The Best Golden Tuna Patties Recipe for Crispy Seafood Delight

Golden tuna patties bring a delightful twist to seafood lovers seeking a quick, satisfying meal.

These crispy, golden-brown delicacies redefine humble canned fish into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, these patties offer a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.

The magic lies in the perfect blend of tender fish, aromatic herbs, and a crisp exterior that crackles with each bite.

Home cooks appreciate how easily these patties come together, combining pantry staples into a mouthwatering dish that impresses both family and guests.

Rich in omega-3 and simple to customize, these patties elevate everyday ingredients into something truly special.

You’ll find yourself craving this simple yet elegant recipe time and again.

What You’ll Need to Make Golden Patties

• Skipjack Tuna: Canned tuna provides lean protein and a mild ocean flavor, best when packed in water for cleaner taste.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the patties together and adds richness to the mixture.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy condiments that add tanginess and help moisten the patty mixture.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic depth to the tuna patties.
• Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Bright herbs that introduce fresh green notes and visual appeal to the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil for pan-frying, providing a golden crisp exterior and rich taste to the patties.

Frying Up Tuna Patties to Golden Brown

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Set oven to warm setting at 170°F to keep patties hot after cooking.

Step 2: Crumble Tuna

Open tuna can and drain liquid completely. Break tuna into small pieces using a fork in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Flavor Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Beaten eggs
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley

Mix ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Pour olive oil into large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Step 5: Shape Tuna Mixture

Use 4-tablespoon measuring cup or scoop to form tuna mixture into patty mounds in heated skillet.

Step 6: Flatten Patties

Gently press down on each patty using back of fork to create even thickness.

Step 7: Cook Golden Patties

Fry patties until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes per side.

Step 8: Keep Warm

Transfer first batch of cooked patties to warm oven while preparing second batch.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Remove patties from oven and plate hot for immediate enjoyment.

Tricks to Keep Patties from Falling Apart

• Drain Thoroughly: Press tuna with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and well-formed patties.
• Gentle Mixing: Fold ingredients softly to keep the tuna texture light and prevent dense, tough patties.
• Even Sizing: Use a uniform scoop or measuring cup to create consistently sized patties for even cooking.
• Low and Slow: Maintain medium heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the exterior.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Chop parsley finely and use fresh instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Tuna Patties with Care

• Refrigerate: Place cooled tuna patties in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread patties on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Skillet Method: Gently warm patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, maintaining their crispy exterior.

Top Pairings for a Tuna Patty Meal

• Crisp Citrus Companion: Pair these golden tuna patties with a zesty lemon-infused white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The bright, acidic notes will cut through the rich, savory flavor of the patties and cleanse your palate between bites.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The peppery greens and sharp dressing complement the mild tuna, creating a balanced and refreshing meal.
• Crunchy Vegetable Craze: Add roasted asparagus or crispy green beans as a side dish. These vegetables provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft, golden tuna patties and add a burst of nutritional value.
• Cool Cucumber Refresh: Top the patties with a dollop of tzatziki sauce or a simple cucumber-dill yogurt spread. This cool, creamy condiment enhances the Mediterranean-inspired flavors and adds a refreshing element to the dish.

Flavor Add-Ins for Your Tuna Mix

• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap parsley with fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese, then add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Mix in diced jalapeños, cumin, and replace Dijon mustard with chipotle sauce for a zesty kick that brings bold southwestern heat.
• Herbed Coastal Crunch: Incorporate chopped green onions, fresh chives, and replace plain breadcrumbs with panko for extra crispiness and enhanced herbal notes.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Add minced ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then top with a quick sriracha mayo for a tangy, east-meets-west experience.

Why These Tuna Patties Are So Popular

• Crisp and Golden Perfection: These tuna patties develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch while keeping the inside tender and moist.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: With just 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time, these patties are perfect for busy families needing a fast, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Protein-Packed Simplicity: Made with basic pantry ingredients like canned tuna, eggs, and common seasonings, these patties offer an easy protein-rich option that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum taste.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Enjoy these patties as a main course, sandwich filling, or atop a fresh salad, making them adaptable for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep situations.

Golden Tuna Patties Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Golden tuna patties blend Mediterranean flavors with crispy texture, offering a quick protein-packed meal. Pantry staples like canned tuna, herbs, and breadcrumbs create a delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 (5-ounces/142 grams) cans skipjack tuna in water
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro)

Cooking Fat:

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain canned tuna, ensuring minimal moisture remains, then delicately break into fine, even flakes using a fork in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, aromatic minced garlic, whisked eggs, fragrant herbs, and seasoning into the tuna, blending ingredients until harmoniously combined.
3. Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a broad nonstick skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking surface.
4. Craft uniform tuna mixture into precise patty shapes using a consistent measuring tool, carefully depositing each portion into the heated pan.
5. Gently press each mound with a fork, transforming them into elegant, flattened discs that will develop a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Allow patties to sizzle and caramelize, monitoring closely and cooking approximately 3 minutes per side until achieving a rich, bronzed appearance.
7. Maintain freshly cooked patties at a low temperature in a preheated oven, preserving their warmth and texture while completing subsequent batches.
8. Plate the golden tuna patties immediately, ensuring optimal temperature and crispness for an appealing culinary presentation.

Notes

• Craving a quick seafood fix? These golden tuna patties deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.
• Flaking the tuna thoroughly ensures a smooth, cohesive texture that prevents crumbly patties during cooking.
• Cooking on medium heat creates a perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, moist interior that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg