Juicy Tuna Burger

Here’s my go-to tuna burger recipe that combines fresh tuna, crispy panko breadcrumbs, and a hint of Asian-inspired seasonings, all topped with a simple mayo-based sauce.

These tuna burgers have become a regular weeknight dinner at our house, especially during the warmer months. I usually make a double batch so we can have extras for lunch the next day. Nothing beats a quick, healthy burger that’s ready in under 30 minutes, right?

What Kind of Tuna Should I Use?

For tuna burgers, chunk light tuna packed in water is your best bet – it’s budget-friendly and has just the right texture for forming patties. While you can use solid white albacore tuna, it tends to be drier and more expensive, though it does have a milder flavor that some people prefer. The most important thing is to drain your tuna really well before mixing it with the other ingredients – excess moisture can make your burgers fall apart. I recommend using tuna packed in water rather than oil for this recipe, since you’ll be adding mayo and you don’t want your burgers to become too greasy.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this tuna burger recipe? Here are some handy swaps you can try:

• Tuna: While tuna is the star here, you can use canned salmon or even canned chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to drain it well, just like you would the tuna.
• Breadcrumbs: Out of breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers, crushed corn flakes, or quick oats work great too. Just use the same amount as you would breadcrumbs.
• Mayo: You can swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use half mayo and half yogurt. Mashed avocado can also work, though the patties might be a bit softer.
• Chili sauce: No chili sauce? Try ketchup mixed with a dash of hot sauce, or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Egg: If you need an egg substitute, try 2 tablespoons of mayo or 3 tablespoons of mashed potato – both help bind the patties together.
• Hamburger buns: Feel free to serve these on any bread you like – English muffins, regular bread, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making tuna burgers is keeping them from falling apart – the key is to thoroughly drain your tuna and avoid overworking the mixture when combining ingredients, as this can make your patties dense and crumbly. Another common mistake is cooking the patties on too high heat, which can leave them burnt on the outside but cold in the middle – instead, use medium heat and give them about 4-5 minutes per side to cook through evenly. To prevent your burgers from sticking to the pan, make sure it’s properly heated before adding the patties, and resist the urge to flip them multiple times – one flip is all you need for the perfect golden crust. For the best texture, chill your formed patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking, as this helps them hold together better during the cooking process.

What to Serve With Tuna Burgers?

Since tuna burgers have a lighter, fresher taste than traditional beef burgers, they pair really well with crisp, summery sides. A simple coleslaw made with fresh cabbage and carrots adds nice crunch and complements the celery in the burger patties. If you’re keeping things casual, a handful of potato chips or sweet potato fries works great – the saltiness pairs perfectly with the tuna. For a healthier option, try a mixed green salad with cucumber and avocado, or some grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you’ve got leftover tuna burgers, place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days. I like to keep the patties separate from any toppings or buns to prevent them from getting mushy.

Make Ahead: You can prep these patties ahead of time! Shape them and place them between pieces of wax paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, which makes dinner prep super easy the next day.

Warm Up: To enjoy leftover tuna burgers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though they might not be as crispy. Add fresh lettuce and tomato just before serving for the best texture.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	8-10 minutes
Total Time	18-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

For the tuna patties:

• 2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
• 1 large egg
• 1 pouch (6.4 oz) light tuna in water (drained very well)
• 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s mayonnaise)
• 2 tbsp chili sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (finely chopped for best texture)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (finely diced, about 1/4-inch pieces)

For assembly and serving:

• 4 hamburger buns (split and toasted)
• lettuce
• tomato slices

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Patty Mixture

In a medium-size bowl, combine the first egg, bread crumbs, chopped celery, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and chili sauce until all ingredients are well mixed.

Gently fold in the tuna, ensuring the mixture is well-combined but not over-mixed.

Shape this mixture into four equal-sized patties for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Tuna Patties

Heat butter in a large cast-iron skillet or another heavy skillet over medium heat.

Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, carefully add the tuna patties to the skillet.

Cook them until they are lightly browned, approximately four to five minutes per side.

Be gentle when flipping to maintain their shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Buns and Assemble

While the tuna patties are cooking, take a moment to toast the buns.

You can do this in the oven or a toaster oven to add some crispness.

Once the patties are cooked and buns are toasted, place each tuna patty on a bun.

If desired, top your tuna burgers with fresh lettuce and tomato slices for added flavor and texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the assembled tuna burgers immediately while still warm.

This simple and delicious meal is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Enjoy your freshly made tuna patties!