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. 

I love to serve these Tuna Cakes an appetizer, a hearty lunch, or a light dinner. They are delicious served alone, but my husband loves topping them with a generous scoop of Tartar Sauce.

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 ½ teaspoon salt and ½ 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 ⅓ 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, hot sauce, and Homemade Tartar Sauce if desired.

More Delicious Seafood Recipes

• Easy Fish Tacos
• Easy Skillet Tilapia Veracruz
• Chili Lime Pan Seared Tilapia 
• Homemade Fish Sticks
• 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
• ▢ ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ ¼ cup minced green onions
• ▢ 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ▢ 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ▢ 1 lemon zest and juice

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Mix together eggs, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, seasoned salt, mayonnaise, and the juice and zest of the lemon together.
• Add in tuna and mix gently until just combined.
• Form into 8 patties--about ⅓ 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 ¼ cup more binder at little at a time before reshaping.

In place of seasoned salt, add in ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon paprika. 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 62mg | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.7mg

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