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These easy tuna patties are one of those back-pocket recipes I turn to when I want something quick, inexpensive, and satisfying. Made with canned tuna and a handful of pantry staples, they come together in minutes and work well for a busy weeknight dinner or an easy lunch.
(If you like simple, pantry-based seafood recipes like this, you may also enjoy my English Muffin Tuna Melt, another quick and budget-friendly way to turn canned tuna into an easy meal.)
The recipe is intentionally simple, which makes it easy to adapt. You can keep it classic with just salt, pepper, scallions, and parsley, or change up the seasonings depending on what you’re in the mood for. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t require much planning.
How Many Calories and WW Points in these Low Carb Tuna Patties?
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)
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 to Make Tuna Patties, Step-by-Step
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.
Additions, Variations and Cooking Notes
Additional seasonings: Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, dill, chopped celery, chopped water chestnuts, hot sauce, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic or granulated garlic would all be good.
How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart?
To help keep your tuna patties from falling apart while cooking, be sure to squish them together well, especially at the edges. I start by rolling and pressing them into a ball and then slowly flattening them out. Also when cooking your patties be sure to let them fully brown on one side before flipping them.
Serving Suggestions
We love ours with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and cocktail sauce. They are also great with ketchup, salsa, ranch dressing or tartar sauce.
A great big salad would make for a satisfying accompaniment, especially during warm weather.
The last time I made these I served sauteed spinach alongside. Any of the following would also be great side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Oven-fries
- Potato salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Carrot Apple Slaw
- Steamed or oven roasted vegetables: broccoli, zucchini, peas
You can also turn these tuna patties into burgers by placing them on your favorite bun or toasted english muffins.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover tuna patties will keep well for several days refrigerated and can be reheated in the oven or microwave (affiliate link). They are also surprisingly good when eaten cold, straight out of the fridge.
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.
WeightWatchers 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) Additional seasonings: Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, dill, chopped celery, chopped water chestnuts, hot sauce, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic or granulated garlic would all be good.
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)
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