Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (2024)

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With a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, these classic tuna patties get a healthy makeover with the addition of fresh herbs and vegetables. These are not the tuna croquettes of your childhood!

Serve with garlic yogurt sauce and a side of crinkle-cut fries and roasted radishes for a complete meal!

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (1)

If you like easy canned tuna recipes that are healthy, tasty, budget, and kid-friendly, these patties are for you.

This simple fish recipe is perfect for quick dinners as it takes only fifteen minutes to prepare. Combine it with this easy Italian tomato salad, and supper is ready in less time than it takes to stand in line at the take-out counter.

Depending on where you grew up, you may refer to these as tuna patties, tuna croquettes, or even tuna cakes.

Recipes using canned tuna are definitely a healthy protein alternative. However, rather than using mayonnaise, we will rely on the eggs and panko crumbs to bind the mixture together. The addition of some fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables will get the job done as far as taste is concerned.

Here’s how you can make these delicious healthy tuna patties with simple ingredients in just fifteen minutes.

Jump to:
  • Mise en place
  • How to make tuna patties
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Where is the mayo?
  • Here are just a few reasons to love canned tuna
  • FAQ
  • What sides go with fish cakes?
  • More canned tuna recipes
  • Recipe inspiration
  • Recipe
Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (2)

Mise en place

Grab your sharpest knife because we need to chop up some crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs for this easy tuna recipe.

Prep the herbs: Start by properly rinsing the fresh herbs under cool running water. Once they are dry (use a tea towel), you need:

  • 2 tablespoons of minced fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley (Italian flat-leaf)

Prep the vegetables: Next, you need to finely chop:

  • 1 stalk of celery, about ⅓ of a cup minced and
  • ⅓ of red bell pepper, also about ⅓ of a cup minced.
Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (3)

How to make tuna patties

Next, we need to open up and drain 2 cans of tuna (5 ounces each of water-packed tuna). For this recipe, you need a total of 10 ounces (or 283 grams) which is about 7 ounces (or 200 grams) drained.

Once the liquid is drained, combine the tuna with the rest of the ingredients, all except the eggs. More specifically, in a large bowl, mix the chopped and minced herbs and vegetables from the previous step, ⅓ cup of panko bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt (or to taste) and ⅛ black pepper (or to taste).

Taste the mixture and adjust for seasonings.

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (4)

Finally, add 2 slightly beaten eggs and stir until well combined.

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (5)

Use a large ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measuring spoon to scoop out the mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Shape into patties by pressing firmly into a ball and then firmly into a patty to achieve a compact final product. There should be no excess liquid. You should get five equal patties (3 ounces each).

We are ready to cook them in a large skillet (non-stick or cast-iron)—heat 1 tablespoon of avocado, vegetable, or olive oil. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped Italian parsley (optional).

Tips

  • Solid white albacore tuna in water is a great choice for this recipe.
  • Drain the canned tuna properly to avoid excessive liquid in the mixture.
  • Mincing the red pepper and celery makes it easier for the patty to hold its shape.
  • Press the mixture firmly together when forming the patties. This prevents the patties from falling apart when you are cooking them.
  • If you have the time, refrigerating the patties for 30-60 minutes helps firm them up and reduces the chances of breaking as they are cooked.
  • To keep the tuna patties from falling apart, avoid flipping them too quickly. Pan-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown, and then flip them.

Variations

  • Replace the panko with an equal amount of homemade breadcrumbs or crushed saltines (ritz crackers). Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used.
  • Experiment with herbs and spices like cilantro, garlic powder, and old bay seasoning.
  • Add grated lemon zest to the tuna mixture to lighten the overall flavors.
  • Instead of squirting lemon juice over the top, use lime juice.
Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (6)

Where is the mayo?

WARNING: nutrition rambling ahead on why to make this tuna fish recipe without mayo

Don’t get me wrong; I love mayonnaise, but in moderation. A glance at the nutritional information on a regular mayonnaise jar will indicate that 1 tablespoon will provide 90 calories and about 10 grams of total fat, some of which are beneficial fatty acids. The challenge when using mayonnaise is sticking to the one tablespoon.

As a dietitian, I truly believe it is important to increase awareness of healthy and well-balanced eating habits; at the end of the day, just being mindful of what you are eating and where your food comes from is a step in that direction. Do we need mayonnaise in a tuna patty recipe? I’ll let you decide.

Here are just a few reasons to love canned tuna

Canned tuna is truly a pantry staple. No one can deny the convenience of having a can of tuna readily available to be transformed into a healthy meal. It is versatile, great-tasting, and budget-friendly.

Canned tuna is also nutritious as it is a great source of high-quality lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin.

Remember, always purchase canned tuna from companies committed to long-term seafood sustainability. If you are interested, a fellow Canadian blogger at Diversivore wrote a fantasticarticle on sustainable seafood.

FAQ

Can you freeze uncooked tuna patties?

