These tuna and potato patties are one of my favorite easy meals to make when I need something filling without much fuss. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices.
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Tuna Potato Patty Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious tuna potato patties.
Essential Ingredients for Tuna Patties
- 3 medium potatoes (or 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes)
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 8 green chilies, chopped small
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
- Panko Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Cooking oil for frying
Top Tip: Try panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating that really makes these patties special.
Kitchen Equipment for Fish Cakes
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Making Crispy Tuna Potato Patties
This first part is all about getting the right consistency for your patties so they hold together when cooking.
Preparing Potatoes for Fish Cakes
Step 1: Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then drain them well.
Step 2: Mash the potatoes until smooth with no lumps. If using leftover mashed potatoes, simply measure out 2 cups.
Creating the Tuna Spice Mixture
The mix of herbs and spices makes these patties stand out from regular fish cakes.
Step 1: In a separate bowl, add the finely sliced onion and chopped green chilies.
Step 2: Add the chopped fresh coriander, salt, red chili flakes, turmeric powder, and coriander powder.
Step 3: Mix all these ingredients until well combined.
Note: Feel free to reduce the amount of chilies if you don’t like things too spicy. These pack quite a kick with both green chilies and chili flakes.
Combining Tuna and Potato Mixture
Now it’s time to bring everything together to create your patty mixture.
Step 1: Add the 2 cans of drained tuna to your spice mixture and mix until the tuna is broken up and evenly mixed with the spices.
Step 2: Add your mashed potatoes to the tuna mixture.
Step 3: Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
Top Tip – Fixing Wet Mixture: If your mixture is too soft to form patties, add 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or flour directly to the mixture.
Shaping Perfect Tuna Patties
This section covers how to form and coat your patties before cooking them.
Step 1: With clean hands, form the mixture into patties. This recipe typically makes 8-10 patties, depending on the size you prefer.
Step 2: Set up your coating station with beaten eggs in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another.
Step 3: Dip each patty into the beaten egg, making sure both sides are well coated.
Step 4: Roll the egg-coated patty in breadcrumbs, covering all sides, including the edges.
Frying Crispy Tuna Cakes
Proper cooking is what gives these patties their irresistible golden crust while keeping them moist inside.
Step 1: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil to a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Step 2: Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Remove the patties and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Did You Know? These patties freeze really well. Make a double batch, cook them all, then freeze the extras. They reheat nicely in the oven for a quick meal later.
Crispy TunaPotato Patties: Golden Outside, Tender Inside
8
servings15
minutes24
minutes305
kcal39
minutesSimple crispy tuna potato patties, perfect for busy weeknights, filling, and budget-friendly.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 medium potatoes
4 cans tuna
1 cup fresh coriander
15 small green chillies
1 tablespoon (5grams) chili flakes
1 tablespoon (18 grams) salt
1 teaspoon (2 grams) coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) turmeric
2 whole eggs
1½ cups (125 grams) Panko breadcrumbs
as needed oil for frying
Directions
- Boil or use leftover potatoes, then mash until completely smooth and free of lumps, allowing them to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine finely chopped onion, chopped green chillies, and fresh coriander, ensuring an even mix.
- Add salt, chili flakes, turmeric powder, and coriander powder, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Drain canned tuna and add to the spice mixture, mixing until tuna is broken and well incorporated with spices.
- Combine mashed potatoes with the tuna mixture using your hands, ensuring a cohesive mix for forming patties.
- Form the mixture into patties, aiming for a size that yields between 8 to 12 patties from the batch.
- Dip each patty into beaten egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan until shimmering, then fry patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each patty becomes crispy and is well-cooked throughout.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon over the patties, which enhances the flavors and adds brightness.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Potato Options: Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and save time. If using fresh potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet varieties hold together best when mashed.
- Tuna Substitutions: Canned salmon or mackerel can replace tuna for a different flavor profile. Drain well and remove any large bones before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Make Ahead Strategy: Form the patties up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the shaped but uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
- Reducing Spice Level: Cut the green chilies to 2-3 and reduce chili flakes to 1/4 tablespoon for a milder version that’s still flavorful. The coriander and turmeric will still provide plenty of taste.
- Chilling the Mixture: Allow the prepared tuna-potato mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the patties hold their shape better during cooking and makes them easier to handle.
- No Waste Tip – Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have store-bought breadcrumbs, toast 2-3 slices of bread until completely dry, then pulse in a food processor. Homemade breadcrumbs often create an even crispier coating.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 305kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: -g
- Trans Fat: -g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: -g
- Monounsaturated Fat: -g
- Cholesterol: -mg
- Sodium: -mg
- Potassium: -mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: -g
- Sugar: -g
- Protein: 21g
- Vitamin A: -IU
- Vitamin C: -mg
- Calcium: -mg
- Iron: -mg
- Vitamin D: -mg
- Vitamin E: -mg
- Vitamin K: -mg
- Thiamin: -mg
- Riboflavin: -mg
- Niacin: -mg
- Vitamin B6: -mg
- Vitamin B12: -mg
- Folate: -mg
- Biotin: -mg
- Pantothenic Acid: -mg
- Phosphorus: -mg
- Iodine: -mg
- Magnesium: -mg
- Zinc: -mg
- Selenium: -mg
- Copper: -mg
- Manganese: -mg
- Chromium: -mg
- Molybdenum: -mg
- Chloride: -mg
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Related Recipe: If you liked these crispy tuna and potato patties, try this Baked Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese — another tasty way to turn simple ingredients like potatoes into a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Serving Tuna Potato Patties
These versatile patties can be served in several ways depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Quick Tuna Patty Meal Ideas
- Serve with a side salad for a light lunch
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for brightness
- Make a quick yogurt-garlic dip to serve alongside
- Turn them into sandwiches with some lettuce and mayo
Storing Leftover Fish Cakes
If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house), here’s how to keep them.
Step 1: Allow the patties to cool completely.
Step 2: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Step 3: To reheat, place in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Top Tip: Don’t microwave these if you want to maintain the crispy texture. The oven is definitely worth the extra few minutes.
Tuna Patty Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these easy variations to switch things up.
Different Tuna Cake Flavor Ideas
- Add a teaspoon of curry powder for an Indian-inspired version
- Mix in some corn kernels for sweetness and texture
- Try with different herbs like parsley or dill instead of coriander
- Add grated cheese to the mixture for extra richness
I once added some leftover corn to these patties when I was short on tuna, and they turned out to be a hit with my potato-loving friend who usually avoids fish.
More Tasty Budget Recipes You’ll Love
Enjoyed these tuna potato patties? Check out my video below and subscribe for more easy, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes each week. Also, try these popular recipes:
- Best Cheap and Quick Dinner Idea I Know – Tuna Potato Casserole! – This family-friendly casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Do You Have 3 Cans of Tuna and an Air Fryer? – Turn canned tuna into a crispy, delicious meal with this quick air fryer technique that everyone loves.
- The Best Meatballs Recipe Ever – These juicy, flavorful meatballs are budget-friendly and freeze beautifully for multiple meals.