Zesty Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties
Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these quick and easy tuna patties are a budget-friendly meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. The fresh lemon and dill give them a bright, zesty kick that elevates the humble canned tuna into something special.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Bowl For mixing the patty ingredients.
- 1 Skillet A non-stick skillet is recommended for easy flipping.
- 1 Spatula For flipping the patties. A fish spatula works great.
Ingredients
- 2 5 oz cans tuna in water . drained very well
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs . can substitute with crushed crackers or almond flour
- 2 tbsp fresh dill . chopped
- 1 whole lemon . zested
- salt and black pepper . to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil . for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the well-drained tuna, egg, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh dill, and the zest of one lemon.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Using a fork, gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the patties mushy.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crisp. Gently flip with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Remove from the skillet and serve immediately with your favorite side salad or on a bun.
Notes
- Drain Thoroughly: The key to patties that don't fall apart is draining the tuna extremely well. Press the lid firmly against the tuna, then turn it out onto a paper towel and press gently to remove any remaining moisture.
- Baking/Air Fryer Option: For a healthier, lower-fat version, you can bake these patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Or, cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Make-Ahead: You can form the uncooked patties and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.