Quick Tuna Patties

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Quick and flavorful tuna patties with a crispy exterior, perfect for a protein-packed snack or light meal that appeals to seafood lovers and those seeking easy, tasty bites.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 (6 oz.) cans tuna in water
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup onion
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • salt
  • pepper
  • oil

Instructions

  1. Drain tuna and set aside 2 tablespoons of tuna juice.
  2. Mix tuna, egg, and onion until sticky.
  3. Stir in flour.
  4. Add baking powder to tuna juice; stir into tuna mixture.
  5. Form mixture into small patties.
  6. Fry patties in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  7. Turn patties once while frying.
  8. Place patties on paper towels to drain.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like parsley or dill. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Ensure your oil is hot enough to prevent the patties from absorbing too much grease.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna patties with a side of tangy tartar sauce or a simple squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, like an Easy Salad(Serves Six), or a side of crispy roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with a scoop of mashed potatoes.

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 heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Tuna Patties contains roughly 1199 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1199 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 128.8g 100% DV
Carbs 14.8g 5% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1007.5mg 44% DV
Potassium 148.9mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 32.3mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 24.9mg 28% DV
Calcium 298.3mg 23% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten 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?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Simply sear it in a pan until cooked through, then flake it into pieces. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will be delicious.

How can I make these patties healthier?

To make the patties healthier, you can reduce the amount of flour and substitute it with grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots. This will add moisture and nutrition. You can also use olive oil instead of regular oil for frying.

Can I freeze the tuna patties?

Yes, you can freeze the patties before frying. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and fry as directed for a quick 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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →