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 yellow 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!
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!
Angela says
You're so right about the mayo. We loved these tuna patties!