Easy Tuna Patties: A Kid-Friendly Dinner Ready in 20 Minutes with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than these incredibly easy Tuna Patties! Made from a couple of humble cans of tuna, these flavorful patties are an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, getting dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. Not only are they a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet, but they also offer a fun and engaging cooking project for kids of all ages.
Paired with our simple, 3-ingredient homemade Tartar Sauce, these tuna cakes transform into a dipping delight that’s sure to be a hit. The sauce adds just the right amount of tangy “zing” to complement the mild, savory flavor of the patties, making every bite a joy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort, proving that wholesome family meals don’t have to be complicated.
Adding more fish to your diet is as easy as opening a couple cans of tuna. Mix it up with a few ingredients and you’ve got a batch of savory tuna patties that will please any age and fill bellies in a nutritious (and economical) way. The flavor of the tuna becomes mild and mellow, with the easy tartar sauce adding just the right amount of ‘zing’. You can entice your little sous chefs into helping with this fun project with the promise of tasting the finished result. Older kids can make these on their own. And if there are no kids in your household, you’ll please any adults with them, too. This is a great dinner to get on the table when you get home late and need to feed the family quickly – just keep a couple cans of tuna in the pantry and you’re ready to go!
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Delicious Tuna Patties and Zesty Tartar Sauce
One of the beauties of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliance on pantry staples. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, making it an ideal choice for impromptu meals. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing tuna patties and their perfect companion, the quick tartar sauce.
For the Tuna Patties:
You’ll need a couple of cans of tuna (preferably oil-packed for maximum flavor, though water-packed works too!), large eggs for binding, quick oats (small-flake rolled oats) or a suitable gluten-free alternative like sweet rice flour, a splash of milk for moisture, fresh dill or parsley for a bright herbaceous note, a dash of pepper, and a hint of hot pepper sauce for a subtle kick. Don’t forget a little oil for frying to get that perfect golden crisp.
For the Quick Tartar Sauce:
This effortless dipping sauce requires just three key ingredients: good quality mayonnaise as the rich base, sweet pickle relish for a tangy sweetness and texture, and prepared (or creamed) horseradish to provide that signature “zing” that complements seafood so perfectly. It’s a simple combination that yields impressive flavor!
Fun in the Kitchen: Cooking Tuna Patties with Kids
This recipe isn’t just about making dinner; it’s about creating memories and fostering a love for cooking in your little ones. Tuna patties are incredibly forgiving and offer numerous opportunities for kids to get hands-on, building confidence in the kitchen. Here’s how you can turn meal prep into a fun family activity:
Step 1: Tuna Prep – Draining and Flaking
First things first, gather your cans of tuna. A great starting point for young chefs is to help with the tuna itself. Show them how to carefully drain the liquid from the cans. For younger children, you might do the draining, but they can certainly take a fork and gently break up the larger chunks of tuna in a bowl. This step is satisfying and helps create the right texture for the patties.
Step 2: The Egg-cellent Adventure
Next comes the exciting part for many kids: cracking eggs! Even if it’s a little messy, it’s a fantastic motor skill activity. Place a bowl near them and let them try their hand at cracking the eggs directly into the tuna mixture. Don’t worry if a little shell gets in; it’s easy to fish out. This stage always brings out giggles and a sense of accomplishment, and with practice, they’ll become quite adept!
Step 3: Mixing with Your Hands
Once the eggs are in, it’s time to add the rest of the patty ingredients: quick oats, flour, milk, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for a hint of warmth (optional, of course, for sensitive palates). The best way to mix this is with clean hands! Let your little sous chefs dive in and squish everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and the tuna is well broken down. This tactile experience is a huge part of the fun and ensures all flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shaping Creative Patties
Now for the creative part: shaping the patties! Take about two tablespoons of the mixture and guide your child in rolling it into a small ball, then gently flattening it into an oval. This is where their imagination can truly shine. Encourage them to make traditional rounds, ovals, or even fun fish shapes, like our friend Caleb demonstrates. The size should be similar to a chicken nugget, perfect for little hands to hold and dip.
