This crispy tuna patties recipe is a super quick, easy, and healthy dinner idea! Adding a touch of mayo keeps these tuna cakes tender on the inside, yet crunchy and delicious on the outside... And did I mention they’re budget friendly?
This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Blue Harbor Fish Co; all opinions and text are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
Tuna Patties For The Win!
Much like this beloved Parmesan-crusted chicken recipe, these crispy fried tuna patties were a weeknight regular when my husband and I were newlyweds.
Back then we were living on a first-year apprentice's wages, and budget-friendly proteins (like pouch or canned tuna fish) were a necessity for maintaining our skimpy grocery budget.
While our grocery budget has increased over the years, budget-friendly, quick & easy dinners are still in high demand around here! You know, five kids + sports and all...
Blue Harbor Fish Co Albacore Tuna
It's been ages since I've made them, but tuna patties were the first recipe that I thought of when I received a package of Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna pouches recently.
A quick survey of my pantry showed that I had all the necessary ingredients on hand. That's what's so great about a simple tuna cake recipe like this -- you can almost always throw it together at a moment's notice if you keep a well-stocked pantry.
After trying these tuna pouches, Blue Harbor will definitely be on my list to keep stocked. Blue Harbor is Marine Stewardship Council certified, which means it comes from fisheries dedicated to sustainable fishing.
Each pouch is filled with sustainably-caught, wild Albacore tuna that's hand-selected and packed with only water or water and sea salt (no preservatives!), depending on the variety. The flavor is delicious, mild, and very clean!
How To Make Tuna Patties
Overall, this tuna patty recipe is very forgiving. Out of bread crumbs? Use an equal amount of crushed saltine or butter crackers instead.
Not a fan of Sriracha? Go ahead and skip it (although it really doesn't add THAT much heat). Or try swapping the lemon and fresh parsley for lime and cilantro for a tasty change of pace.
The only ingredient I wouldn't change is the mayo... Which is weird because the tuna patties recipe my mom made when I was growing up did not have mayonnaise in it. But after trying it a few years ago, I've never gone back!
Mayo is truly the secret ingredient in my crispy tuna patties recipe. It adds SO much flavor and keeps the inside of the tuna patties tender and juicy.
Crispy Yet Tender Tuna Cakes
I like these tuna patties served over fresh greens drizzled with a simple lemon aioli. But my husband prefers to turn them into tuna burgers on a bun with guacamole -- they're super versatile like that.
I love it when one recipe can please everyone... And when it's quick and easy, too, you know you've got a real winner!
15-Minute Crispy Fried Tuna Patties
This crispy fried tuna patties recipe is a super quick, easy, and healthy dinner idea! Adding a touch of mayo keeps these tuna cakes tender on the inside, yet crunchy and delicious on the outside…
Ingredients
- 4 (3-oz.) pouches Blue Harbor Albacore Tuna (or 12-oz. total drained canned tuna)*
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- zest and juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or your preferred oil)
Instructions
- Add the tuna to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and fresh parsley.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the liquid mixture to the tuna mixture and stir together. Add the bread crumbs, and use your hands to combine and mix evenly.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, about ½ cup each. Shape into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick.
- Heat the avocado oil (or your desired cooking oil) over medium heat. Using a fish turner, gently lay the tuna patties in the pan, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Season with additional salt and pepper, as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitutions
Out of bread crumbs? Use an equal amount of crushed saltine crackers or butter crackers instead.
Not a fan of Sriracha? Go ahead and skip it (although it really doesn't add much heat).
