TUNA BURGERS

I’ve crafted the ultimate tuna burger recipe, and they’re irresistibly tasty! These healthy tuna burgers are bursting with flavor and made effortlessly with the convenience of canned tuna. They are a quick and delicious option for any meal! The tuna patties are made with albacore tuna and a combination of fresh herbs like dill, sliced green onions, and diced red bell pepper. With a touch of garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and a hint of lemon juice, the patties are seasoned to perfection and baked in the oven. You have to try these tuna burgers yourself – you won’t truly appreciate how amazing they are until you taste them. I promise they’re that good!

Why You Will Love These Tuna Burgers

• Convenient: Made with canned tuna, you can whip up these tuna burgers anytime. Also, canned tuna is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying meal.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and is the perfect easy meal.
• Flavorful: The seasonings infuse each tuna patty with incredible flavor.
• 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: These tuna burgers are a healthy option!

What Are Tuna Burgers?

Tuna burgers contain patties made from canned tuna, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and eggs to form a flavorful mixture. Then, the patties are baked in the oven and served on a bun, just like a traditional burger. They’re a fantastic way to use pantry staples like canned tuna and can be topped with various toppings, such as our healthy tartar sauce.

Ingredients Needed

• Canned Tuna: Use three cans of albacore tuna in water. If you aren’t using low-sodium tuna, reduce the salt in this recipe.
• Green Onions: Slice the green onions and use the green parts only.
• Red Bell Pepper: Evenly dice the red bell pepper.
• Dill: Chop fresh dill for the best flavor. Or, use dried dill.
• Garlic Powder: The garlic powder adds flavor to the tuna patties.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Season the tuna patties with Old Bay seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeeze the lemon juice for this recipe.
• Panko: These tuna patties come together with Panko breadcrumbs.
• Eggs: Add three large eggs. The eggs help bind the tuna patties.
• Burger Buns: Serve the baked tuna patties with your favorite hamburger buns to make tuna burgers!

What Canned Tuna To Use

You can use any kind of tuna for this recipe, as long as it’s packed in water, not oil. You’ll need three, 5-ounce cans, for a total of 15 ounces. We recommend low-sodium albacore tuna, but no salt added or regular tuna will work as well. 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.

How To Make Tuna Burgers With Canned Tuna

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Bake the tuna patties in the oven.

Step 5: Once the patties are baked, assemble the tuna burgers. Use your favorite burger buns, add optional toppings, and enjoy!

How Long To Cook Tuna Burgers

Bake these homemade canned tuna patties in the oven at 350°F for 14-18 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, let the patties slightly cool and assemble tuna burgers!

What To Serve With Tuna Burgers

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. Pair with a side of 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.

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.
• Form The Patties: Separate the combined ingredients into six portions. Each tuna patty is a little less than 1/2 cup. Form each portion into the shape of a ball. Then, place them on a sheet pan with parchment paper. After that, press down and push the edges together to form the tuna patties. To help the tuna patties stick together, make sure to form them on the sheet pan. Once they are cooked, they will stay together.
• 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.

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.

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.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Tuna Burgers With Canned Tuna?

Yes! You can make delicious tuna burgers with canned tuna! Our recipe uses canned albacore tuna for a quick and effortless meal. Simply mix in the seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a few other ingredients to create savory and satisfying tuna patties. Then, bake the patties and assemble the tuna burgers with your favorite burger buns and toppings.

Are Tuna Burgers Healthy?

These tuna burgers are a healthy meal! The tuna patties are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids We used low-sodium canned tuna and baked the patties in the oven rather than pan-frying them. There is no mayonnaise, butter, or oil in this recipe! Also, you can use your favorite burger buns. Or, swap the buns for lettuce wraps to keep this recipe low-carb.

Can You Freeze Tuna Patties?

Yes, you can freeze these 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 Recipes To Try Next!

• Salmon Burgers With Canned Salmon
• Healthy Chicken Burgers
• Cranberry Apple Tuna Salad
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Healthy Tuna Salad

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.