If you’re searching for a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, then look no further than the Tuna Melt Patties recipe. This dish beautifully combines the flavors of tender tuna, savory cheese, and zesty spices, all wrapped up in a crispy golden exterior. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, these tuna patties are bound to impress. They are not only simple and quick to prepare but offer a delightful twist to the typical tuna sandwich. You can enjoy them as a main dish or even as a delectable appetizer!
Why We Love This Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
What makes this Tuna Melt Patties recipe a standout is its versatility. You can serve these patties in various ways, from piling them on toasted bread to having them solo alongside a fresh salad. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even quick snacks. The best part? You can keep the ingredient list minimal while still achieving a flavor-packed dish that satisfies cravings. Plus, the option to add different cheeses or spices allows you to get creative every time you whip them up. If you love convenient and wholesome meals, these tuna melt patties are made for you!
Ingredients about Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
To prepare the Tuna Melt Patties, you’ll need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. The following list will ensure you have everything necessary for crafting these scrumptious patties:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
These ingredients will create the perfect blend of flavors. The combination of tuna, breadcrumbs, and cheese gives these patties a hearty texture, while the spices bring out the taste beautifully.
How to Make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe Directions
Making the Tuna Melt Patties is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few simple steps.
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: Start by draining your tuna thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined mixture.
- Add Cheese & Shape Patties: Next, gently fold in the shredded cheese and chopped green onions into the tuna mixture. Make sure it is evenly distributed. Once combined, use your hands to form the mixture into 4-5 equal-sized patties. They should be uniform to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt and foam a bit. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, carefully place the tuna patties in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Flip them over and keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until they are equally golden and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess butter. You can serve your Tuna Melt Patties on toasted bread, English muffins, or simply enjoy them on their own. If you want an extra cheesy experience, add a slice of cheese on top when they are still hot and place them under the broiler for just a minute to melt the cheese.
How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Serving Tuna Melt Patties can be as creative as you’d like! For a comforting meal option, place your patties on a slice of toasted bread or an English muffin and add your favorite toppings—think fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce or tartar sauce for a zesty kick. Accompany your patties with a side of crispy fries or a vibrant mixed salad to round out the dish.
Alternatively, if you prefer lighter fare, you can serve these patties alongside a fresh green salad loaded with colorful veggies. The patties will add protein and heartiness to the salad, making it a gratifying meal. You can also enjoy the patties as a quick snack while watching your favorite movie, or slice them into smaller pieces for finger food at gatherings.
Expert Tips: Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
- Use Quality Tuna: The quality of your tuna can significantly impact the flavor. Opt for good-quality, sustainably sourced tuna for the best results.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences! Adding some cayenne pepper can bring a nice kick, while fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add an aromatic touch.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be sure to mix just until everything is incorporated. This will help keep your patties tender and prevent them from becoming dense.
- Test a Small Patty First: If you’re unsure of your seasoning levels, consider frying a small test patty first. Taste it and adjust the seasoning in the remaining mixture if needed.
- Keep Them Crispy: If you’re making a larger batch, keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven (about 200°F) until you are ready to serve them. This will help maintain their crispy texture.
How to Store Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Tuna Melt Patties is easy. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the uncooked patties by laying them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variation of Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
One of the great things about Tuna Melt Patties is their endless adaptability. Here are a few variations to inspire your next cooking adventure:
- Add Vegetables: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or spinach to add more nutrients and a pop of color to the patties.
- Swap the Cheese: While cheddar and Swiss are fan favorites, trying feta or pepper jack cheese can elevate the flavors surprisingly well—adding a tangy kick or heat.
- Try Different Binders: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even oatmeal for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with various toppings—sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or even pickles can add balance and inventiveness.
- Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Add jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture to crank up the spice level.
FAQ Section
What are Tuna Melt Patties?
Tuna Melt Patties are delicious fritters made primarily with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, cheese, and spices, all shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden and crispy.
How do you cook Tuna Melt Patties?
You cook Tuna Melt Patties by pan-frying them in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used, but it may require different cooking times and methods. Make sure to cook any fresh tuna thoroughly before combining it with other ingredients.
How do you store leftover Tuna Melt Patties?
Store leftover Tuna Melt Patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
What should I serve with Tuna Melt Patties?
You can serve Tuna Melt Patties with toasted bread, salads, or even as a standalone snack. They pair well with fresh veggies and various dipping sauces.
Tuna Melt Patties
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cans Tuna 5 oz each, drained
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Swiss
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon Butter for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in shredded cheese and chopped green onions until evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into 4-5 equal-sized patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel to absorb excess butter. Serve on toasted bread or enjoy as is.
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