Zesty, quick, and endlessly versatile—tuna patties are the weeknight dinner hero you need in your recipe arsenal. Whether you’re craving comfort food, looking for a healthy protein boost, or just want something deliciously easy, these 30 recipes have you covered. Get ready to transform that humble can of tuna into a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in!
Classic Herb-Infused Tuna Patties
You’ve probably stared at that can of tuna in your pantry, wondering how to transform it into something special. Yet these classic herb-infused tuna patties are surprisingly simple to master, requiring just a few pantry staples and fresh herbs to create a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and elevated.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– 4 lettuce leaves
– 4 tomato slices
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 3/4-inch thick patty.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
6. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them.
7. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp.
8. Flip the patties using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the second side.
9. Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Lightly toast the hamburger buns in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
11. Place one lettuce leaf and one tomato slice on the bottom half of each bun.
12. Top each with a tuna patty and cover with the bun top.
My favorite thing about these patties is their delightful contrast of textures—crispy golden exterior giving way to a moist, flaky interior bursting with fresh herb flavor. They make fantastic burger-style sandwiches, but also work beautifully served over a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter meal option.
Spicy Sriracha Tuna Patties
When you’re craving something flavorful and protein-packed but short on time, these spicy Sriracha tuna patties deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. We’ll walk through each simple step together to create perfectly crisp, zesty patties that transform canned tuna into a memorable meal. Just follow along carefully and you’ll have restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add the panko breadcrumbs to the tuna and mix until evenly distributed.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and egg until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the tuna and breadcrumb combination.
5. Add the chopped green onions, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper to the bowl.
6. Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly until well combined.
7. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions using your hands or a measuring cup.
8. Shape each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
10. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them.
11. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden-brown crust.
12. Flip each patty using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.
13. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14. Let the patties rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow them to set properly.
Juicy and flaky with a satisfying crispy exterior, these patties offer a delightful contrast in textures that makes every bite interesting. The Sriracha provides a gradual heat that builds without overwhelming, while the soy sauce adds depth to the tuna’s natural flavor. Try serving them on toasted buns with crisp lettuce and extra Sriracha mayo, or crumble them over a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
Crispy Parmesan Tuna Patties
Often overlooked in favor of beef or chicken, these Crispy Parmesan Tuna Patties transform simple canned tuna into an elegant, protein-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Our methodical approach ensures perfectly crisp exteriors and moist, flavorful interiors every time, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or impressive last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
– 2 (5 oz) cans solid white tuna in water
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Drain both cans of tuna thoroughly and transfer the tuna to a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, red onion, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients gently with a fork until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
6. Carefully place all 4 patties into the hot oil, leaving space between them.
7. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden-brown crust.
8. Flip each patty using a thin spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is equally golden-brown and crisp.
9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. Let the patties rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the interiors to set properly.
Delightfully crisp on the outside while remaining remarkably tender inside, these patties offer a satisfying contrast of textures that elevates humble ingredients. The Parmesan creates a savory, nutty crust that complements the mild tuna beautifully, while the lemon juice provides just enough brightness to cut through the richness. Consider serving them atop a bed of mixed greens with a lemon-herb vinaigrette or as sophisticated sliders on toasted brioche buns with a dollop of garlic aioli for an unexpected twist.
Zesty Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties
Just when you need a quick, protein-packed meal that feels special, these lemon-dill tuna patties come to the rescue. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress guests. Join me as we walk through each step to create these golden, zesty patties from scratch.
Ingredients
– 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Place drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl, flaking it with a fork until no large chunks remain.
2. Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients gently with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions using a 1/3 cup measuring cup for consistency.
5. Shape each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty with your hands, pressing firmly enough to hold together but not compact.
6. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
7. Carefully place patties in the hot skillet, leaving 1 inch between them for even cooking.
8. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and release easily from the pan.
9. Flip patties using a thin spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown.
10. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
11. Let patties rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the interior to set properly. Ultimately, these patties achieve a crisp exterior that gives way to a moist, flaky interior bursting with bright lemon and fresh dill. Try serving them on toasted buns with crisp lettuce for a twist on classic burgers, or atop a green salad for a lighter meal that still satisfies.
Savory Garlic-Herb Tuna Patties
Diving into a simple yet satisfying meal, these savory garlic-herb tuna patties come together quickly with pantry staples. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something homemade without the fuss. Let me walk you through each step to ensure your patties turn out perfectly golden and flavorful every time.
Ingredients
– 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
6. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving space between them.
7. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden-brown crust.
8. Flip the patties using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the second side.
9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Looking at your finished patties, you’ll notice they have a crisp exterior that gives way to a moist, tender interior. The garlic and herbs create a fragrant aroma that pairs wonderfully with the savory tuna. Try serving them on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Mediterranean Olive Tuna Patties
Diving into Mediterranean flavors doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. These olive tuna patties bring the bright, savory taste of the Mediterranean to your weeknight dinner table with minimal effort. Let’s walk through each step together to create perfectly cooked patties every time.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 large egg
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add the panko breadcrumbs, chopped kalamata olives, diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl.
3. Crack the egg into a small separate bowl and whisk it lightly with a fork.
4. Pour the whisked egg, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper into the tuna mixture.
5. Use your hands to mix all ingredients until fully combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
6. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 3/4-inch thick patty with your hands.
7. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
8. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between each one.
9. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden-brown crust.
10. Flip each patty using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown.
11. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Expect these patties to have a crisp exterior that gives way to a moist, flavorful interior with briny olive notes. Enjoy them warm in pita pockets with tzatziki sauce, or serve alongside a simple Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal that transports your taste buds.
Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Tuna Patties
Keeping weeknight dinners exciting can be challenging, but these Asian-inspired ginger soy tuna patties transform simple canned tuna into a flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for busy cooks looking to add global flavors to their rotation without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
– 2 (5 ounce) cans solid white tuna in water
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Drain both cans of tuna thoroughly and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. 2. Add panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, chopped scallions, and black pepper to the bowl. 3. Mix all ingredients with a fork until well combined, breaking up any large tuna chunks. 4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. 5. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. 6. Carefully place patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them. 7. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and easily release from the pan. 8. Flip patties using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until firm to the touch and browned on both sides. 9. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Just out of the skillet, these patties boast a crisp exterior that gives way to a moist, flaky interior with the warm zing of ginger and savory soy notes. Serve them over steamed rice with a drizzle of sriracha mayo, or tuck them into buns with pickled vegetables for an Asian-inspired burger experience.
Cheesy Jalapeño Tuna Patties
Keeping weeknight dinners exciting can be a challenge, but these Cheesy Jalapeño Tuna Patties are here to help. They come together quickly with pantry staples and deliver a satisfying, flavorful meal that both kids and adults will love. Let’s walk through making them step by step.
Ingredients
– 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh jalapeño
– 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add the egg, mayonnaise, red onion, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients together with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty with your hands.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
6. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
7. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
8. Flip each patty using a thin spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.
9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
10. Let the patties rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow them to set properly.
What makes these patties special is their fantastic contrast of textures—crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender inside. The sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeño create a bold flavor that stands up well to a cool dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime. For a fun twist, try serving them on slider buns with crisp lettuce and a slice of tomato for a mini sandwich experience.
Smoky Chipotle Tuna Patties
Getting perfectly crispy tuna patties with a smoky kick is easier than you think. Ground tuna mixed with chipotle creates a flavorful base that holds together beautifully when pan-fried. Follow these simple steps for restaurant-quality patties you can make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb canned tuna, drained
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo, minced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Place drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it with a fork until no large chunks remain.
2. Add mayonnaise, egg, breadcrumbs, minced chipotle, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. Tip: For even cooking, make sure all patties are the same thickness—about 3/4 inch works perfectly.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about 3 inches in diameter.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
6. Carefully place patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them for even browning.
7. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden-brown crust. Tip: Resist pressing down on the patties while cooking—this keeps them moist and prevents them from falling apart.
8. Flip patties using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side is equally browned and crispy.
9. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Tip: Let patties rest for 2 minutes before serving—this allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle.
10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Done right, these patties boast a satisfying crispy exterior that gives way to a moist, flaky interior with just the right amount of smoky heat. The chipotle flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy avocado slices or tucked into warm tortillas with crisp lettuce for a quick taco night upgrade.
Curry-Flavored Tuna Patties
Ready to transform canned tuna into a flavorful meal? These curry-flavored tuna patties combine pantry staples with warm spices for a quick, satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s walk through each step methodically to ensure perfect results every time.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Place drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, curry powder, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients together until fully combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 3/4-inch thick patty.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
6. Carefully place patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them for even cooking.
7. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden-brown crust.
8. Flip patties using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes until both sides are evenly browned.
9. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
10. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F using an instant-read thermometer for food safety.
Delightfully crisp on the outside while remaining moist inside, these patties showcase the warm, aromatic notes of curry that permeate every bite. Serve them tucked into soft buns with crisp lettuce for a sandwich, or alongside a cooling cucumber salad to balance the spices. The versatile texture holds up beautifully whether enjoyed hot from the pan or at room temperature for meal prep.
Teriyaki Glazed Tuna Patties
When you’re craving something savory yet simple, these teriyaki glazed tuna patties deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort. We’ll walk through each stage methodically, ensuring even first-time cooks achieve perfectly cooked patties with that signature sweet-savory glaze.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp sesame seeds
– 2 green onions
Instructions
1. Drain both cans of tuna thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer, pressing out excess liquid with a spoon.
2. Finely chop 2 green onions, measuring 1/4 cup for the patty mixture and reserving the remainder for garnish.
3. In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
4. Mix ingredients with a fork until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
5. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into 3/4-inch thick patties with your hands.
6. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
7. Place patties in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown crust forms on the bottom.
8. Flip patties carefully using a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes.
9. Reduce heat to low and pour 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce over the patties, swirling the pan to distribute evenly.
10. Simmer for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the patties generously.
11. Sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds over the glazed patties during the final 30 seconds of cooking.
12. Transfer patties to a serving plate using a spatula, spooning any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
13. Garnish with reserved chopped green onions before serving.
Versatile beyond the classic bun, these patties shine when served over steamed rice where the extra glaze creates a delicious sauce, or try them sliced atop a crisp Asian slaw. The exterior develops a slight caramelized crunch from the reduced teriyaki, while the interior remains remarkably moist and flaky—a textural contrast that makes each bite satisfying.
Panko-Crusted Ranch Tuna Patties
Now, let’s create these crispy, flavorful tuna patties that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Nothing beats the combination of panko’s crunch with ranch’s herby tang in this simple yet impressive dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, these patties will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
– 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Place the drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl and flake it thoroughly with a fork.
2. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients until well combined, using your hands to ensure even distribution.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
5. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 350°F.
6. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, leaving space between them for even cooking.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom develops a deep golden-brown crust.
8. Flip each patty using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
9. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these patties offer a delightful contrast of textures with the ranch seasoning providing a zesty, herb-forward flavor profile. Consider serving them on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato for a delicious sandwich, or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option.
Conclusion
Deliciously versatile, these 30 tuna patty recipes offer endless inspiration for quick, budget-friendly meals. We hope you find some new family favorites! Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which recipe you loved most and pin this roundup to your Pinterest boards so you can easily find it again. Happy cooking!
