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These Easy Tuna Patties are one of those back-pocket recipes I turn to whenever I need something quick, inexpensive, and satisfying.
Made with canned tuna and a handful of pantry staples, they come together in minutes and are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or budget-friendly meals. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a delicious way to turn a simple can of tuna into something that feels a little special.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Keep it simple with scallions, parsley, and black pepper, or customize the seasonings based on what you have on hand.
If you’re looking for an easy tuna patty recipe that’s high in protein, affordable, and family-friendly, this one is hard to beat.
Why You’ll Love These Tuna Patties
- Made with pantry staples
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly
- High in protein
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for using canned tuna
- Family friendly
Easy Tuna Patties Ingredients
- Canned Water-Packed Tuna, drained well and flaked/broken up: – a lean, high-protein ingredient that’s economical and easy to keep on hand. Water-packed tuna has fewer calories and fat than oil-packed, making it a great choice for WeightWatchers-friendly meals. Draining and flaking the tuna helps it blend smoothly into the patties.
- Large Egg – acts as a binder, holding the patties together while adding a bit of richness. It also provides a small protein boost.
- Seasoned Dry Bread Crumbs – add structure to the patties, helping them hold their shape, while also bringing a bit of crunch and flavor. Using seasoned crumbs adds flavor without the need for extra seasoning, but plain bread crumbs can work with additional herbs and spices.
- Scallions, thinly sliced – bring a mild onion flavor and a fresh pop of color. Their subtle flavor complements the tuna without overpowering it.
- Minced Parsley – adds freshness, color, and a mild herbaceous taste. It’s a simple way to boost flavor while keeping the patties light.
- Ground Black Pepper – adds a gentle kick, enhancing the other flavors. Adjust it to taste to keep the spice level comfortable.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving (1 tuna patty) has just 142 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into the WW APP on a smartphone or tablet.)
3 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Tuna Patties
Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients.
Step 2: Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Form into 4 patties of equal size.
Step 4: Cook in a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) until golden brown on both sides.
Recipe Notes
These tuna patties are intentionally simple, which makes them incredibly versatile.
Some of my favorite additions include:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
- Chopped celery
- Water chestnuts
- Hot sauce
- Lemon zest
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
The key to keeping tuna patties from falling apart is making sure the mixture is pressed together firmly when shaping the patties.
I like to form the mixture into a ball first and then gently flatten it into a patty. Letting the first side fully brown before flipping also helps hold everything together.
What to Serve with Tuna Patties
We love these with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a little cocktail sauce.
They also pair well with:
- Tartar sauce
- Salsa
- Ranch dressing
- Ketchup
- Remoulade sauce
For side dishes, try:
- Green salad
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Oven fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed spinach
- Fresh fruit
You can also serve them on toasted buns or English muffins as tuna burgers.
toasted english muffins.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover tuna patties keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Try them:
- Crumbled over a salad
- In a sandwich or wrap
- On top of rice bowls
- Alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast
- Served cold with crackers and sliced vegetables
They’re surprisingly good straight from the refrigerator.
If you’ve made this simple tuna patties recipe, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Tuna Patties Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces canned water packed tuna, drained well and flaked/broken up
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, egg, bread crumbs, scallions, parsley and pepper until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Spray a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes each side.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 3 *PointsPlus (Old plan) These tuna patties are intentionally simple, which makes them incredibly versatile. Some of my favorite additions include:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
- Chopped celery
- Water chestnuts
- Hot sauce
- Lemon zest
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: Weight Watchers Simply the Best: 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes (affiliate link)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes. Canned salmon works beautifully and can be substituted one-for-one.
Can I make tuna patties ahead?
Absolutely. Form the patties and refrigerate them for several hours before cooking.
Can I freeze tuna patties?
Yes. Cooked patties freeze well for up to 3 months.
Why are my tuna patties falling apart?
Usually the mixture needs to be packed together more firmly, or the patties are being flipped before they’ve browned enough on the first side.
Are tuna patties gluten-free?
They can be. Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
More Easy Tuna & Seafood Recipes
If you enjoy these tuna patties, you may also like some of these simple, budget-friendly seafood favorites:
- Easy Salmon Patties – A similar pantry-style recipe made with canned salmon, simple seasonings, and very little prep.
- Tuna Cheddar Chowder – A creamy, comforting soup that combines tuna and cheese in an easy stovetop chowder.
- Low Calorie Cheesy Tuna Casserole for One – A lighter, single-serving casserole that’s perfect when you’re cooking just for yourself.
- English Muffin Tuna Melt – A quick, open-faced tuna melt that works well for lunch or an easy supper.
My tuna cakes fell apart too until a friend said I needed to add mayonnaise. Instead, I use a bit of plain Greek yogurt & a dollop of Dijon mustard. Works like a charm.
Thanks for the suggestion! ~Martha
These were delicious thank you for the recipe ! I made them for my toddler but he fell asleep so I had them for dinner haha will be making them again for lunch.
My Pattie’s were pretty wet and falling apart so I added more breadcrumbs and coated them in flour before frying.
Can I add things to it, like cheese, if I am not worried about calories? What kind do you recommend?
Hi Cathy,
Sure you can add whatever you like, including cheese. I like cheddar, feta and Parmesan. But of
course the choice is up to you and the flavors you like. ~Martha
How many servings is this 4 pattiesrecipe?
It makes 4 servings. 1 Patty per serving.
The patties were tasty but mine fell apart! I rolled in a ball and pressed flat but still had “hash”. I’ll try again tho’ and maybe have better luck!
Hi Jan, I don’t know why that would happen! Maybe your tuna was drier than mine. If you are having trouble forming them into patties, I would add a little more moisture, maybe water or a little more egg. ~Martha