Tuna Patties: A Simple and Healthy Dinner Option

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that’s also healthy, then you should definitely consider making tuna patties.

Tuna patties are a great way to get your daily dose of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, and they can be made in just a few minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tuna patty recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It’s also a very versatile recipe, as you can serve the tuna patties with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Additionally, tuna patties are a great option for a healthy dinner, as they are low in calories and rich in nutrients.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s very customizable. You can add your favorite spices and herbs to the tuna mixture to give it a unique flavor.

You can also use different types of bread crumbs or oats to change the texture of the patties.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

1 can of tuna , look for a can that is labeled as “”skipjack”” or “”albacore”” for the best flavor and texture

1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs , panko bread crumbs are lighter and crisper than regular bread crumbs, which makes them perfect for tuna patties

1/4 cup of finely chopped onion , make sure to chop the onion very finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the patty

1/4 cup of finely chopped bell pepper , any color bell pepper will work, but red or yellow bell peppers will add a sweeter flavor to the patties

1 egg , the egg helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the patty

1 tablespoon of mayonnaise , mayonnaise adds a creamy texture to the patty and helps to keep it moist

1 teaspoon of soy sauce , soy sauce adds a salty flavor to the patty and helps to enhance the flavor of the tuna

1/2 teaspoon of salt , use a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper , use a freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder , garlic powder adds a savory flavor to the patty without overpowering the other ingredients

1/4 teaspoon of paprika , paprika adds a smoky flavor to the patty and helps to enhance the flavor of the tuna

Why These Ingredients

Tuna

Tuna is the main ingredient in this recipe, and it’s what gives the patties their unique flavor and texture.

Look for a can of tuna that is labeled as “”skipjack”” or “”albacore”” for the best flavor and texture.

You can also use fresh tuna if you prefer, but canned tuna is more convenient and affordable.

When using canned tuna, make sure to drain the liquid and rinse the tuna with water to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

You can also use a paper towel to pat the tuna dry and remove any excess moisture.

Panko Bread Crumbs

Panko bread crumbs are a type of Japanese bread crumb that is lighter and crisper than regular bread crumbs.

They are perfect for tuna patties because they add a delicate texture and help to bind the ingredients together.

You can find panko bread crumbs at most Asian grocery stores or online.

If you can’t find panko bread crumbs, you can also use regular bread crumbs or even oats as a substitute.

However, keep in mind that the texture of the patties may be slightly different.

Onion and Bell Pepper

The onion and bell pepper add a sweet and crunchy texture to the patty, and they help to enhance the flavor of the tuna. Make sure to chop them very finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the patty.

You can also use other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to add more flavor and texture to the patty. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the amount according to your taste.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients , Start by draining the liquid from the can of tuna and rinsing it with water to remove any excess salt or preservatives. Then, pat the tuna dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Chop the Onion and Bell Pepper , Finely chop the onion and bell pepper and set them aside. Make sure to chop them very finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the patty.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients , In a large bowl, combine the tuna, panko bread crumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, mayonnaise, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything together until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make the patties dense and heavy.

Step 4: Shape the Patties , Use your hands to shape the mixture into patties. You should be able to make around 4-6 patties depending on the size you prefer.

Make sure to shape the patties evenly so that they cook consistently.

Step 5: Cook the Patties , Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.

Then, add the patties and cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

How To Serve

serve the tuna patties with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting and healthy dinner.

The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior and tender interior of the tuna patties.

serve the tuna patties on a bed of salad with a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and healthy lunch.

The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness of the tuna, while the crunch of the salad adds a nice texture contrast.

serve the tuna patties with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables for a nutritious and filling dinner.

The nutty flavor of the quinoa pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the tuna, while the roasted vegetables add a nice pop of color and flavor to the dish.

serve the tuna patties on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a tasty and satisfying sandwich.

The crunch of the lettuce and the tang of the tartar sauce add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the tuna patty.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

you can store the tuna patties at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

When storing the tuna patties at room temperature, make sure to check them frequently for any signs of spoilage.

If you notice any unusual odors or slimy texture, it’s best to discard the patties immediately.

Refrigerator

you can store the tuna patties in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in a covered container to prevent them from drying out.

When storing the tuna patties in the refrigerator, make sure to keep them at a consistent temperature below 40°F (4°C).

You can also store them in a sealed container or zip-top bag to prevent them from absorbing any odors or flavors from other foods.

Freezer

you can store the tuna patties in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer safe bag or container to prevent them from getting freezer burn.

When storing the tuna patties in the freezer, make sure to label them with the date and contents, and keep them at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. You can also store them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for easier storage.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial when making tuna patties, as it ensures that the patties have the best flavor and texture.

Make sure to use fresh tuna, onions, and bell peppers, and avoid using any ingredients that are past their expiration date.

Don’t Overmix the Ingredients

Overmixing the ingredients can make the patties dense and heavy, which can affect their texture and flavor.

Make sure to mix the ingredients just until they are combined, and avoid overmixing or overworking the mixture.

Use the Right Type of Bread Crumbs

Using the right type of bread crumbs is important when making tuna patties, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the patties.

Panko bread crumbs are a good choice, as they are light and crispy and help to bind the ingredients together.

Final Thoughts

Tuna patties are a simple and healthy dinner option that can be made in just a few minutes. They are versatile, customizable, and can be served with a variety of sides.

With these tips and tricks, you can make delicious tuna patties that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.