These crispy fried tuna patties have been a huge hit in my family my entire life. Modifying my mother's recipe, I bring you these easy tuna patties that are not only easy to make but wonderfully frugal.
Recipe: $3.51 | Per Serving: $0.44 | Yields: 8 patties
This recipe for tuna patties is based on my mother's, with minor adjustments made by me, such as adding seasonings and measuring ingredients. We grew up eating them plain with just flour, egg, and tuna, eyeballing the mixture to ensure it looked right.
Tuna patties with boxed mac and cheese were our family's "poor meal," our go-to frugal option for a tasty and filling dinner. It's a dish I continue to make for its comforting qualities.
My husband has also become a fan of these crispy tuna patties, so I often make large batches to satisfy everyone's cravings.
Each crispy shell encases a soft and tender tuna patty that isn't overly fishy, offering a delightful blend of flavors, crunch, and tenderness in every bite.
For more tuna recipes, check out my Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole, Air Fryer Tuna Melt, and Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole.
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🍯 Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients. We just need some tuna, flour, egg, and seasonings to bring this dish together. This is a great way to Meal Plan on a Tight Budget because we use Frugal Pantry Staples.
- Frugal. Canned tuna is a very cheap protein which makes this dish one of the most affordable recipes I can think of. Serve yours up with some mac and cheese and have yourself a cheap dinner that everyone can enjoy.
- A different way to use up canned tuna. If you're like me, you often find yourself with more canned food than you know what to do with and plain tuna sandwiches can get a bit boring, so having unique ways to use it up is always nice.
🥘 Ingredients
Ingredient Notes:
Canned tuna- You will need some canned tuna for this recipe. I prefer the ones canned in water. I have not tested this recipe with tuna that is canned in oil. Make sure to save a can for this Spicy Tuna Sandwich.
Eggs- These are the binding agents in the recipe so that the patties stay formed and together.
Flour- For thickening the tuna mixture into a paste that holds it shape well, use some all purpose flour.
For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🔪 Instructions for Crispy Fried Tuna Patties
Step 1: Heat a pan with about 1-3 inches of oil until it's hot enough for frying.
Step 2: Drain your canned tuna and add it to a small mixing bowl. Add in your eggs.
Step 3: Mix until well combined and no egg white streaks remain.
Step 4: Add in the flour, salt, pepper and onion powder.
Step 5: Mix until no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan and use the backside of two forks to gently press down on the patties. You should be able to fit about 3 or 4 per pan. Leave room for them to spread.
Step 7: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat until all patties have been cooked.
Serve warm.
Enjoy!
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Family Tradition- This fried canned tuna recipe has been a staple in our family for generations, with each member having their preferred way of enjoying it. From spicy mustard and dill pickle slices to a simple sprinkle of sea salt flakes, there's a variation to suit every palate.
- Forgiving Recipe- One of the best things about these tuna patties is their forgiving nature. Don't worry if you add a little too much flour or egg; it won't ruin the dish. Aim for a thick white paste-like consistency in the mixture, as this helps it stick together better during cooking.
- Shaping Technique- To ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, press down on the tops of the patties with two forks before frying. This technique helps flatten them out and gives them a unique shape, enhancing their appearance and taste.
💭 Recipe FAQs
If you didn't give your patties a good flour to egg ratio then the paste that holds them together will not work. You want the blend to be somewhat whiter in color and to be able to form a ball without breaking.
We always enjoy ours with a side of macaroni and cheese but other options can include turning them into a simple burger pattie or serving them alongside a salad. Even eating them alone can be a tasty snack.
Yes, the egg along with the flour works as a binder to hold the tuna chunks together and form a nicer patty (one that won't fall apart).
❤️ More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
If you tried this Crispy Fried Tuna Patties, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Crispy Fried Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- oil for frying (vegetable oil works great)
- 3 cans (5oz) tuna in water, drained ($2.88)
- 3 large eggs ($0.45)
- ½ cup all purpose flour ($0.07)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder ($0.08)
- ½ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ($0.02)
Instructions
- Heat a large pan of oil until it's hot enough for frying. You want about 1-3 inches of depth.
- In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients until well mixed.
- Scoop the mixture into ¼ cup sized scoops and carefully drop about 3 or 4 into your pan. Make sure they have room to grow.
- Using the backside of two forks and press down gently onto each patty to flatten them out into a disc of uniform thickness- or close to it.
- Fry until crisp on the bottom and edges, flip and repeat until other side is golden and crisp as well.
- Remove fried tuna patties and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain grease.
- Repeat until all patties have been made. Makes about 8 patties.
- Serve warm.
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