FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Tuna Patties Recipe Is Crispy, Cheesy, And Oh-So-Easy
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Tuna Patties
• My Recipe Tips
• Tuna Patties Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• More Easy Tuna Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Tuna Patties Recipe Is Crispy, Cheesy, And Oh-So-Easy

When I need a quick, budget-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor, these tuna patties save the day. I particularly love them in the summer when I want a lighter meal, but here’s why they’re definitely worth making year round:

• Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – You’re going to love the texture! The outside is crisp and golden, while the inside is nice and tender.
• Healthy ingredients – You won’t find any flour or breadcrumbs in my tuna patty recipe! I use parmesan cheese as binder instead, which I actually think is more delicious and gets extra crispy. Plus, these are gluten-free and packed with protein.
• Easy and budget friendly – Tuna patties are perfect for stretching your grocery budget, and you can get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes on your busiest weeknights. A money saver and a time saver!
• Versatile – I serve these for family dinners , quick lunches , and meal prep.

Just think of my tuna patty recipe as a combination of tuna salad and salmon patties , ready to enjoy anytime. Whip up a batch with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my tuna patties recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Canned Tuna – I recommend using a mix of solid white albacore and chunk light tuna (and I like these brands because they are wild-caught). The solid white albacore adds firmness, while the chunk light tuna brings the flaky, juicy texture. You’ll need 3 cans of tuna, so you can pick which type you want more of. Don’t forget to drain them!
• Eggs – These hold the tuna and other ingredients together into a patty. I haven’t tested egg substitutes here, but let me know how it goes if you try one.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – I use this as a binder instead of breadcrumbs. It’s nutty and savory, and crisps up beautifully. Don’t use shredded cheese, as it won’t hold together well.
• Mayonnaise – I usually have my homemade avocado oil mayonnaise on hand, but you can also use store-bought mayo (I like this natural brand without seed oils) or Greek yogurt instead.
• Dijon Mustard – For flavor. You can swap in spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard if you prefer.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh herby flavor to the tuna cakes. Feel free to use other fresh herbs, like thyme, dill, or chives. If you must use dried herbs, cut it back to 1 teaspoon.
• Lemon Zest – I use this instead of lemon juice to avoid watering down the mixture. You’ll need 2-3 fresh lemons, or more if you want to serve with lemon wedges (highly recommend!).
• Spices – Garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices, like paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Olive Oil – For frying the tuna patties. Avocado oil works, too.

How To Make Tuna Patties

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Flake the tuna. Drain the cans well, then flake with a fork in a large bowl.
2. Combine the ingredients. Add the whisked eggs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
3. Form the patties. Divide the tuna mixture into 8 portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. With this thickness, mine came out to roughly 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
4. Fry them up. In a large skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the tuna patties on both sides, until golden brown and crispy.

My Recipe Tips

• Mix the ingredients gently. You want them incorporated well, but don’t want the mixture to be complete mush. I use a folding motion to keep some distinct tuna pieces in there.
• The patties will be a bit wet and fragile when forming. This is how they should be! Once they are cooked, they hold their shape and are a lot firmer.
• Adjust the temperature if needed. The amount of time to cook the fried tuna patties will vary depending on their thickness and the pan you use. I aim for 1/2 inch thickness (2.5 to 3 inches in diameter), and I like a cast iron skillet for nice browning (but make sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking). Lower the heat if they brown too much before they feel firm.
• Don’t flip the patties too soon. They will stick and fall apart if you do. Let them cook undisturbed until they have a nice golden brown crust on the bottom.
• Avoid crowding the pan. If your pan isn’t very big, you may need to fry the patties in 2 batches to ensure they cook evenly and make them easier to flip.
• Want to bake or air fry these tuna patties? You can, but they don’t get crispy at all in the oven and only a little in the air fryer. I recommend 10-15 minutes in the oven or 5-8 minutes in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 3 5-oz cans Tuna (drained; I recommend a combination of solid white albacore and chunk light) ▢
• 2 large Eggs (whisked) ▢
• 1/3 cup Grated parmesan cheese ▢
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley ▢
• 1 tbsp Lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons) ▢
• 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (or just a pinch if your tuna has a lot of salt) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Add the tuna to a large bowl and flake with a fork.
2. Add the whisked eggs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and form into patties (approximately 1/4 cup mixture each, mine were 64 grams each). Make them 1/2 inch thick, which turns out to be about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
4. In a large skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the tuna patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Reduce the heat if you find they are browning too fast. If they don’t all fit in the pan easily, cook them in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tuna patties

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in your tuna patties, flip them easily, alternatives for the oven or air fryer, and more.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to crumble them over a fresh Mediterranean salad for a protein boost.
• Meal prep: You can form the patties 1-2 days in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook. I keep them in a glass container with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
• Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the tuna patties in a skillet with a little oil, until they’re crispy again.
• Freeze: After cooling, freeze the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a zip lock bag or container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Tuna Patties

Serving Ideas

All you need for these tuna cakes is a simple side dish ! Here are some of the ways I serve them:

• Sauces – I love these tuna patties with my spicy mayo , pictured above. They also go well with tzatziki sauce , hot sauce, tahini sauce , or tartar sauce .
• Sandwich Or Wrap – For a quick lunch, I like to wrap them in lettuce with one of the sauces above. You can also layer them inside your favorite bread with lettuce and tomatoes.
• Salads – Since these are such a wonderful light summer meal, I usually always pair them with one of my healthy salad recipes . My fresh Greek salad pairs nicely. You can also serve them on top of my arugula salad .
• Veggies – Not in the mood for salad? Whip up a side of roasted vegetables , like my balsamic glazed brussels sprouts or roasted asparagus , or for something more hearty, herb-roasted potatoes .

More Easy Tuna Recipes

Although salmon is usually my go-to fish, I can’t resist the simplicity and affordability of tuna. Try my other tuna recipes for more quick and easy meals:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Tuna Patties

My tuna patties recipe is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and so easy to make. It’s a quick, tasty, and affordable lunch or dinner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/tuna-patties/

Ingredients

• 3 5-oz cans Tuna (drained; I recommend a combination of solid white albacore and chunk light)
• 2 large Eggs (whisked)
• 1/3 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp Lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (or just a pinch if your tuna has a lot of salt)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

1. Add the tuna to a large bowl and flake with a fork.
2. Add the whisked eggs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and form into patties (approximately 1/4 cup mixture each, mine were 64 grams each). Make them 1/2 inch thick, which turns out to be about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
4. In a large skillet , heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the tuna patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Reduce the heat if you find they are browning too fast. If they don’t all fit in the pan easily, cook them in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 tuna patties

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right texture in your tuna patties, flip them easily, alternatives for the oven or air fryer, and more.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to crumble them over a fresh Mediterranean salad for a protein boost.
• Meal prep: You can form the patties 1-2 days in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook. I keep them in a glass container with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
• Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the tuna patties in a skillet with a little oil, until they’re crispy again.
• Freeze: After cooling, freeze the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a zip lock bag or container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)