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Easy Weeknight Tuna Patties Recipe

4.7 from 112 reviews

These Easy Weeknight Tuna Patties are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy evenings. Made with canned tuna, fresh herbs, and simple pantry staples, they’re pan-fried to a golden perfection and served hot for a satisfying dish that’s both protein-packed and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Mixture

  • 2 5-ounce cans tuna in water, drained thoroughly
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro)

For Frying

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to the “keep warm” setting at 170°F to hold the patties warm after cooking.
  2. Drain and Flake Tuna: Thoroughly drain the tuna to remove all excess moisture, then place it in a medium bowl and flake it finely with a fork, ensuring there are no large chunks.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lightly beaten eggs, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to the flaked tuna. Mix well until fully combined.
  4. Heat Oil: Warm the extra-virgin olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. Form Patties: Using a 4-tablespoon scoop or measuring cup, portion out four mounds of the tuna mixture onto the hot skillet. Press and pack the mixture into the scoop firmly to help the patties hold their shape, then transfer to the pan.
  6. Flatten Patties: Gently press each mound down slightly with the back of a fork to form uniform patties.
  7. Cook Until Golden: Cook the patties without moving them for about 3 minutes or until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip carefully and cook the other side another 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Keep Warm: Transfer cooked patties to the preheated oven to keep warm while cooking the second batch.
  9. Serve: Serve the tuna patties immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent patties from falling apart.
  • Lightly beaten eggs help bind the patties; do not overbeat.
  • A 4-tablespoon scoop helps ensure uniform patty size and shape.
  • Keep cooked patties warm in the oven so all are served hot.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for best flavor.

Keywords: tuna patties, easy tuna recipe, weeknight dinner, pan-fried tuna, quick seafood patties