These canned tuna burgers are so easy to make! The tuna patties are crispy on the outside while still juicy in the centre and they're delicious topped with your choice of greens and a smear of paprika mayo with extra on the side to dip.
Say hello to your new quick and easy healthy weeknight dinner 👋
This is such a great easy recipe. I love a good burger as much as the next person but the classic beef would probably be the last ingredient I would choose to make my burgers from.
Whether it's salmon burgers, mushroom burgers or falafel burgers there's just so many tasty options and this tuna burger is yet another amazing burger recipe and fast becoming one of our favourites.
It's so quick to make which means they're great for a weeknight plus they taste great cold too so you can serve them up for lunch the next day.
Why we love these burgers...
This recipe is really quick to make and requires only a handful of ingredients so it's great for when you need a simple dinner.
They're a healthier option than your classic beef burgers because they're made from tuna which is full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and other good stuff.
If you feel like meal prepping then you can make these ahead and then serve them in buns or with salads or any other way you fancy during the week.
Ingredients
This section is here to provide further tips and ideas for alternative ingredients. The full recipe and instructions are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Tinned Tuna: I love tuna in oil. Make sure to get dolphin friendly, sustainably sourced stuff
Eggs: To bind the burgers
Panko Breadcrumbs: Or use regular breadcrumbs if you can't find panko
Garlic & Parsley: To flavour the burgers
Lemon Juice: To add that extra zing
Burger Buns: I like brioche but you can use what you like
Smoked Paprika Mayo Sauce: Made from a mixture of store bought mayo, garlic, lemon juice and smoked paprika (hint: add a pinch of chilli powder to make it spicy)
How to make tuna burgers
Make the burger mixture: Add the tuna, eggs, panko, garlic, parsley and lemon juice to a bowl and mix together then divide the mixture and shape into 4 patties.
Fry the burgers: Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan and fry the burger patties until browned and crispy on both sides.
Make the mayo: Mix together all of the sauce ingredients. Spread some mayo on a bun and top with the burgers and any other toppings of your choice.
Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. They're delicious served cold or you can reheat in a pan.
FAQs
I serve these with a big dollop of that smoked paprika mayo and a side of chips. You can also add plenty of other veggies to these burgers like slices of tomato or finely sliced onion. Pretty much anything you'd put in a normal burger!
Tuna is full of omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of protein so it's a great healthy choice for a main meal.
Yes! Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and heat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Place the patties on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can freeze them, simply mix and form the burgers then wrap or layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and put in the freezer. When you're ready to eat you can cook straight from frozen, just cook for longer to make sure they're cooked all the way through.
Getting burgers to stay together all comes down to the temperature of the pan. You need to make sure the pan is hot enough, medium high usually works. Once you've added the burgers to the pan with plenty of oil then just leave them there for several minutes until a crust develops and you're able to easily lift the burger from the pan.
Want more? Try these other fish recipes!
- Skillet Cod
- Harissa Roasted Salmon with Potatoes
- Cod Fish in Tomato Sauce
- Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon
- Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
- Tuna Pasta Salad with Feta & Pine Nuts
- Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Spinach
Recipe
Tuna Burgers with Smoked Paprika Mayo
Ingredients
- 2 160g tins Tuna drained
- 2 Eggs
- 45 g Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 clove Garlic crushed
- Small bunch Parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 4 Burger Buns I like brioche
- Handful Rocket or other leafy green of your choice
For the Smoked Paprika Mayo
- 4 tablespoon Mayo
- 1 clove Garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the tuna, eggs, panko, garlic, parsley and lemon juice in a large bowl. Shape into 4 patties.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium high heat and fry the burgers for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Mix together the mayo, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika and a little salt. Serve the burgers in buns with the mayo and greens.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
sky says
these were incredible, a new staple in my house!
Emmy says
Sooo good and easy to make! Even my 3 year old loves them!
Amy says
Thanks Emmy!
Tia-Rose says
These were such a big hit in my house, even got a picky 7 year old asking for more. They will definitely be put onto our weekly rotation, made a few adjustments nothing major just down to personal tastes within the family. Would recommend
Thank you for a great recipe, will be back for sure to see what other tasty recipes I can find!
Amy says
I'm so happy to hear this, thanks so much!
Jill says
Can leftover grilled tuna steak be used instead? Tia!
Amy says
Hi Jill, sure you could, as long as you can flake it to mix with the other ingredients then it should work 🙂
Tayler Ross says
I already have everything I need to make these burgers, so we're having them for dinner tonight! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Priya Shiva says
OMG! these tuna burgers looks so good! I love the pictures too!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
You got such a beautiful crust on those patties -- I'm impressed. The sandwiches look really hearty and I particularly like those fresh pops of pickled onions. Great idea with canned tuna!
Angela says
Such a fabulous idea! I always have cans of tuna on hand and never thought of serving it this way. Can't wait to show this one off to friends. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
What a great quick healthy weeknight meal. I haven't made tuna burgers before and I'm hoping my kids will love them.