Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Tuna Melt Patties transform budget-friendly canned tuna into a delightful hand-held meal, perfect for quick lunches or family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4patties
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2cans (5 oz each)tuna, drained
½cupbreadcrumbsUse panko for extra crispness
¼cupmayonnaiseOr Greek yogurt as a lighter swap
1largeegg
1teaspoonDijon mustard
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
½cupshredded cheddar cheeseOr Swiss
2tablespoonsgreen onions, chopped
1tablespoonbutterFor cooking; or oil if you prefer
Instructions
Preparation
In a large bowl, flake and drain the tuna well. Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
Fold in shredded cheese and green onions. Divide the mix and form 4–5 patties, pressing gently so they hold. If the mixture feels loose, chill 10–15 minutes.
Cooking
Heat 1 tablespoon butter (or ½ butter + ½ oil for a higher smoke point) over medium heat.
Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, avoiding flipping too often to preserve the crust.
Optional: For extra melt, top each patty with a slice of cheese and place under the broiler for 30–60 seconds until bubbly.
Serving
Slide patties onto toasted bread, English muffins, or plate them beside a fresh salad.
Notes
For low-carb, replace breadcrumbs with ¼ cup almond flour and 2 Tbsp crushed pork rinds. If you want a brighter tang, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.