Baked Tuna Patties

Tuna patties are an easy and budget-friendly recipe that is filled with flavor. Baked instead of fried, this recipe for Tuna Cakes is every bit as delicious and crispy as the classic–just a whole lot lighter. 

Canned tuna fish is one of the most affordable pantry staples to keep on hand for a source of lean protein and a base for fast, economical meals.

I love to dress up tuna in recipes like Avocado Tuna Salad and these Baked Tuna Cakes.

This a really basic recipe that is made with classic flavors. From a little bit of mayonnaise for creaminess and lemon juice and zest for acidity, these Tuna Patties are a classic recipe.

The only difference here is that this recipe for tuna patties is BAKED, not fried. Which results in a lighter, healthier version. But don’t worry these tuna patties still get ridiculously crispy.

Notes on Ingredients

You probably already have all the ingredients on hand for these Easy Tuna Cakes.

• Tuna: Use canned tuna or tuna in a pouch that has been packed in water, not oil.
• Lemons: Be sure to use FRESH lemons and zest your lemon before juicing. You will only need 1 lemon for the patties, but it is best to serve the tuna cakes with additional wedges of fresh lemon.
• Seasoned Salt: If you don’t have homemade seasoned salt on hand, replace it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
• Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to the tuna cakes. Feel free to replace with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are best for this recipe. They keep the tuna patties light and crisp up beautifully. Feel free to use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

How to Make Tuna Patties

• Mix together eggs, panko bread crumbs, green onions, seasoned salt, and the zest and juice of the lemon together.
• Add tuna to the mixture and stir to just combine.

• Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, form tuna cake mixture into a patty–sort of like a tuna burger. Each patty should be made with about 1/3 cup and be even in size.

• Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully flip and bake for another 10 minutes or until browned and crispy.
• Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce if desired.

Step Five: Make Avocado Cream

• While these Healthy Baked Spicy Tuna Cakes are baking, make the avocado cream.
• In a blender, mix together cilantro, lime juice, avocado and salt until smooth.

Step Six: Serve Tuna Patties

• Serve each tuna cake with a wedge of lime and avocado cream.

More Delicious Seafood Recipes

• Easy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Easy Skillet Tilapia Veracruz
• Chili Lime Pan Seared Tilapia 
• Salmon Patties from Self-Proclaimed Foodie

Easy Tuna Patties

Baked until cripsy these tuna cakes are much lighter than fried tuna patties but every bit as delicious.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 59kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• 10 ounces flaked tuna drained, well
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup minced green onions
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise defrosted
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 lemon zest and juice

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Mix together eggs, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, seasoned salt, and the juice and zest of the lemon together.
• Add in tuna and mix gently until just combined.
• Form into 8 patties--about 1/3 cup each with your hands or ice cream scoop. 
• Place on Baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake another 10 minutes.
• Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Parchment Paper

Notes

If your tuna burgers start falling apart around the edges, add up to 1/4 cup more binder at little at a time before reshaping.

In place of seasoned salt, add in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. 

 

Nutrition Facts

Easy Tuna Patties

Amount Per Serving

Calories 59 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 658mg29%

Potassium 62mg2%

Carbohydrates 7g2%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 245IU5%

Vitamin C 0.7mg1%

Calcium 22mg2%

Iron 0.7mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!