Tasty swap -- use lime and cilantro, instead of the lemon and parsley, for a change of pace.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 tuna pattyAmount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Easy Side Dish Recipes
Wondering what to serve with tuna patties? With a main dish as easy as this tuna cakes recipe, you're going to want to keep your side dishes quick and easy, as well. Here are a few of our very favorites:
- Italian Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Perfect Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Sauteed Green Beans With Garlic
- Loaded Guacamole Salad
- 3-Ingredient Roasted Sesame Asparagus
By the way, if you like these tuna patties, you might also enjoy these other canned tuna recipes:
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad Without Mayo
- Easy Tuna Casserole With Egg Noodles
BONUS RECIPE: my favorite chicken salad with grapes and pecans that's made with canned chicken breast chunks!
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your fried tuna patties turn out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Judit says
Sounds tasty, thanks for the substitutions: lime and cilantro is my fav…what’s sides could i serve w/ tuna patties
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Judit! You can find several side dish options listed under the recipe card within the post. Other good suggestions would be this marinated cherry tomato salad or this simple buttered fresh peas recipe.
LsJ says
WOW! I am so happy I found this Friday/fish night dinner! So quick....so easy, so delicious, not to mention "a very happy husband" as well! (*^*) Thanks so very much! (~!~)*
Bruno says
Had some leftover tuna salad (just tuna and mayo) and figured I would make some tuna patties. I added all the ingredients, mixed er up, pan fried it, and they were delicious! Highly recommend eating these with hot sauce, perfect compliment. Great recipe!
izzy says
very easy recipe to make your own! i used white onion, fresh cilantro, green onion, lemon juice, habanero hot mustard, & maybe 1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa. i also upped the bread crumbs by a 1/4 cup.
baked in the oven @ 350 for 25 min and they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. held up well enough that i could eat with my hands and dip in plain greek yogurt without making a mess!
Joe says
Any idea how or if rolled oats would change the nutritional info?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Joe - yes, using rolled oats would change the nutritional info somewhat. However, without knowing the quantity you're using, I can't provide any specifics on the changes. There are many free recipe nutrition calculators available online that you could play around with to see the effects.
OYA says
Easy, tasty, satisfying. I mixed a bit of Panko with the bread crumbs. I recommend this fast dinner.
Steve says
Just want to say “ Thank You “ for you’re wonderful recipe’s . Comfort foods are very important in the present times . Glad to find this blog . Cheers .
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thank you, Steve -- so happy you loved it!
Christine says
Looks good! Would low fat Mayo and baking or air frying bring down the cholesterol? Trying to watch it for my husband and we love tuna!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Christine -- yes, it would bring it down some! I have not tried air frying them myself, but I know others have. Check the comment section to find their tips.
OYA says
EXCELLENT QUICK TASTY DINNER!
Juliana says
Thanks for the recipe. Mine fell apart easily and I suspect it was because of the amount of lemon juice. For the second batch I added an extra egg and they held together better. I recommend doubling the egg or reducing the amount of juice to one tbsp.
CeeCee says
@Juliana, I used lemon pepper, and it worked great
Annie says
I’m making them for dinner tonight and wonder if they can be cooked in the air fryer. Thanks!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Annie! I have not made them in the air fryer personally. But here's what another reader, had to say about it in the comments:
"I just tried it tonight. The flavours were the same, but it tasted a bit drier than pan frying. If you are counting calories, I’d say air fry. If not, oil up and pan fry!" -- Erin
Lily says
These were a hit with my husband! Loved this recipe they came out perfect. I used fresh cilantro instead of parsley and also saltines instead of bread crumbs. Came out super crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Will be making these more often. Thank you
Ivonne says
I tried these with lime, cilantro and no sriracha instead and fried with a green chili olive oil and omg, delicious! The only thing is they fell apart. I reduced the recipe to half so not sure if that’s where I went wrong that they fell apart. Any tips?
Thanks for this lovely recipe :D
Tara Kuczykowski says
Ooh, great combination!! Tuna patties are pretty delicate, which is why I recommend picking up a fish turner -- it slides under and makes turning them easier. If you're using canned tuna, make sure to drain it very well. Adding a little more bread crumbs or crushed crackers will help bind them together if they seem too wet. Also, I’ve read that refrigerating them for a little while before cooking can help them hold together better.
