Easy Tuna Burgers
Juicy tuna burgers with a hint of heat from cayenne, featuring fresh onion and celery for crunch. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the red onion and celery into rough quarters.
- Place them in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add the drained tuna and process briefly to break it up.
- Add the egg, torn bread, butter, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; process until just blended.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Lightly flour your hands and shape the tuna mixture into four patties, about 4 inches across.
- Dredge the patties lightly in the flour.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the patties and cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve the tuna burgers hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the tuna mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or use rolled oats for a healthier twist. Make sure to drain the tuna well to prevent soggy patties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna burgers on whole wheat buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a delicious meal. Pair them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a balanced dinner. These burgers also go well with a creamy dip, such as Hot Artichoke Dip (Low Fat Recipe), for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Tuna Burgers contains roughly 520 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned tuna in oil instead of water-packed tuna?
Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil for a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain the excess oil to maintain the right consistency in your patties. The oil will add a bit of moisture, so you may want to reduce the butter slightly.
Can I make the tuna patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tuna mixture and shape the patties in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for a quick meal option on busy days. Just be sure to cook them within a day for the best texture.
What can I serve with tuna burgers?
Tuna burgers pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a crisp green salad or homemade coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They also go wonderfully with Parmesan Hot Bread for a comforting meal. Feel free to add your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor!
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).