These tuna patties are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch or a light dinner. Packed with flavor and a satisfying crunch, they are perfect for those who love seafood. The combination of breadcrumbs, onion, and celery adds texture and taste, making these patties a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to check if you have dijon mustard and mayonnaise on hand. These two ingredients add a tangy and creamy element to the patties. If you don't usually keep celery in your fridge, make sure to pick some up at the supermarket.
Ingredients For Tuna Patties Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein and flavor base for the patties.
Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the patties together.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch to the patties.
Celery: Provides a fresh and crunchy texture.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the tuna.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Tuna Patties
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of water to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before frying can help them maintain their shape better.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for tuna patties.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a binding agent similar to an egg.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
celery - Substitute with bell pepper: Finely chopped bell pepper can add a similar crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard for a similar tangy flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic can provide a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the patties.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Patties
How to Store or Freeze Your Tuna Patties
To store your tuna patties in the refrigerator, first allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container, separating each patty with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For freezing, once the tuna patties have cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This step ensures they don't stick together.
After the initial freeze, transfer the tuna patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the tuna patties in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture and flavor.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed tuna patties on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed.
If you prefer a crispier texture, consider reheating the tuna patties in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method will give them a delightful crunch while keeping the inside moist.
Avoid microwaving the tuna patties as it can make them soggy and unevenly heated.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush the patties with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
- Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and have a nice golden crust.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray the tuna patties with olive oil.
- Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna patties on a toaster oven tray.
- Lightly brush with olive oil to keep them moist.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Patties
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Fork: Useful for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used for finely chopping the onion and celery.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion and celery.
Frying pan: Used to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked patties.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use pre-chopped veggies: Save time by using pre-chopped onion and celery from the store.
Mix in a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for a quicker, smoother mix.
Form patties in advance: Shape the tuna patties the night before and refrigerate.
Use non-stick spray: Instead of heating olive oil, use non-stick spray to reduce cooking time.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze extra patties for future quick meals.

Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Celery finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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