Crispy Tuna Patties (Quick & Budget-Friendly)

The ultimate 20-minute dinner that’s both wallet-friendly and delicious

KEY INFO

– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 20 minutes
– Servings: 6 patties
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cost: Under $5
– Dietary: High-protein, can be gluten-free

Hands pressing down on tuna in a mesh strainer with paper towels to drain all moisture over a bowl

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Large mixing bowl
– Measuring cups/spoons
– Heavy-bottomed skillet
– Spatula
– Paper towels

Alternative: Use a non-stick pan if you don’t have a heavy skillet

INGREDIENTS

For the Patties:

– 2 (5oz/142g) cans tuna, well drained
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise
– ½ cup (60g) breadcrumbs [or almond flour for gluten-free]
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper

Hands mixing tuna mixture with a wooden spoon, distinct ingredients visible

For Frying:

– 3 tbsp vegetable oil [or coconut oil]

METHOD

1. Drain tuna thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer, pressing to remove excess moisture

Hands shaping tuna patties on a clean surface, with a finished patty and remaining mixture in view.

2. In a large bowl, combine:
– Drained tuna
– Beaten eggs
– Mayonnaise
– Breadcrumbs
– Diced onion
– Minced garlic
– Parsley
– Lemon zest
– Salt and pepper

3. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix)

Heating vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet showing visible heat waves

4. Form into 6 equal patties, about ½-inch thick

5. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering

Tuna patties being cooked in a skillet, one flipped revealing a golden-brown crust, with rising steam

6. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown

7. Drain on paper towels

Crispy golden-brown tuna patties with visible herbs draining on paper towels, steaming slightly

CRUCIAL TIPS

Must-Do’s:

– Drain tuna extremely well (prevents falling apart)
– Don’t flip patties until golden brown
– Keep heat at medium-high

Common Mistakes:

– Overmixing (makes tough patties)
– Flipping too early
– Oil not hot enough

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 3 days
– Freeze uncooked patties up to 1 month

Reheating:
– Skillet: 2-3 minutes per side
– Air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F/175°C

Variations:
– Add curry powder for spice
– Use cilantro instead of parsley
– Top with sriracha mayo
– Serve in lettuce wraps for low-carb

Remember: The key to perfect tuna patties is well-drained tuna and a hot pan. Get these right, and you’ll have crispy, delicious patties every time.

This recipe scales easily – just double or halve all ingredients while keeping the proportions the same.