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!
Printable Recipe ↓
15-Minute Crispy Fried Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 3 (5-ounce) cans chunk light tuna in water - drained
- 1 large egg
- ½ small onion - finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley - finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- ½ small lemon - zested and juiced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ 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, mayo, 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 spatula, gently lay the tuna patties in the pan. Cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
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!
Christina Kieffer says
Don't you mean a 5 oz can of tuna? I don't ever see 10 oz cans...
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, the 5-oz. cans of tuna!! So sorry about that - I updated this recipe recently and must have mis-keyed this somehow. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know!
Tonya says
This dish was so simple and yummy! I added a tad extra Mayo and seasoning, new family favorite!
Angelika says
This was super easy to make . Best fish patties recipes I have ever made.
Laura says
Great version of a timeless classic. I make mine into a tuna melt. Very yummy!
Cynthia S says
I’ve made several variations of tuna patty recipes but this one is my go to one now. Thank you for the recipe.
Heidi says
These were so good! I used veggie chips that are gluten free for the breadcrumbs, and added some panko. These are like little crab cakes, one was plenty filling.
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! (~!~)*
Lisa says
Followed exactly and they all fell apart. Complete waste
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!
Gail P. Morton says
First attempt at making tuna patties!
Very pleased with the results!
Simple recipe to follow using a small amount of ingredients…
Quite tasty…had homemade tartar sauce with them!
Definitely a keeper…
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!