Golden, crispy, and packed with savory flavor, these Easy Tuna Patties come together in just 20 minutes using pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick protein-packed meal, these patties deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re serving them with a light side salad, tucked into a sandwich bun, or paired with a creamy dip, these tuna patties are versatile and incredibly satisfying. A hit with both kids and adults, they’re a delicious way to make canned tuna shine in a whole new way.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 eggs
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3/4 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
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3 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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1 pinch ground black pepper
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well blended.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs until fully combined.
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Add in the tuna, chopped onion, and black pepper. Mix well using a fork to break apart the tuna and combine thoroughly.
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Shape the mixture into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Cook the patties in the hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love These Easy Tuna Patties
In the whirlwind of everyday life, it can be challenging to whip up meals that are not only quick and affordable but also satisfying and delicious. That’s where these Easy Tuna Patties come in, a humble, pantry-based solution that transforms the classic canned tuna into a crispy, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe proves that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly crave-worthy.
Tuna patties are a nostalgic comfort food for many. They remind us of family dinners growing up, summer lunches by the beach, and the kind of old-fashioned, home-cooked meals that filled kitchens with warmth and love. This particular recipe is all about balance: crispy on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside, with a zesty kick from lemon juice and the umami punch of Parmesan cheese.
What makes these patties truly special is their adaptability. You can serve them in countless ways, tucked into a sandwich, over a bed of greens, with roasted veggies, or just with a simple dipping sauce. They’re also kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and great for meal prep, making them a go-to recipe in busy households.
The Beauty of a Pantry Staple Meal
We often underestimate the potential of pantry staples. Canned tuna is one of the most budget-friendly and accessible proteins available, and it often sits in our cupboards just waiting for inspiration to strike. This recipe takes that underused ingredient and elevates it into something worthy of a dinner party, or at least a casual dinner with family and friends.
In addition to tuna, this recipe uses other staple items: eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and onion. These are items most of us have on hand at any given time, making this a “no-grocery-trip-needed” kind of meal. The breadcrumbs give the patties structure, the eggs bind everything together, and the Parmesan adds depth and a salty, cheesy richness that keeps you coming back for more.
The lemon juice is the unsung hero of the dish. Its brightness cuts through the richness of the tuna and cheese, bringing the whole dish into flavorful harmony. Even with the simplest seasoning, just a pinch of black pepper, these patties manage to hit all the right notes.
Versatility for Every Occasion
One of the best things about these tuna patties is their versatility. You can eat them fresh off the pan or store them for later. They’re a great make-ahead option for lunchboxes, work-from-home meals, or lazy Sunday brunches. They reheat well in the microwave, oven, or even an air fryer for that just-fried crispiness.
Here are a few ways you can serve these patties:
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As a burger: Slide one into a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a quick and tasty seafood burger.
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With a salad: Top a mixed greens salad with a patty or two and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a light yet filling lunch.
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With roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted potatoes, carrots, or green beans for a hearty, balanced dinner.
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With dip: Enjoy with a creamy garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or herbed yogurt sauce as a fun finger food or appetizer.
And if you’re into customizing, the options are endless. Add diced celery or red bell peppers for crunch. Toss in chopped herbs like parsley or dill for freshness. Swap the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for panko or even crushed crackers for a different texture.
Great for Meal Prep and Budget-Friendly Cooking
With grocery costs on the rise, finding affordable recipes that don’t sacrifice taste is more important than ever. Each serving of this dish costs just a fraction of what a restaurant seafood meal might run you, yet it still feels indulgent and satisfying. And because tuna has a long shelf life, you can stock up during sales and always have the ingredients on hand for a last-minute dinner solution.
From a nutritional standpoint, tuna is high in protein and low in fat, making it a lean and healthy choice. The addition of eggs and cheese provides more protein and essential nutrients, and using whole-grain or gluten-free breadcrumbs can increase the fiber content. You can even bake the patties instead of pan-frying for a lower-fat option without losing the crispy goodness.
These patties are also an ideal choice for those who follow a pescatarian diet or are simply looking to eat less red meat. And because you control the ingredients, you can make swaps to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets.
A Family Favorite You’ll Come Back to Again and Again
What really sets this recipe apart is how approachable it is. There’s no need for fancy techniques, specialty tools, or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything comes together in one bowl, and you can have the patties cooked and on the table in under 30 minutes.
And let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about hearing the sizzle as these patties hit the hot pan and watching them develop that golden crust. It’s comfort food at its finest, made even better by how easy it is to prepare.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or introducing your kids to fish in a form they’ll actually enjoy, these Easy Tuna Patties deliver. They’re reliable, versatile, and packed with flavor. Once you try them, you’ll understand why so many home cooks consider this recipe a go-to in their kitchen.
Conclusion
Easy Tuna Patties are proof that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. With their crispy edges, zesty flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a celebration of simple cooking done right.
This dish is more than just a recipe, it’s a lifesaver on a busy day, a reliable go-to when your fridge is bare, and a comforting reminder that the best meals are often the simplest. Whether you serve them for a casual dinner, pack them in a lunchbox, or freeze a batch for later, these tuna patties are sure to become a beloved staple in your home.