Yes! Once you have shaped the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Remember to use a baking sheet (or tray) that fits in your freezer. Place the tray in your freezer and freeze them for approximately 2 hours. Then, remove and wrap each patty individually with parchment paper. Place in an airtight bag or container and use within 2 months. To cook: Place frozen patty in a non-stick pan (preheated) over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side or until heated through and golden brown.

Can you freeze tuna patties after cooking?

Absolutely. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Next, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking tray. Remember to use a baking sheet (or tray) that fits in your freezer. Place the tray in your freezer and freeze them for approximately 2 hours. Then, remove and wrap each patty individually with parchment paper. Place in an airtight bag or container and use within two months. To reheat: Place the frozen cooked patty in a non-stick pan (preheated) over medium-low heat. Reheat slowly for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until heated through.

What sides go with fish cakes?

These crinkle-cut fries -whether air-fried or oven-baked, are a classic combination with this fish recipe that can also be easily transformed into a fish burger. Be sure to garnish with this red cabbage slaw! Lightly sauteed or oven-roasted vegetables like radishes, spinach, broccolini or asparagus are great options for a healthy and tasty side. Don’t forget to make this healthy tartar sauce recipe or, if you prefer, a garlic sauce -both without mayo!

More canned tuna recipes

If you want additional healthy tuna meals, may I suggest this tuna pasta recipe or this Italian tuna melt? Both of these recipes are ready in under 30 minutes.

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (7)

Recipe inspiration

I am a big fan of simplicity -especially in recipes—uncomplicated and wholesome ingredients coupled with straightforward procedures -most probably due to my Italian upbringing.

My friends and family know this, and I love how they always share their recipes with me. This is truly a privilege. I want to extend my gratitude to my cousin Mary for sharing this healthy tuna patty recipe with me.

Over time, it has become one of my go-to recipes for quick weeknight meals, especially on Monday nights. Feel free to replace some of your favorite ingredients in this recipe. For example, I love Italian flat-leaf parsley, but this herb can easily be replaced with cilantro; the same for the chives. Feel free to replace it with green onions or even shallots.

I love healthy and delicious tuna patties with a little crunch to them, so I added some red pepper and some celery stalks. And if you like heat, add a pinch or two of chili flakes!

Whether served with a generous squirt of lemon juice or a yogurt-based dip, get ready to taste the best-canned tuna recipe!

Remember always to purchase canned tuna from a sustainable source so that we can all continue to enjoy this wonderful pantry staple.

Enjoy!

THANKS SO MUCHfor following and being part of theShe Loves Biscotticommunity where you will findSimple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

If you haven’t already joined, here is the link where you can sign up formy weekly e-mail newsletter.This way, you won’t miss any of my new recipes and it’s absolutely free!

Ciao for now,

Maria

★★★★★ If you have made this canned tuna recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (8)

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe

With a crispy exterior and a tender, soft interior, these classic tuna patties get a healthy makeover with the addition of fresh herbs and vegetables.

4.96 from 23 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 179kcal

Author: Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces tuna (2 cans of 5 ounces each) about 7 ounces or 200 grams drained
  • cup celery stalk finely chopped (about 1 stalk)
  • cup small red pepper finely chopped (about ½ pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons chives fresh, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dill fresh, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian flat-leaf parsley fresh, finely chopped
  • cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 2 eggs slightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon oil to pan-fry the patties olive, vegetable or avocado
  • lemon wedges for garnishing
  • parsley chopped for garnishing

Instructions

  • Drain the tuna.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna with all of the ingredients except for the raw eggs.

  • Taste and adjust seasonings.

  • Add the beaten eggs and mix well together.

  • Form into 5 equal patties.

  • In a cast iron or a non-stick pan, add the oil and saute the patties over medium heat.

  • Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon’t miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Video

Notes

  • Solid white albacore tuna in water is a great choice for this recipe.
  • Drain the canned tuna properly to avoid excessive liquid in the mixture.
  • Mincing the red pepper and celery makes it easier for the patty to hold its shape.
  • Press the mixture firmly together when forming the patties. This prevents the patties from falling apart when you are cooking them.
  • If you have the time, refrigerating the patties for 30-60 minutes helps firm them up and reduces the chances of them breaking as they are being cooked.
  • To keep the tuna patties from falling apart, avoid flipping them too quickly. Pan fry them for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown in color, and then flip them.

Can you freeze uncooked tuna patties?

Yes! Once you have shaped the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking tray. Remember to use a baking sheet (or tray) that fits in your freezer. Place the tray in your freezer and freeze them for approximately 2 hours. Then, remove and wrap each patty individually with parchment paper. Place in an airtight bag or container and use within 2 months. To cook: Place frozen patty in a non-stick pan (preheated) over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side or until heated through and golden brown.

Can you freeze tuna patties after cooking?

