Fried Tuna Patties are a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal option made from pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Lightly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these patties are delicious on their own or served as sandwiches with fresh lettuce and tomato.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses affordable, readily available canned tuna.
- Quick to prepare — ready in under 20 minutes.
- Flavorful with fresh veggies, seasonings, and a touch of chili sauce.
- Versatile — serve on buns, with a salad, or as an appetizer.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Dash hot pepper sauce
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- Optional: tomato slices and lettuce leaves
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, egg, bread crumbs, onion, celery, red pepper, mayonnaise, chili sauce, dill weed, salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties. (The mixture will be soft.)
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve on buns with optional tomato slices and lettuce.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 patties
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6–8 minutes
- Total time: 16–18 minutes
Variations
- Use canned salmon instead of tuna for a different flavor.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture.
- Swap Italian bread crumbs for panko for extra crispiness.
- Add chopped jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Serve with tartar sauce or aioli instead of mayonnaise.
Storage/Reheating
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these tuna patties without bread crumbs?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour as a substitute.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of tuna works best?
Solid white albacore or chunk light tuna in water or oil works well.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well-combined and handle the patties gently when flipping.
Can I make mini patties for appetizers?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time to about 2 minutes per side.
Can I use fresh tuna?
Yes, cook fresh tuna first, flake it, then proceed with the recipe.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, you can cook them ahead of time and reheat as needed.
Can I use gluten-free bread crumbs?
Absolutely — it works just as well.
What sides pair well with tuna patties?
French fries, coleslaw, a green salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
Can I add more veggies to the patties?
Yes, but finely chop them so the patties hold together.
Conclusion
Fried Tuna Patties are a fast, flavorful, and versatile meal that makes the most of simple ingredients. With their crisp exterior and tender, savory center, they’re perfect for sandwiches, served over greens, or enjoyed on their own for a light yet satisfying dish.
Print
Fried Tuna Patties
- Total Time: 16–18 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Quick, crispy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside tuna patties made from pantry staples and fresh veggies, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a stand-alone meal.
Ingredients
1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
1 large egg
1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 hamburger buns, split
Optional: tomato slices and lettuce leaves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, egg, bread crumbs, onion, celery, red pepper, mayonnaise, chili sauce, dill weed, salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties. (The mixture will be soft.)
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve on buns with optional tomato slices and lettuce.
Notes
- Use canned salmon instead of tuna for a flavor variation.
- Swap Italian bread crumbs for panko for extra crunch.
- Add cheese or jalapeños for more flavor.
- To bake instead of fry, cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months; cook from frozen with extra time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (without bun and toppings)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
