Tuna and boiled egg patties are a simple, economical, and flavorful second course, perfect for everyday lunch or dinner.
With just three main ingredients that we almost always have in the pantry — canned tuna, stale bread, and eggs — we can bring to the table a delightful dish that both adults and kids will love. This is indeed a version of tuna patties made with a mixture of oil-packed tuna, bread, and eggs. From this mixture, we shape patties or burgers that can be fried or baked in the oven or air fryer for a lighter yet equally tasty version. We’ll get patties that are crispy and golden on the outside and soft on the inside, an easy recipe for a fish second course to prepare in no time.
One of the features that makes these patties so versatile is the choice of cooking method: you can opt for a lighter version by baking them in the oven or air fryer, or achieve an even tastier result by frying the patties in plenty of hot oil.
Let’s see how to prepare them together!
Also discover:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 9 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Preparing Tuna and Boiled Egg Patties
- 9 oz oil-packed tuna
- 3.5 oz stale bread
- 3 eggs
- 1.75 oz pecorino cheese (or grated Parmesan)
- 3.5 oz breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 bunch parsley
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Tools for Preparing Tuna and Egg Patties
- Mixer
- Bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Plate
- Oven
How to Prepare Tuna and Boiled Egg Patties: Easy and Tasty Tuna Patty Recipe!
To prepare the tuna patties, first boil two eggs for 8 minutes from when the water starts boiling. Drain, rinse them well under cold water, peel, and chop them.
Drain the oil from the tuna and then place it in the bowl of a mixer.
Cut the stale bread into cubes and add it to the tuna along with the parsley leaves.
Blend everything to obtain a smooth mixture.
Transfer it to a bowl and add the boiled eggs, the grated pecorino cheese, and the remaining raw egg.
Mix with a spoon to combine all the ingredients well, season with salt and pepper.
With slightly damp hands, form medium-sized patties and flatten them slightly.
In a plate, combine the breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and roll the patties in it to coat them evenly.
As they are ready, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle them with a little olive oil.
Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. Alternatively, you can fry the patties in plenty of vegetable oil.
Serve the tuna and egg patties with a seasonal side dish and a dipping sauce.
Storage
Tuna and egg patties can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for about 2 days.
You can also freeze them, either raw or cooked: we recommend freezing them already breaded but before cooking, so you can bake them directly without thawing.
Variations
Gluten-free Patties: Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs for a version suitable for those with intolerances.
Spicy Patties: Add curry, sweet paprika, or turmeric to the mixture for a more aromatic version.
With Vegetables: You can enrich the mixture with grated zucchini or carrots for a more colorful and nutritious version.
Useful Tips
Drain the tuna well: if it remains too moist, the mixture will be soft.
Mixture Consistency: If the mixture is too soft, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
For a Melty Center: You can insert a cube of cheese like provolone or well-dried mozzarella in the center of the patties.
Perfect Frying: For a crispy result, if you fry them, ensure the oil is hot before immersing the patties.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
I don’t have a mixer, what can I do?
You can finely chop everything by hand with a knife or mince with a fork and a manual chopper.
The patties break during cooking: why?
There might be too much moisture in the mixture. Add some breadcrumbs to make it more compact.
How can I make them even more crispy?
Use a double coating (dip in beaten egg and then breadcrumbs twice).
What can I serve them with?
They are perfect with a fresh salad, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a sauce like mayonnaise or yogurt sauce.
