Crispy 20-Minute Tuna Patties That Will Am

Question 1

Can I bake the tuna patties instead of frying?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Baking is perfect when you want a lighter option. Just pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won't get quite as crispy as pan-fried, but spraying them lightly with oil first helps. My husband actually prefers them this way now!

Question 2

Help! My tuna cakes keep falling apart - what am I doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry - this happens to everyone at first! The key is making sure your mixture isn't too wet. If it feels sticky, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping helps too. And when flipping, use a wide spatula and be gentle - wait until you see golden edges before you try to move them (I learned this the hard way!).

Question 3

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for this recipe?

Accepted Answer

While these tuna patties were designed for canned tuna (it's more budget-friendly and convenient), you can totally use fresh! Just cook and flake about 10 oz of fresh tuna first. Fair warning though - you might need to adjust the breadcrumbs since fresh tuna has more moisture. Start with 1/4 cup and add more until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Question 4

What's the best way to reheat leftover tuna patties?

Accepted Answer

For that just-made crispiness, skip the microwave! I use my toaster oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes per side. If you're reheating from frozen, no need to thaw - just add a few extra minutes. They come out almost as good as fresh, which makes them perfect for meal prep Sundays!

Question 5

Are these tuna patties good for meal planning?

Accepted Answer

You bet they are! These might just be the stars of my meal planning routine. They hold up beautifully in the fridge for 3 days, and they're one of those rare foods that actually reheat well. I often double the batch to have quick protein ready for lunches - they're fantastic on salads, in wraps, or just eaten cold straight from the container (no judgment here!).

Easy Tuna Patties

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition