These tuna burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, these patties are packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. Make sure you have breadcrumbs and mayonnaise on hand, as these are essential for binding and flavoring the patties. Garlic powder and lemon juice add a nice zest, so don't skip these if you want the full flavor experience.

Ingredients For Tuna Burgers Recipe
Tuna: Drained canned tuna is the base of these burgers, providing a rich source of protein and a savory flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties together and add a bit of texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the patties.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other flavors.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Tuna Burgers
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly but gently to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to help bind the ingredients. Conversely, if the mixture is too wet, incorporate a bit more breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture for your tuna burgers.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
2 cans drained tuna - Substitute with canned salmon: Provides a similar texture and flavor profile, while offering a different type of fish.
1 cup breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Adds a similar binding and texture, with a slightly different flavor.
1 large beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water; this is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
¼ cup finely chopped onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the other ingredients.
2 tablespoon mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Provides a similar creamy texture with less fat and added protein.
1 teaspoon lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Offers a similar acidic component with a slightly different citrus flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Adds a more robust garlic flavor and aroma.
¼ teaspoon black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Provides a similar heat and flavor, with a slightly different color and a more subtle taste.
¼ teaspoon salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami depth.
2 tablespoon for frying olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tuna Burgers
How To Store or Freeze Tuna Burgers
Allow the tuna burgers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the patties soggy.
Wrap each tuna burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and don't stick together.
Place the wrapped tuna burgers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the tuna burgers within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer.
When freezing, ensure the tuna burgers are laid flat in the freezer to maintain their shape. Once frozen, you can stack them to save space.
To reheat refrigerated tuna burgers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For frozen tuna burgers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat using the same method as refrigerated patties, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Alternatively, you can reheat tuna burgers in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
Avoid microwaving tuna burgers as it can make them rubbery and unevenly heated.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the burgers with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a crispy exterior, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
- Place the tuna burgers in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tuna burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are hot and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tuna burgers on the toaster oven tray.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, removing the foil for the last 3-4 minutes for a crispy finish.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Burgers
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Can opener: Essential for opening the cans of tuna.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Knife: For finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion.
Fork: Useful for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients.
Frying pan: Used to cook the tuna patties.
Spatula: For flipping the patties in the frying pan.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the patties.
Paper towels: To drain excess oil from the cooked patties.
Plate: For serving the cooked patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Burgers
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the tuna, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients in a food processor for a uniform consistency.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.
Use non-stick spray: Spray the pan with non-stick spray to reduce sticking and make cleanup easier.

Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- 2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- 5. Serve hot on buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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