Crunchy Tuna Patties

Prep: 10 min Cook: 4 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crispy tuna patties with crunchy potato chips and savory flavors, perfect as a quick snack or light meal for seafood lovers and those craving a tasty bite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans tuna (packed in water), drained and flaked
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tbsp. ranch-style salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
  • dash of pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, egg, salad dressing, 2 tablespoons of crushed potato chips, and pepper until well blended.
  2. Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
  3. Place the remaining crushed potato chips on a plate.
  4. Coat both sides of each patty with crushed potato chips.
  5. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped green onions or herbs like parsley into the tuna mixture. If you don't have ranch dressing, a combination of mayonnaise and mustard can work as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free chips instead of regular potato chips. Make sure to drain the tuna well to prevent soggy patties.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crunchy tuna patties with a side of fresh salad or a dipping sauce like tartar sauce for extra flavor. They also pair beautifully with a light soup or can be served in a sandwich or on a bun. For a delightful meal, try serving alongside Karin'S Tuna Noodle Casserole for a comforting seafood-inspired dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tuna patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave, but they may lose some crunch.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crunchy Tuna Patties contains roughly 1001 calories, with 18g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

1001 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.4g 37% DV
Total Fat 21.6g 28% DV
Carbs 186.6g 68% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 626.9mg 27% DV
Potassium 1656.9mg 35% DV
Cholesterol 522.1mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 160.9mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 19mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 466.2mg 36% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Grill or sear the tuna until it's fully cooked, then flake it and proceed with the recipe. Fresh tuna will provide a different texture and flavor, making the patties even more delicious.

What can I use if I don't have potato chips?

If you don't have potato chips, you can substitute with crushed crackers or bread crumbs. For a healthier option, consider using crushed nuts or seeds, which will add a unique flavor and crunch to the patties.

How can I make these patties more filling?

To make the patties more filling, you can add cooked quinoa or breadcrumbs to the mixture. This will not only increase the volume but also enhance the texture. Additionally, serving them with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty grain salad can make for a more substantial meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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