Crispy Golden Tuna Patties Recipe: A Fast Family Favorite

Seafood lovers rejoice as these golden tuna patties bring a delightful twist to your dinner routine.

Packed with flavor and incredibly simple to prepare, this tuna patties recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties blend pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a remarkable taste experience.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory fish and delicate seasonings that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The secret lies in selecting quality tuna and mixing it with just the right combination of herbs and spices.

You’ll find these patties are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a fresh salad or your favorite side dish.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Golden Tuna Patties

• Skipjack Tuna: Wild-caught, low-mercury option that provides lean protein and oceanic flavor, packed in water for a cleaner taste.
• Eggs: Binding agent that holds patties together, creates fluffy texture and adds rich protein boost.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy condiments that add tangy depth, moisture, and help create a luxurious golden crust.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses warm, pungent notes and boosts overall savory profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that introduces fresh, green complexity and visual appeal to the patties.

• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Pure seasoning that enhances natural flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and warm spiciness to complement the tuna's mild taste.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that helps achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior and imparts subtle fruity undertones.

Tools You’ll Need for Tuna Patties

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing tuna and ingredients.
• Large nonstick skillet: Essential for frying patties evenly.
• 4-tablespoon scoop or measuring cup: Creates uniform tuna patties.
• Fork: Helps flake tuna and flatten patties in the skillet.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping patties carefully.

Cooking Tuna Patties with a Golden Crust

Tuna Patty Magic

• Flavor Foundation Gather fresh tuna, creamy condiments, and aromatic herbs for a delightful seafood experience.
• Mixing Masterpiece Combine flaked tuna with complementary ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Skillet Sizzle Heat a nonstick pan with a touch of olive oil, preparing for the golden transformation of your patties.
• Patty Perfection Shape the mixture into delicate rounds, carefully placing them in the hot skillet.
• Golden Transformation Cook each side until a beautiful caramel-like crust develops, signaling the patties are ready to delight.
• Warm Welcome Keep the first batch cozy in a low-temperature oven while preparing the remaining patties.
• Serving Sensation Present the crispy, tender tuna patties immediately, capturing their peak flavor and texture.

Tips for Seasoning or Breading Options

• Tuna Transformation Tricks: Mix in some diced bell peppers or chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor bursts in your patties.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a zesty profile.
• Crispy Coating Hack: For an extra golden exterior, lightly dust the patties with panko breadcrumbs before frying to achieve a perfect crackly crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Best Ways to Serve Tuna Patties

• Coastal Sandwich Sensation: Slide these golden tuna patties between toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a zesty remoulade sauce for a gourmet sandwich experience.
• Mediterranean Plate Perfection: Arrange the tuna patties over a bed of mixed greens, topped with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light, refreshing meal.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve the tuna patties alongside poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and roasted asparagus for an elegant weekend brunch that will impress your guests with its delightful combination of flavors.
• Appetizer Elegance: Transform the patties into bite-sized versions using a smaller scoop, garnish with fresh dill, and serve on a platter with lemon wedges for a sophisticated party starter that guests will love.

How to Store and Reheat Tuna Patties

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover tuna patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare a double batch and store half for quick weeknight meals. These patties make excellent protein-packed lunches when paired with a fresh salad or quick slaw.

Crispy Tuna Patties Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate golden tuna patties showcase Mediterranean flavors with crisp edges and tender centers. Served alongside fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this simple seafood dish offers a quick, protein-packed meal that will satisfy hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (5 oz/142 g) skipjack tuna in water
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro)
• 2 tsps fresh garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ tsp of any other salt)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously drain canned tuna and delicately break into fine flakes within a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform texture.
2. Seasoning: Blend tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, whisked eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
3. Cooking Surface: Heat olive oil in a broad nonstick skillet over medium heat, establishing an ideal environment for crafting crisp tuna patties.
4. Forming Patties: Construct uniform tuna mixture into precise circular shapes, gently pressing each portion with a fork to create flattened discs that will develop a golden, crispy exterior.
5. Sautéing: Carefully place patties in heated skillet, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich bronze color, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until edges turn crisp and golden.
6. Serving: Transfer freshly cooked tuna patties to a warm serving platter, ensuring optimal temperature and maintaining their delectable crispness for an impressive culinary presentation.

Notes

• Drain Tuna Carefully: Eliminate excess moisture completely to prevent soggy patties and ensure a crisp, delightful texture.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Whisk all components until perfectly blended, creating a cohesive mixture that holds together seamlessly during cooking.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, allowing even caramelization and maximum flavor development.
• Keep Patties Warm: Use a low-temperature oven to maintain heat and crispness while preparing multiple batches, preserving the ideal serving quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 120mg