These crispy fried tuna patties have been a huge hit in my family my entire life. Modifying my own mother’s recipe I bring you these easy tuna patties that are not only easy to make but wonderfully frugal.
Easy Tuna Patties
This recipe for tuna patties is based on my own mother’s recipe. The only changes I’ve personally made to it was adding in the seasonings and measuring the ingredients out. We grew up eating them plain with just flour, egg, and tuna. The mixture was always eye-balled to see if it looked right.
We would eat fried tuna patties and boxed mac and cheese as our family’s “poor meal.” It was our go-to frugal meal for when we couldn’t afford much but wanted something tasty and filling. It’s also a dish that I continue to make because it’s comfoting.
I’ve always gotten my husband hooked on them so now when I do make them, I have to make large batches so everyone can get their fill.
Inside every crispy shell is a soft and tender tuna patties that aren’t overly fishy. It’s a combination of flavor, crunch, and softness in every bite that has you going back for more.
Crispy tuna patties ingredients
- Canned tuna
- Eggs
- Flour
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil for frying
What you’ll need to make this recipe
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- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Tongs
- Frying pan
Tips for making simple tuna patties
We’ve grown up eating these so you can imagine how many different ways they were made, eaten, or presented over the years.
My mother loves hers with spicy mustard and dill pickle slices over the top. I like mine with a sprinkling of sea salt flakes. My kids like theirs plain as-is (but made mini-sized).
The best thing about this recipe is that it is very forgiving. If you add in a little too much flour or egg it’s not the end of the world. Getting the ratio right can be a little tricky at first but you want it to be sort of like a thick white paste.
The more the mixture can “stick” together, the more it’s going to hold the shape in the pan.
You’ll also need to press down on the tops of the patties with two forks, much like you would with a peanut butter cookie before baking. It’s a good way to flatten it out for even baking, and it gives it a unique shape that will crisp up nicely.
FAQ’s about fried canned tuna
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 alongside a salad. Even eating them alone can be a tasty snack.
How to make tuna patties
Heat a pan with about 1-3 inches of oil until it’s hot enough for frying.
Combine all of the ingredients for the tuna patties in a bowl until well mixed.
Scoop 1/4 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.
Cook until golden and then flip and repeat to the other side.
Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat until all patties have been cooked.
Serve warm.
More great recipes to try
- Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos
- Browned Butter Garlic and Thyme Purple Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Orange Fluff Salad
- Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese
- Honey Lime Baked Mahi Mahi
- Chicken Cream Cheese Crescent Bombs
Crispy Fried Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 3 cans (5oz) Tuna in water, drained
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (canola works great)
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 1/4 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.
Nutrition