Candi says
I’m seriously not a Mayo person, so I used sour cream instead. Also used a different hot sauce since I didn’t have Sriracha on hand. This is a new favorite of mine! So glad I tried it because I’m typically not a tuna person, but this was DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Love to hear this, Candi!!
Carrie says
I want to try these, but have a question. I know some recipes don't do well if you try to just double them, but if I remember correctly, you said you have 5 kids so this obviously isn't enough for all of you. Do you change the ratios of anything or just leave it all the same? Thanks!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, you can definitely double this recipe -- or even triple it if you have a large enough bowl. Enjoy!
Caroline says
These were a big hit with my husband and I. Didn't use onion (I have a hard time digesting) so did a dash of garlic powder instead. Also, don't usually have Sriracha on hand, but subbed Frank's like some other's did and they came together so nicely. Also, when one side was done, sprinkled with some shake parmesan before flipping. We will definitely be adding this to our regular dinner rotation and camping menu, too!! Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks, Caroline! Your swaps sound delicious. Gonna try the Parmesan next time I make them!
Judy says
Made these tonight for dinner. The only change I made was baking them rather than cooking on the stove. The sriracha and mayo gives it a nice change from my usual recipe. Easy to assemble. Will definitely make again.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So glad you liked them, Judy! Baking them is a great alternative to frying them on the stove. They're very versatile!
Nicole says
These were awesome! I swapped some like for like: green onion, red hot sauce and dry parsley. They did fall apart just a little bit on some edges, but one. Quick, easy and tasty.. I made a simple sauce with Frank's Red Hot, mayo and olive oil.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you loved them! There are tons of ways to customize this recipe with simple swaps like you used. I always love hearing what others have tried!
Wende slack says
Yummy..brought back memories when mom made them.This made 4 good sized patties.I put lemon pepper seasoning in them.
Chris Pannell says
So easy and delicious definitely adding this as a go to recipe when I need something quick!
Archana Werner says
Delicious! Very easy and simple recipe! Have already made a few times.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy it, Archana!
Angie says
It was absolutely delicious ❤️
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy you loved them! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Nita says
Delicious. Wish I could post a picture. I Will make them again with lent coming.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you enjoyed them, Nita! It's definitely a great recipe for Lent.
Amy says
Didn't have fresh parsley so I subbed equal parts garlic and dill. And used half Greek yogurt and half mayo. I did not have high hopes for this because I'm not a huge tuna fan and was just trying to use up some old cans but they were amazing! Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
This brought the biggest smile to my face, Amy. So glad you loved them!!
Melissa says
Do you have a recipe for the simple lemon aioli you use? I would love to have that to complete my recipe for the tuna patties! Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Melissa! I do have a recipe, but I haven't shared it, yet... Guess I should get on that! Basically you stir together 3/4 cup mayo, 2 minced garlic cloves, the juice and zest of half a lemon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. I usually make it before making the tuna patties, so that it can sit for a few minutes. We love it on these oven roasted baby potatoes that I recently shared, too! And they happen to make a great side for these tuna patties.
Melissa says
Thanks so much for the side suggestion. We made the tuna patties tonight and absolutely loved them. Next time, we will try the potatoes with them.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy you loved them!!
Amanda says
So delicious, quick and easy! Substituted ground pork rinds to make a lowcarb/GF option.
Tara Kuczykowski says
What a great idea -- thanks for sharing!
Jackie says
These are amazing! Thank you!! We will be having this on a weekly basis for sure!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you loved it, Jackie!
Diane says
Made this recipe for lunch, exactly as written, and found it to be excellent. My grandma always made salmon cakes using a similar recipe, and I honestly never considered using tuna this way till reading your recipe. It’s lovely, lighter than the salmon, and tastes delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Cheaper than salmon, too! So glad you enjoyed them, Diane.
Constanza says
Just read the recipe! Can I use all purpose flour instead of bread crumbs? And if I can do I use the same amount?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Costanza! I've honestly not made them with flour, so I can't provide any feedback on how they will turn out. Using crackers instead of breadcrumbs would be the simplest substitution.
Melanie says
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Tara Kuczykowski says
I've honestly never tried it, but I don't see why not!
Erin says
@Melanie, I just tried it tonight. The flavours were the same, but it tasted a bit drier than pan frying.
If you are counting calories, I’d say air fry. If not, oil up and pan fry!
Amanda says
I made these tonight and they were great. The lemon zest and juice really brightens them up. And they don’t take long at all to make. Easy and tasty.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy you loved them, Amanda! Thanks for coming back to let me know.
Tina says
Oh my goodness! Perfect with a salad. Used cilantro and lime juice. So tasty and quick...thank you so much!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy you loved them, Tina!!
Tina says
I love it when i do a search on Pinterest and the first recipe is exactly what I am looking for! Blue Harbor is the only tuna I buy but haven't seen it in a pouch...will look around for it but I always have cans of it so I'm excited to try it tonight...thank you!
Peggy says
Made these tonight for dinner. Absolutely delicious, served them with cole slaw. I felt like I was out for a fish fry. Thanks for the recipe.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So glad you enjoyed them, Peggy!
Sarah says
These were delicious!! I'll definitely make them again. But mine fell apart in the pan, how do I fix that?
Tara Kuczykowski says
I'm so happy you loved them, Sarah! Tuna patties are pretty delicate, which is why I recommend picking up a fish turner because it slides under and makes turning them easier. If you're using canned tuna, make sure to drain it very well. Adding a little more bread crumbs or crushed crackers can help bind them together if they seem too wet. Also, I've read that refrigerating them for a little while before cooking can help them hold together better.
Cheryl says
The mayo tip was genius!! Thanks for the recipe
Emily says
I don't usually love tuna but I would totally try these. They look delish!
Valentina says
I'm looking at this at just the right moment! Was trying to figure out quick dinner for the family and don't have any protein in the fridge, but I do have a few cans of tuna in the pantry. I have all of the other ingredients and everyone will love this. Thank you!
Steph says
I made these to put in my kids's lunches and they loved it! Such a great recipe!
Becky Hardin says
These look so simple and easy to make! Delish!
krissy says
these crispy tuna patties look incredible! i cannot wait to make them! i think it will be a big hit with my kids!
Noelle says
I love tuna! This is a great idea :)
Tisha says
I think these would be perfect for a sandwich or even just a side dish or appetizer!
Sabrina says
You're right, Keeping the mayo is a must! These are so good and my whole family loved them.
Joanie says
This is a wonderful recipe! The tuna patties came together so quickly and easily and my family loved them!
Renee Goerger says
I didn't serve tuna much until I found this recipe. Now I seem like I make these crispy tuna patties at least 3 times a month! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Holly says
Hello this looks absolutely delicious but are there any gluten free substitutions for the bread crumbs? Would almond flour work?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Holly! I don’t have much experience with almond flour, so I’m not sure how it would hold up in this recipe. Gluten-free oats that have been given a whirl in the food processor might work. I also found some gluten-free Panko Breadcrumbs here, which should definitely work: https://www.iansfoods.com/product/original-panko-breadcrumbs/ If you try any of these, I’d love to hear your results!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hey again Holly -- just wanted to share a quick update. I was flipping through my Whole30 book, and I stumbled across a salmon cakes recipe that uses almond flour. I haven't tried it yet, but for this recipe, I think I'd start with 1/4 cup and add a little more if they seem too wet.
Venita says
@Holly, I used crushed pork rind. Also I refrigerated them for 3/4 hours.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Excellent idea -- thanks for sharing, Venita!
Angela says
You're so right about the mayo. We loved these tuna patties!