Absolutely. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Next, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking tray. Remember to use a baking sheet (or tray) that fits in your freezer. Place the tray in your freezer and freeze them for approximately 2 hours. Then, remove and wrap each patty individually with parchment paper. Place in an airtight bag or container and use within 2 months. To reheat: Place the frozen cooked patty in a non-stick pan (preheated) over medium-low heat. Reheat slowly for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until heated through.

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 194mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 14.7mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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This post was originally published on April 1, 2017, and republished on June 14, 2021, with updated content, photos and a video.

Healthy Tuna Patties Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart? ›

To fix the problem, you just need to add a little extra raw protein, and the easiest place to get a protein fix is from an egg. Adding an egg to a batch of tuna patties is a little extra insurance that things will stay together, especially if you tend to measure your other ingredients by eyeballing them.

What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

13 Healthy Recipes with Canned Tuna
  1. Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado. As you'll see on this list, my favorite way to make tuna salad sandwiches is open-faced. ...
  2. Canned Tuna Ceviche. ...
  3. Tuna Croquettes. ...
  4. Tuna Pasta Salad. ...
  5. Tuna Egg Salad. ...
  6. Tuna Noodle Casserole. ...
  7. Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich. ...
  8. Tuna Salad Wraps.
Jun 9, 2023

How do you make a healthy baked tuna patty? ›

Mix tuna, bread crumbs, egg, black pepper, and garlic salt together in a bowl; fold in diced tomatoes and onion. Form mixture into 4 patties; place onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until burgers are golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes per side.

How many calories in a tuna patty? ›

Tuna cake or patty contains 251 calories per 120 g serving. This serving contains 18 g of fat, 18 g of protein and 3.2 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 0.6 g sugar and 0.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Tuna cake or patty contains 2.9 g of saturated fat and 80 mg of cholesterol per serving.

What can I mix with canned tuna? ›

Dress up your canned tuna in these healthy recipes.
  • 01 of 05. Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs. ...
  • 02 of 05. One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon. ...
  • 03 of 05. Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread. ...
  • 04 of 05. Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing. ...
  • 05 of 05.
Aug 19, 2022

What can I use instead of mayo in tuna? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  • Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  • Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  • Dijon mustard. ...
  • Ranch dressing. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

Why should you not eat canned tuna every day? ›

Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

Is it OK to eat canned tuna every week? ›

Although mercury is a toxic chemical, it's usually not present in tuna in large enough quantities to cause serious issues. Canned tuna's health benefits seem to outweigh any small negative effect of its mercury concentration. In general, eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe.

Is tuna with a little mayo healthy? ›

Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, which means that if you consume large amounts of it regularly, it could contribute to weight gain rather than weight loss. However, a small amount of mayo mixed with tuna in a salad or sandwich can be a satisfying and filling meal that can support weight loss.

Is a tuna sandwich healthier than a hamburger? ›

If you think that having a tuna salad sandwich for lunch instead of a greasy cheeseburger is the lower-fat, more healthful way to go, think again. According to a study on restaurant sandwiches released on Tuesday, the typical deli-style tuna salad sandwich has as much fat as three McDonald's Quarter Pounders.

How do you eat canned tuna on a diet? ›

Pair tuna with fresh produce for a nutritious dish. The tuna sandwich is a lunchtime staple and for good reasons. Canned tuna is shelf-stable, relatively affordable, and it's even a sustainable source of protein when you opt for products with the MSC blue fish label, as the Marine Stewardship Council notes.

How much tuna is 100 calories? ›

100g of tuna strained of water, without any salt, only has 116 Kcal. Packing in oil will change the calorie count. 100g of Sirena Tuna with chilli in oil has 161 kcal when strained, but 100g of Sirena Tuna In Springwater has only 100 Kcal.

How many calories are in 2 tuna patties? ›

There are 271 calories in 1 serving of Tuna Patties. Calorie split: 22% fat, 3% carbs, 75% protein.

How many calories in a fried tuna patty? ›

Easy 3-Step Fried Tuna Patties Recipe
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6 (1 patty = 1 serving)
Calories125
Total Fatg
Saturated Fatg
8 more rows

Why do my patties fall apart? ›

If you flip it more than one time, it may fall apart on the grill. One flip! eggs and breadcrumbs are for meat loaf. you want a good 80/20 lean to fat beef ratio, you want to have a good skillet or griddle temp going—a good temp—and you want to have a good spatula for flipping the patty when it's time to flip it.

How do you hold patties together? ›

My rule of thumb for helping burgers stick together on the grill:
  1. Add 1 egg per pound of meat.
  2. Add 1/4 cup bread crumbs per pound of meat.
  3. Let patties rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
Jun 27, 2019

Why do my fish patties fall apart? ›

If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

How do you hold meat patties together? ›

Add 1 egg yolk per pound of hamburger. It won't add appreciably to the fat content and will bind the meat beautifully. The other thing you can do is add canned, drained, crushed black beans or chickpeas to the hamburger. The starch from the beans will bind the meat together and add an interesting taste.

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