These tuna burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, they are easy to make and packed with protein. The combination of tuna, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a satisfying patty that pairs wonderfully with your favorite toppings and buns.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your pantry. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs or mayonnaise on hand, you might need to pick those up at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have canned tuna and lemon juice available, as these are essential for the recipe.

Ingredients For Tuna Burgers Recipe
Tuna: Provides the main protein base for the burgers.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and adds texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
Onion: Adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the patties.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the mixture.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the patties.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
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 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. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate a bit more breadcrumbs. This balance will help achieve the perfect texture for your tuna burgers.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tuna - Substitute with salmon: Salmon provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for fish-based burgers.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide the same binding and texture as breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A mixture of ground flaxseed and water can act as a binder similar to a beaten egg, suitable for vegan diets.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, with fewer calories and more protein.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a good alternative.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the burgers.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: 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 Your Tuna Burgers
- Allow the tuna burgers to cool completely after cooking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each tuna burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped tuna burgers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This step ensures they don't stick together.
- Transfer the frozen tuna burgers to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- Store the tuna burgers in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best quality, consume them within this time frame.
- To reheat, thaw the tuna burgers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain their texture.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the thawed tuna burgers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the tuna burgers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the tuna burgers on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- Serve the reheated tuna burgers with your favorite toppings and buns, just as you would with freshly made ones.
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 them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy exterior while ensuring the inside is warm.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly heated. This method keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
Microwave Method: Place the tuna burgers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the patties dry.
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 about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crispy exterior and a warm, moist interior.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers on a toaster oven tray lined with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quick and convenient, especially for smaller portions.
Essential Tools for Making Tuna Burgers
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Fork: Handy for flaking the tuna and mixing the ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Needed for finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.
Frying pan: Use this to cook the tuna patties.
Spatula: Helps in flipping the patties to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Plate: Place the formed patties on this before frying.
Paper towels: Use these to drain excess oil from the cooked patties.
Stove: Needed to heat the frying pan and cook the patties.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Tuna Burgers
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the tuna, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients using a food processor for a smoother mixture.
Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save cooking time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.
Use non-stick spray: Spray your hands with non-stick spray to easily form the patties without sticking.

Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 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 with your favorite toppings and buns.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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