Tuna Patties are one of my family’s favorite dinners. Crispy on the outside and tender the inside, it’s a healthy meal in less than 30 minutes!
When you’ve had a busy day and don’t know what to make for dinner, I highly recommend these Lemon Dill Tuna Patties. They’ve become a staple in our house, and with good reason. It’s a healthy dinner on auto-pilot.
And it’s my way of getting some healthy fish into my kids without complaint. They love tuna salad and we make it often. But let’s face it, it’s not the most exciting meal in the world.
A few weeks ago, as I pulled out a few cans of tuna from the cupboard, I nearly put myself to sleep. The thought of just mashing up some tuna with some mayo and a sprinkle of salt and pepper bored me to tears. I needed to do something different with that flaky fish, just to shake things up a bit.
Enter these delicious tuna cakes. Or tuna burgers. Or tuna patties. Whatever you want to call them, they made our dinner more interesting and enjoyable.
Be sure to check out my recipe for Keto Crab Cakes too!
You will love this healthy recipe
We all need a few easy recipes in our repertoire that please the whole family. That’s no easy task for any of us with multiple children.
This tuna patties recipe checks all the boxes for my people. It’s ready in less than half an hour, it has wonderful flavor, and it’s incredibly healthy. With 23g of protein and only 2g of carbs per serving, I know I am getting good nutrition into all of us.
And it’s an incredibly versatile recipe too. Want to change up the flavors? Try adding some Tex Mex spices and cheddar cheese. You can cook them in a pan or in the air fryer. And you can make them a day or two in advance.
Ingredients you need
- Canned tuna: We get big packs of Wild Planet sustainable tuna at Costco, which we keep on hand at all times for easy meals.
- Almond flour: This acts gives the tuna patties some structure.
- Green onion: Fresh green onion adds flavor and color.
- Dill: I recommend fresh dill but if you only have dried, try 1 teaspoon.
- Lemon: This recipe uses both the zest of the lemon as well as some juice.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo adds moisture and a bit of tanginess.
- Eggs: Egg helps bind the tuna patties together.
- Pantry staples: Salt, pepper, cooking oil.
Step by Step Directions
1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except the avocado oil until well combined.
2. Form patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each into patties about ¾ inch thick.
3. Cook one side: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of tuna patties and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Flip the patties: Carefully flip over and cook the other side another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat with the remaining oil and patties.
5. Add toppings: Top with mayo, lemon, and capers, if desired.
Expert Tips
Make sure to drain the tuna very well. If the tuna patties have too much liquid, they will be more prone to falling apart.
A little almond flour helps give them more structure. If you need to be nut-free, try using some sunflower seed flour.
Form them firmly by hand into nice even patties about ¾ inch thick. They shouldn’t be more than 3 to 4 inches in diameter. They are easier to flip when they aren’t too big.
I recommend a good non-stick skillet for this recipe. Flip the tuna patties carefully by wiggling your spatula underneath. Once they are cooked well on one side, they hold together nicely.
Don’t need 8 tuna cakes? You can easily make a half batch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Use both a little filler such as almond flour, as well as eggs, to bind the tuna patties together. Also be sure to keep them on the small side for easier flipping. You can wiggle a spatula underneath each patty and then carefully flip over.
These low carb Tuna Patties use almond flour and have only 2g carbs per serving.
Store the patties in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for several months.
More healthy low carb fish recipes
Tuna Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 5-ounce cans tuna drained
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 medium green onions, chopped white and light green parts only
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except the avocado oil until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Form each into patties about ¾ inch thick and place on a waxed paper lined tray.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of tuna patties and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Carefully flip over and cook the other side another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat with the remaining oil and patties.
- Top with mayo, lemon, and capers, if desired.
Phillip Brunet says
Could this be made with Garbanzo bean flour instead?
Carolyn says
I have no idea, I’ve never used it.
Crystal says
This recipe is amazing!! I used 2 cans of salmon instead of tuna…I squeezed it out by hand to get as much liquid out as possible. I did add 1/4 tsp of cayenne because we like a little kick. The 1/3 cup measuring cup makes a perfect scoop for the mixture and makes the perfect size patty. This one is a keeper!!
Carolyn says
Sounds wonderful!
Kay Lynn says
Do you think this would work with canned salmon? I miss salmon patties.
Carolyn says
sure it would!
Karen says
YIPPEE!!!
Danielle says
These were excellent. I added a little butter to the pan when frying to help them brown and i’m so happy I did. Delish! I’ll definitely make them again. Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Jenna says
The taste is great..but mine keep falling apart should I add more flour 🙁
Carolyn says
No, flour is going to make it more likely to fall apart. Perhaps another egg white?
Mollybud says
Micro for 30 seconds defore browning.This will hold them together.
Muniza says
Just made these , they’re amazing!!! Thanks for the recipe
Diane says
Just a quick question, so the 1/4 cup of Mayo goes into the mix or is it to put on the top of the patty after it’s cooked?
Thank you.
Carolyn says
It goes in the mix.
Sally says
I think I figured out my mistake. It’s 4 cans of tuna not 1 right? Luckily still turned out good.
Carolyn says
Yes, it’s 4 cans.
Sally says
Just made these. SO delicious! Definitely a keeper. One question, what should the texture be of the mix? I found mine sticky and a little challenging to hand form the patties although they still turned out delicious 🙂
Robin Mermaid says
Made these tonight with the Wild Planet tuna, which we always purchase. Delicious! Thank you!
Brooke says
do you think we can use coconut flour? we just ran out of almond flour!
Carolyn says
Probably but only use about 1/3 the amount.
Linda says
I made these last night for dinner. EASY and DELISH!!! Topped with garlic aoili, capers and lemon.
L says
Coukd these be made ahead and frozen?
Carolyn says
I would think so. Be sure to thaw fully before cooking.
Michele says
I made these twice this week – so good! Thanks!!
Jessica Burgess says
Yaaay! I’m so glad I’ve found this recipe. I LOVE tuna patties!
Alli says
These sound seriously so good, we cant get enough tuna around here. Must make!
Redsnapperuk says
Yeah these bad boys are so on my radar!!!! Lemon, dill and tuna….what’s not to love!
Emily Hill says
I bet my husband would love these tuna cakes!
Nancy says
How many ounces of tuna? I would like to use larger cans…
Carolyn says
I used the 5 ounce cans. Some of that is water weight but I think it comes to about 4 ounces actual tuna per can.
Pdxgirl says
Could this recipe be used for crab cakes, just subbing the tuna for real crab?
Carolyn says
I would think so, yes. Make sure it’s well drained!