Healthy Tuna Patties
Healthy Tuna Patties are packed with protein for a light, flavorful meal using simple ingredients. These are quick to make, naturally low-carb, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Crispy Tuna Patties
Any tuna fans out there? I’ve been a fan my entire life. Tuna melts were one of the very first things I made for myself when I was a kid. It looked like this – a can of tuna, a BIG dollop of Miracle Whip (yes, we didn’t do mayo back then), topped with thick slices of Velveeta cheese, all on some sliced bread and melted in the oven. Yes, I know – kinda wacko!
I’m definitely still a fan of tuna melts. But now I mix the tuna up with all the things, plop it on English muffins, and top it with cheddar or Monterey Jack. This version is SO much better than the old one.
The point I’m making is that you can make tuna taste unbelievably great with experimentation and some good quality ingredients. These Healthy Tuna Patties are definitely one of the recipes I turn to when I’m trying to eat lean but still want great taste.
Why This Recipe Works:
- SIMPLE TO MAKE – These tuna patties require minimum prep time. You’ll need to then lightly fry them in oil to get them crispy on both sides.
- HEALTHIER – We enjoy this lower calorie and carb dinner every single time we make them. They fill you up and keep you satisfied all evening long.
- CRISPY and DELICIOUS – Flatten the patties and then crisp them up in olive oil. If they start sputtering, simply cover the pan with a bit of aluminum foil. These tuna patties are delicious!
Ingredients needed for Healthy Tuna Patties:
- Canned Tuna – I prefer Albacore Tuna (In Water). Use a colander to strain the liquid off the tuna before using.
- Green Onions – You could use any onion you want, but green onions are my favorite in these patties.
- Egg – The egg helps hold everything together.
- Mayo – We’re using a small amount of mayonnaise for these tuna patties.
- Breadcrumbs – Use Panko breadcrumbs to help soak up some of the moisture.
- Parmesan Cheese – For a little extra flavor.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper.
- Olive Oil – Used for lightly frying in a cast iron skillet.
How to make Healthy Tuna Patties:
You can make these tuna patties in less than 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight dinner!
Prep 1
Prep tuna. Strain tuna in a colander to remove excess moisture. Use a fork to break apart the chunks of tuna.
Step 2
Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tuna, finely minced green onions, egg, mayo, breadcrumbs, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and seasonings (garlic powder and black pepper). Use a spoon to mix well.
Step 3
Form patties. Use your hands to separate the tuna mixture into six even sections. Form each section into a patty and flatten. Place patties on a clean plate.
NOTE: You can prepare the patties, refrigerate, and then cook at meal time.
Step 4
Cook tuna patties. Heat a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, pan fry three patties at a time, flipping after a few minutes. Repeat for remaining patties.
Step 5
Serve. Serve tuna patties with sauces of your choice. We like to serve them on toasted bread or muffins with mashed avocado and tomato slices.
- SAUCES – Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Avocado Crema
- BREAD – Serve these on simple English muffins or something homemade. Try our Crusty Sourdough Bread, Soft White Sandwich Bread, or New York Style Bagels.
Recipe FAQs:
Use whatever tuna you enjoy eating or is in your budget. I prefer the white Albacore tuna that is canned in water.
You can definitely make the patties in advance and simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Once the tuna patties are cooked, you can either heat them up in the microwave or crisp them in an air fryer.
What to serve with Healthy Tuna Patties:
We’ve got lots of choices for sides to serve with these tuna patties. Let us know which are your favorites!
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Healthy Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 12 oz. canned Albacore tuna in water – drained of liquid
- 1/4 cup green onions – finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep tuna. Strain tuna in a colander to remove excess moisture. Use a fork to break apart the chunks of tuna.
- Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tuna, finely minced green onions, egg, mayo, breadcrumbs, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and seasonings (garlic powder and black pepper). Use a spoon to mix well.12 oz. canned Albacore tuna in water, 1/4 cup green onions, 1 large egg, 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper
- Form patties. Use your hands to separate the tuna mixture into six even sections. Form each section into a patty and flatten. Place patties on a clean plate.
- Cook tuna patties. Heat a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, pan fry three patties at a time, flipping after a few minutes. Repeat for remaining patties.2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
- Serve. Serve tuna patties with sauces of your choice. We like to serve them on toasted bread or muffins with mashed avocado and tomato slices.
Notes
- You can make the patties in advance and simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Once the tuna patties are cooked, you can either heat them up in the microwave or crisp them in an air fryer.
These were delicious! I cooked mine in the air fryer. Thank you for the recipe.
You’re very welcome, Theresa!
This recipe is sooo fire; I woke up craving tuna for breakfast and whipped this up in about 30 mins. Had some parsley on hand so I swapped that in and added a clove of garlic. I can probably learn to pan fry better bc the outside was a bit charred but it was still deliciously crispy and flavorful.
Thanks so much Mathilde!
I really liked this recipe! They stayed together well, were easy to cook, and tasted great!!!
So glad to hear this, Sheena!
Is the 157 calories for 1 tuna pattie?
Yes it is.
Healthy and delicious!! Another cool way to eat my tuna!!
You can’t have enough ideas to make tuna! Our childhood love. 🙂