These keto tuna patties are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, they offer a quick and satisfying way to incorporate more fish into your diet. These simple tuna patties take less than 15 minutes to make and are delicious for an easy dinner for a busy weeknight or a meal prep lunch throughout the week!
Why Tuna Patties?
Canned tuna is often overlooked, but it's an affordable and convenient source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. If you always forget about canned fish and how tasty it is until moments like these when you run out of all the meats I can eat in the house, you are not alone. Many people find canned tuna bland or unappetizing on its own. That's where tuna patties come in! By adding a few simple ingredients, you can transform canned tuna into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Canned Tuna: Wild-caught albacore tuna packed in water or tuna canned in its own liquid (or water) or oil. Canned Light Tuna is lowest in mercury because this tuna variant is smaller than larger tuna like albacore or yellowfin. Whether canned in water or oil, the tuna should be well-drained and flaked.
- Eggs: The eggs should be truly large.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness. Paleo mayonnaise is a great option.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle kick. Dijon mustard is high in sodium.
- Almond Flour: Used as a binder.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to brown the patties in the pan. You can use also different oils of choice, such as avocado.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Minced garlic or garlic powder
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (fresh or dried)
- Hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper
- Chopped green onions
- Lemon zest and juice
- Celery
- Onion
- Parmesan cheese
- Dried herbs
If you don't have fresh parsley or cilantro, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or ½ teaspoon of ground coriander. Instead of two teaspoons of minced fresh garlic, you can use ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. It's not as good as fresh garlic, but it's an acceptable substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make these easy and delicious keto tuna patties:
- Prepare the Tuna: Drain the tuna thoroughly. It needs to be very dry. Place the drained tuna in a medium bowl and flake it with a fork. Make sure no big chunks of tuna remain. It needs to be well-flaked.
- Combine Ingredients: In a big bowl, combine all ingredients except coconut oil. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, eggs and mix until combined. Add almond flour and mix until combined. Use your hands or a spoon to combine and mix evenly.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick. Using a 4-tablespoon scoop or measuring cup, transfer four mounds of the tuna mixture to the hot oil. Pack the mixture into the scoop - this will help the patties retain their shape. Gently flatten the mounds with the back of a fork. If patties are too soft to handle, chill them for at about 1 hour or until firm. This will make them easier to handle during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Don't try to flip them too soon - they should form a brown crust on the bottom before you flip them. If using an air fryer, lightly spray the air fryer basket or lay perforated parchment sheets or these great non-stick re-usable liners. Air Fry at 360°F for 6 minutes. Flip the patties and spray the tops again with oil. If you want to bake the patties, brush the patties with a small amount of oil, this will help them to get a crispy crust. Bake the patties for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (180°C) or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm (Optional): Keep the cooked patties in the warm oven while you fry the second batch. Preheat the oven to the "keep warm" setting (170°F).
- Serve: Serve immediately. You can eat these crispy fried tuna patties on their own or between two gluten-free bread slices. I also like them on a bed of greens smothered with paleo mayonnaise and hot pepper flakes. You can also serve them on their own with my homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Tips and Considerations
- Draining the Tuna: It's important to drain the tuna so that it's visibly dry - place it on paper towels to drain if needed. If too much moisture remains, the patties will fall apart.
- Using a Non-Stick Skillet: It's important to cook these patties in a nonstick skillet and make sure it's truly nonstick.
- Preventing Patties from Falling Apart: Drain the canned tuna well, mix the ingredients thoroughly, and use a binder like eggs, mayonnaise, or mustard. Form the patties gently, cook them at the right temperature, and handle them carefully when flipping to maintain their shape. Large chunks of tuna in the mixture could cause the patties to fall apart. Packing the tuna mixture into the scoop will help prevent the patties from falling apart. If you mix the ingredients and the mixture seems very liquid, add 2-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free) or almond flour.
- Adjusting for Different Tuna Textures: Different canned tuna products have different textures.
- Sodium Content: Dijon mustard is high in sodium. You might find that you don't need any salt at all if you use it. If you opt for yellow mustard, which typically has 50 mg of sodium per teaspoon, you will need to add more salt.
- Air Fryer Tip: Avoid the canned tunas which are very mushy. Canned albacore tuna is our favorite for this recipe.
- Egg amount: The amount of egg will vary depending on the dryness of your tuna and the absorption of the bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These tuna patties are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
Read also: Cheesy Keto Tuna Patties
- As a Main Course: Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
- In a Sandwich or Burger: Place the patty between two slices of gluten-free bread or keto-friendly buns with your favorite toppings.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller patties with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce or aioli.
- On a Salad: Crumble the patty over a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Once the patties are cooked, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power. They are also good when eaten cold, straight out of the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to store the patties for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the patties on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. To reheat the patties, you can use the oven, skillet, or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350F and place the patties on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If using a skillet, heat a small amount of oil in the skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or until heated through.
Variations and Adaptations
- Spicy Tuna Patties: Add a teaspoon of hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tuna mixture.
- Cheesy Tuna Patties: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese into the tuna mixture.
- Herb and Garlic Tuna Patties: Add a generous amount of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil and minced garlic to the tuna mixture.
- Tuna Melt Patties: These Keto Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious and cheesy alternative to tuna melt sandwiches for anyone who is on a low-carb diet.
Are These Tuna Patties Keto-Friendly?
While most tuna patties recipes are not keto, this recipe is 100% KETO friendly. This recipe is also gluten-free and can be made with some modifications to be dairy-free as well, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. For keto, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko and regular bread crumbs.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide