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Two hands holding a tuna burger close up showing the layers of avocado, bun, tuna burger, lettuce and other toppings

Tuna Burger Patty Recipe

This tuna burger patty recipe is one of the best ways to transform tuna into a flavorful, juicy, protein packed Tuna burger. It feels lighter and fresher than a traditional beef burger while still being deeply satisfying. Whether made with canned tuna or fresh tuna steaks, it's savory, crisp on the outside, and sturdy enough to hold together beautifully inside a bun.
Course Appetizer, burgers, dinner, lunch, main, Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine American, Japanese, Mediterranean
Keyword canned tuna, canned tuna recipes, easy, grilled, healthy, juicy, party food, protein-packed, quick, savory, tuna burger, tuna burger patty recipe, tuna recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 Burgers
Calories 513 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Tunna Burger Patty Recipe

  • 1 can tuna well drained and well mashed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons green onions minced
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained
  • 1 tablespoon herbs dill, parsley or a combo, finely minced
  • 1/4 Teaspoon salt and pepper and chili flakes, optional

Tuna Burger

  • 2 burger buns any type
  • 1 Tablespoons Spicy mayo or your favorite sauce
  • 1/4 cup salad greens
  • 1/4 cup red onion sliced
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon pickles

Instructions

  1. Drain the tuna extremely well.
  2. Flake and mash the tuna into a mixing bowl.
    A hand mashing the canned tuna into a bowl to make the texture smooth

  3. Add breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, onion, capers, herbs, and seasonings in a medium bowl.

    All the tuna burger patty recipe ingredients are added to a bowl such as egg, panko, mustard, herbs, green onions and more
  4. Mix gently until the mixture holds together.
    Tuna patty recipe mixture blended together in a bowl and ready to shape
  5. Shape the tuna mixture into burger patties of even thickness.
    Tuna patties are shaped and formed
  6. Refrigerate briefly to help firm the patties.
  7. Heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat.
    Tuna patty added to a skillet
  8. Cook the tuna burger patties until golden and crisp on both sides.
    Tuna patty flipped in a skillet to show the golden tuna burger cooking
  9. Assemble the Tuna Burger
  10. Toast the buns lightly if desired, spread some spicy mayo, Tartar Sauce Recipe, Harissa Aioli, Poblano Sauce.
    Assembling the tuna burger, a spread of sauce, some lettuce
  11. Add some red onion slices, avocados, pickles and your favorite burger or tuna add ons.
  12. Place the burger patty on top of the toppings.
    The tuna patty recipe is added over the toppings on the bun
  13. Add the top bun and your burgers are ready. You can serve them and enjoy!
    Close up pf a tuna burger showing the tuna burger patty recipe and bun along with the toppings
  14. Fresh Tuna Burger Method
  15. Finely chop fresh tuna steaks by hand, similar to our Salmon Burgers.
  16. Combine with seasonings and minimal binders and shape gently into patties.
  17. Sear over medium high heat until browned outside while keeping the interior tender.
  18. Assemble the burgers and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips For Tuna Burgers

  1. Drain canned tuna very thoroughly.
  2. Chill patties before cooking to prevent breaking.
  3. Avoid overmixing the mixture.
  4. Use medium heat instead of very high heat to prevent burning before the interior sets.
  5. Flip carefully only once when possible.
  6. Wet hands lightly when shaping patties to prevent sticking.
  7. Add mayonnaise for juicier tuna burgers.
  8. Fresh tuna burgers should not be overcooked.

Why Do Tuna Burgers Need Binders

Unlike beef burgers, tuna contains little fat or collagen, so eggs and breadcrumbs provide structure.

Cooking On Medium Heat Work Best

Gentler heat allows the patties to firm internally before the exterior becomes too dark.

Chilling is Crucial for Texture

Cold patties hold together more effectively during flipping.

Why Fresh Tuna Creates a Different Burger

Fresh tuna produces a steak like burger texture, while canned tuna creates a softer seafood cake style burger.

Tuna Burger Variations

  • Canned tuna burger patties: The most affordable and convenient version using pantry tuna.
  • Fresh tuna burgers: Uses chopped tuna steaks for a meatier texture.
  • Spicy tuna burgers: Include jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy mayo.
  • Mediterranean tuna burgers: Features herbs, lemon, feta, and olive oil flavors.
  • Air fryer tuna burgers: Crispy patties cooked with less oil.
  • Grilled tuna burgers: Fresh tuna patties cooked outdoors on a BBQ for smoky flavor.
  • Low carb tuna burger patties: Uses almond flour or reduced breadcrumbs.
  • Japanese inspired tuna burgers: Includes soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.

Serving and Pairings

Why Tuna Patties Fall Apart

Tuna lacks the connective tissue and fat found in beef, so binders like eggs and breadcrumbs are essential.

Moisture Balance is Crucial

Too much moisture creates mushy burgers, while too little makes them dry and crumbly.

Why Chilling Helps

Refrigerating the patties before cooking firms the mixture and improves structural stability.

Troubleshooting

  • Tuna Burger Patties Fall Apart: The mixture likely needs more binder or additional chilling time before cooking.
  • What if Burgers Are Mushy: The tuna was not drained thoroughly enough or too many wet ingredients were added.
  • Tuna Burgers Are Dry: Too many breadcrumbs or overcooking can dry out the patties.
  • Patties Stick to the Pan: The pan was not preheated properly or there was lack of oil.
  • Burgers Burn Outside Before Heating Through: The heat was too high in the skillet.
  • Tuna Flavor Feels Too Strong: Add more lemon juice, herbs, or creamy sauce to balance the flavor.
  • Fresh Tuna Burgers Feel Tough: In this case the fresh tuna was overcooked.

Storage and Reheating

  • Fridge: Cooked tuna burger patties keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Uncooked patties freeze especially well when separated with parchment paper.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to maintain crisp texture.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the tuna patties ahead and cook fresh when ready to serve.

Can I make tuna burgers with canned tuna?

Yes. Canned tuna is one of the most popular and affordable options for tuna burger patties.

What goes well on a tuna burger?

Lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickled onions, spicy mayo, lemon aioli, and fresh herbs pair especially well.

Are tuna burgers healthy?

Yes. Tuna burgers are typically high in protein and lower in saturated fat than beef burgers. You can make them gluten-free by using almond flour.

Can I grill tuna burgers?

Fresh tuna burgers grill especially well because they have a firmer texture. Follow our Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking guide.

How long do tuna burgers take to cook?

Most tuna burgers cook quickly and only need a few minutes per side depending on thickness.

What is the best tuna for tuna burgers?

Solid albacore canned tuna works well for canned versions, while ahi or yellowfin tuna are excellent for fresh tuna burgers.

Can I air fry tuna burger patties?

Yes. Air frying creates crisp patties with less oil.

Why are my tuna patties dry?

Overcooking or too many dry ingredients can remove moisture from the mixture.

 

 
Nutrition Facts
Tuna Burger Patty Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 513 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 1087mg47%
Potassium 884mg25%
Carbohydrates 44g15%
Fiber 10g42%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 27g54%
Vitamin A 526IU11%
Vitamin C 44mg53%
Calcium 149mg15%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.