it’s long forgotten.

This recipe is as close as I can come to what I remember, probably with a few added flourishes.

What I love about the recipe is that I almost always have the necessary ingredients in the pantry and fridge, the patties are incredibly easy and quick to make, and they’re budget friendly too. Oh yes, and they taste great! (At least to us. Big fans of canned tuna here.)

Choosing Canned Tuna for Tuna Patties

Canned tuna is such a tasty and affordable staple to have in your pantry. But there are so many options, how do you choose? We prefer to support brands that are sustainable and use ethical fishing methods Look for BPA-free cans that are pole-caught or trolled for better fishing practices.

Packed in oil or water? It’s really a matter of personal preference. Be sure to read the ingredient list, though for oil-packed tuna, to make sure they don’t use ingredients you might not want.

Light vs. white tuna? Albacore tuna is the only kind that can be labeled as white tuna. “Light” tuna is usually skipjack or yellowfin, with slightly darker meat and more flavorful. The difference is akin to the difference between white meat and dark meat chicken. Again, which one you choose is based on our personal preference.

Easy Swaps and Substitutions 

• Use prepared breadcrumbs or panko instead of white bread.
• Gluten free diet? Just replace the white bread with potato flakes, oats or gluten free flour.
• You can use any other mustard in place of the Dijon.
• If you don’t have any fresh herbs, feel free to substitute with dry herbs.
• Feel free to add finely chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers and/or other fresh herbs you like.
• Instead of a skillet, you can make them in air fryer, but be sure to chill them first, so they keep their shape.

Sauces and Dips for Tuna Patties 

• Tartar Sauce
• Remoulade Sauce
• Caramelized Onion Dip
• Dill Olive Mayo

Ingredients

• 2 (5 to 6-ounce) cans tuna
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup white bread , torn into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water, or liquid from the cans of tuna
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, green onions, or shallots
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crystal or Tabasco hot sauce, to taste
• 1 raw egg
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon butter
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)