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These tuna burgers with canned tuna are healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Made with albacore tuna, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings, these baked tuna patties are packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or easy meal prep, this is a tuna burger recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Serve them with our healthy tartar sauce for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
🔍 Quick Look: Tuna Burgers
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 15 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🍽 Calories: ~148 kcal per serving
- 👥 Servings: 6 servings
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Canned tuna, green onions, dill, panko, eggs
- 👩🍳 Cook Method: Baked in the oven
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple: Made with canned tuna, you can whip up these burgers anytime. Also, canned tuna is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying meal.
- Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and is ready in about 30 minutes!
- Flavorful: The seasonings add incredible flavor to the patties.
- Versatile: These tuna patties are incredibly versatile! We made burgers with them, but you can also serve them over a salad or with your favorite sides.
- Healthy: They’re a healthy, high-protein option!
“If you haven’t tried this, you are missing out!! This is absolutely delicious, and it doesn’t disappoint!!! Will be putting this in my rotation for our lunches!!”
– tracy
Key Ingredients
- Canned Tuna: Use three cans of albacore tuna in water. If you aren’t using low-sodium tuna, reduce the salt in this recipe. For another recipe with canned tuna, try our healthy tuna salad next!
- Green Onions: Slice the green onions and use the green parts only.
- Dill: Chop fresh dill for the best flavor. Or, use dried dill.
- Seasonings: Season the patties with Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeeze the lemon juice for this recipe.
- Panko: These tuna patties come together with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the tuna patties.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Green Onions Substitution: If you don’t want to add sliced green onions to these tuna patties, you can substitute them with two tablespoons of diced red onion.
- Type of Tuna to Use: You can substitute the albacore tuna for your favorite type of canned tuna in water. For another delicious option, try our salmon burgers with canned salmon!
- Adjust the Salt: Since we used low-sodium albacore tuna, we added 1/2 teaspoon of salt to this recipe. If you can’t find low-sodium tuna and are using regular tuna, reduce the salt in this recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
How To Make Tuna Burgers with Canned Tuna
- Drain the canned tuna. Then, place the drained tuna on paper towels and roll to remove excess water. Or, squeeze out any excess water with your hands. After that, flake the tuna as you add it to a large bowl.
- Add the sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper, dill, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Panko breadcrumbs, and eggs to the bowl. Next, thoroughly mix to combine these ingredients.
- Evenly divide the mixture into six portions. Then, form each portion into a ball with your hands. After that, place the balls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Next, press down to form them into patties, ensuring the edges are pressed together so the patties hold their shape.
- Bake the tuna patties in the oven at 350°F for 14-18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Once the patties are baked, assemble the burgers. Use your favorite burger buns, add optional toppings, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Drain the Tuna: Drain the canned tuna. Then, place the drained tuna on paper towels and roll to remove excess water. Or, you can squeeze the excess water out of the drained tuna with your hands. You want to remove the excess water so the breadcrumbs and eggs bind the tuna patties together.
- Bake the Patties: Bake these tuna patties in the oven. Don’t fry them in a pan or put them in the air fryer, as they may fall apart. They work out perfectly and hold their shape on a baking sheet in the oven.
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, chill the mixture in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before shaping the patties. It makes it easier to form the patties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked tuna patties on your favorite buns, topped with sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, optional healthy coleslaw, and a generous dollop of our homemade healthy tartar sauce. Pair with a side of homemade onion rings for the ultimate comfort meal! Or, for a lighter low-carb option, skip the buns and serve the patties over a bed of fresh lettuce.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover baked tuna patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store the burger buns, tartar sauce, and optional toppings separately.
Tuna Burgers FAQs
Can You Make Tuna Burgers with Canned Tuna?
Yes! Our recipe uses canned albacore tuna for a quick and effortless meal. Mix the ingredients to form tuna patties, bake them, and assemble with your favorite buns and toppings.
How Do You Keep Tuna Burgers from Falling Apart?
To prevent tuna burgers from falling apart, use eggs and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. If you have time, chill the mixture in the fridge for a few minutes. Then, gently shape the patties and bake them.
Do You Put an Egg in Tuna Patties?
Yes! This recipe uses two eggs, which help bind the tuna mixture and keep the patties from falling apart while baking.
What Binder Works Best in Tuna Burgers?
The best binders for tuna burgers are eggs and breadcrumbs. Eggs help hold the mixture together, while breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture from the canned tuna. This helps make the patties firmer and easier to shape.
Can You Freeze Tuna Patties?
Yes, you can freeze baked tuna patties! Wrap each patty individually to prevent freezer burn. Then, store the patties in a freezer-safe container or bag for 2-3 months.
More Canned Tuna Recipes to Try!
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
Tuna Burgers with Canned Tuna
Ingredients
- 3, 5-ounce cans of low-sodium albacore tuna in water
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions, green part only
- 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt if using low-sodium tuna or 1/4 teaspoon salt if using regular tuna
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 6 hamburger buns of your choice
Instructions
- Drain the canned tuna. Then, place the drained tuna on paper towels and roll to remove excess water. Or, squeeze out any excess water with your hands. After that, flake the tuna as you add it to a large bowl.
- Add the sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper, dill, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Panko breadcrumbs, and whisked eggs to the bowl with the tuna. Next, thoroughly mix until everything is well combined.
- Evenly divide the mixture into six portions, each slightly less than 1/2 cup. Then, form each portion into a ball with your hands. After that, place the balls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Next, press down to form them into patties, ensuring the edges are pressed together so they hold their shape.
- Bake the tuna patties at 350°F for 14-18 minutes, until cooked through.
- Assemble the tuna burgers. Use your favorite burger buns and add optional toppings such as sliced tomato, onion, and our homemade tartar sauce!
Video
Notes
- Canned Tuna: If you’re using regular tuna, adjust the salt in the recipe. You’ll need only 1/4 teaspoon of salt with regular tuna, compared to 1/2 teaspoon with low-sodium tuna.
- Serving: Serve the baked tuna patties on your favorite buns, topped with sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, optional coleslaw, and a generous dollop of our homemade healthy tartar sauce.
- Storage: You can store leftover baked tuna patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Turkey Burgers was dinner tonight. Perfect taste. I didn’t use the bay seasoning in my store, I am not a fan of the taste. ha-ha. I have not eaten Tuna in 6 years or so, it was a great to taste the patties and fun to make. I’m a fan now. Thank you
Hi Lisa, that makes me so happy to hear! I love that you gave tuna another try after so many years and enjoyed the patties. I’m so glad you had fun making the tuna burgers and are a fan now! Thank you for sharing!
If you haven’t tried this you are missing out!! This is absolutely delicious and it doesn’t disappoint!!! Will be putting this in my rotation for our lunches!! Thanks so much Shawna!! ♥️
Hi Tracy, thank you so much for leaving a comment and letting us know how much you enjoyed the tuna burgers! I am so happy it is a new lunch staple for you!