Canned Tuna Patties – Quick & Crispy Recipe

These easy tuna patties are made with canned tuna and pantry staples, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside and soft inside. If you’ve ever wondered how to make tuna patties like salmon patties, this method gives you that same texture and flavor—just quicker and more budget-friendly.

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My kids love tuna. Like, really love it. Tuna sandwiches are on regular rotation in our house — quick, easy, always a win. But every now and then, I like to switch it up and give those tuna cravings a little upgrade… enter: tuna patties.

These little fish cakes are basically tuna sandwiches that got a glow-up. Onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan — all the good stuff mixed in, shaped into patties, and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. Let’s just say… they disappear fast.

What I love most as a mom is how versatile they are. I make a big batch, and suddenly I have options — sliders for lunchboxes (my son calls them tuna burgers!) and of course, salad toppers when I’m pretending to be healthy, or tucked into a pita with some greens and sauce for a quick dinner. They freeze well, too, which is just another reason I call them my secret weapon.

Why you’ll love these patties

• The recipe is simple, easy, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Most of the ingredients are easy to find or simple pantry staples.
• Serve them as appetizers and sides or in sandwiches and wraps. They also make perfect lunchbox meals.
• Patties are a great way to make a quick snack, a light dinner, or a side dish. These also make a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or eaten on their own.
• Want a heartier version? Try my tuna potato patties, made with mashed potatoes for a softer texture and a more filling meal

Ingredients and substitutes

• Canned tuna – You can use any brand of canned tuna you like. Actually, you can also use drained canned salmon to make salmon patties.
• Onion and garlic – I am using a brown onion, but you can also use green onions or shallots. But I prefer to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
• Fresh herbs  – My herb of choice is fresh parsley or cilantro. And yet when it comes to fish, I also love adding dill because it pairs so well with tuna and salmon.
• Mustard – Just a slight zing. And yet you can omit it altogether.
• Parmesan – A little nutty flavor from Parmesan that takes away the fishy smell completely. It’s amazing!
• Salt – Please taste the tuna before you add salt. Since some brands have salt added.
• Optional ingredients:
  • Spicy – If you love spicy food, add 1/4 tsp chili or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, add 1/4 tsp sriracha to the tuna mixture.
  • Lemon zest enhances the flavor of lemon in the patties.

Step-by-step: Easy tuna patties or tuna cakes

Tuna cakes

• Tuna – Drain the canned tuna well in a colander. Place it in a large bowl and flake using a fork.
• Tuna mixture – Add the onion, garlic powder, parsley, mustard paste, egg, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

• Patties – Divide the mixture into four medium or six small patties. Roll into a tight ball and then flatten it to shape into a patty.
  Pro tip – You can make these patties ahead of time. Then, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. And keep them in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
• Pan fry – In a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet, add the olive oil or vegetable oil and gently place the patties. Cook 2 minutes on each side on medium heat until lightly golden brown.

Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard, and honey. Serve the patties with the yogurt sauce or ketchup, mayonnaise, and tartar sauce.

Can you make tuna patties like salmon patties?

Yes, absolutely. Tuna patties are very similar to classic salmon patties, but they’re made with canned tuna instead of salmon. The method is almost identical—mixing the fish with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, then pan-frying until crispy.

The main difference is flavor. Tuna is milder, which makes these patties more kid-friendly and perfect for pairing with different sauces. If you already love salmon patties, this tuna version is a quick and budget-friendly alternative.

Tips for Success

• Drain tuna well – excess moisture = falling apart
• Balance the mix – too wet? add breadcrumbs
• Shape firmly – press tight so they hold
• Medium heat – golden, not burnt
• Flip once – let a crust form first
• Use enough oil – for that crispy edge
• Serve hot – best texture right off the pan

Easy variations

• Tuna potato patties – Add mashed potatoes for a softer, more filling version.
• Spicy tuna patties – Mix in chili flakes or sriracha.
• Baked tuna patties – Bake at 200°C / 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Low-carb version – Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.

• Sesame Tuna Steak Recipe
• Seared Ahi Tuna Steak Recipe
• Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
• Tuna Potato Patties
• See all fish and seafood recipes

Frequently asked questions

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• Baked Teriyaki Salmon or Balsamic-Glazed Salmon
• Parmesan Crusted Salmon
• Recipe for Baked Salmon
• Honey Garlic Salmon or Garlic Butter Salmon

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