Step 5: Frying to Golden Perfection (Adults Only for This Part!)
Once all the patties are shaped, it’s time for the cooking. This step requires adult supervision, especially when little ones are around the stove. Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy. You’ll love the sizzle and the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 6: The Quick Tartar Sauce
While the patties are frying, or even before, whip up the incredibly simple Quick Tartar Sauce. In a small bowl, combine good quality mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of prepared horseradish. Stir it all together, and just like that, you have a vibrant, tangy dipping sauce ready to elevate your tuna patties.
Step 7: The Ultimate Taste Test
Finally, the moment of truth! Arrange the warm, crispy tuna patties on a plate with a generous bowl of your homemade tartar sauce. Watch as your young chefs eagerly dip their creations. It’s truly rewarding to see them enjoy something they helped prepare. Our little taste-tester, Caleb, devoured nearly half the batch, proving these patties are a definite winner with the toughest critics!
And that Tartar Sauce? It was a lick-the-plate-clean kind of sauce!
Why Tuna Patties? More Than Just a Meal
Beyond their delicious taste and ease of preparation, tuna patties offer a multitude of benefits that make them a staple in any family kitchen:
- Nutrient-Rich: Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D and B12. It supports brain health, heart health, and overall well-being, making it a smart choice for growing kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Canned tuna is an incredibly affordable protein source, allowing you to create a satisfying and nutritious meal without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget, especially when feeding a family.
- Quick & Convenient: From pantry to plate in under 20 minutes, these patties are the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. No complicated steps, just simple mixing and frying.
- Versatile & Customizable: While delicious on their own, tuna patties are a blank canvas for customization. You can easily adapt them to suit different tastes or use up leftover ingredients from your fridge.
- Kid-Approved: The mild flavor of tuna, combined with the crispy texture, makes these patties incredibly appealing to children. Plus, the dipping sauce adds an extra layer of fun that encourages even picky eaters to try new flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Your Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to inspire your dinner plate:
- Classic Plate: Serve them simply with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a scoop of rice. The tartar sauce is a must!
- Tuna Patty Burgers: Place them in soft burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and a generous dollop of tartar sauce for a delightful twist on a classic.
- Mini Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve them on slider buns for appetizers or a fun party snack.
- Over Salad: Crumble warm tuna patties over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a light yet filling lunch.
- With Roasted Potatoes or Fries: For a more comforting meal, serve alongside crispy roasted potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
- In Wraps: Break them up and add them to tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and extra tartar sauce for a quick and easy wrap.
Storing and Reheating Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them to enjoy delicious leftovers:
- Storage: Cooked tuna patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tartar sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for several weeks.
- Reheating: To maintain their crispy exterior, reheat tuna patties in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Microwaving is an option for convenience, but the patties may lose some of their crispness.
- Freezing (Uncooked): For future convenience, you can prepare the patty mixture, shape the patties, and then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
Tips & Clever Substitutions for Your Tuna Patties
- **Tuna Choice Matters:** Any type of canned tuna will work, but for the richest flavor and best texture, we highly recommend chunk tuna packed in oil. The oil adds moisture and depth of flavor that water-packed tuna sometimes lacks. If using water-packed, ensure it’s very well-drained.
- **Oat Alternatives:** If you don’t have quick oats (small-flake rolled oats), don’t fret! You can easily use regular rolled oats by giving them a quick whiz in a blender or food processor to break them down into smaller flakes. Alternatively, fresh or dried breadcrumbs make an excellent substitute – use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- **Gluten-Free Flour Options:** To keep this recipe entirely gluten-free, opt for sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour for its binding properties). Chickpea flour is another fantastic gluten-free choice that not only binds well but also boosts the protein content of your patties. Cornstarch or a general gluten-free all-purpose flour blend would also work.
- **Fresh vs. Dried Herbs:** While fresh dill or parsley provides a bright, vibrant flavor, dried herbs are perfectly acceptable. Just remember the general rule of thumb: use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh.
- **Tartar Sauce Variations (No Horseradish? No Problem!):** The prepared horseradish adds a wonderful zing to the tartar sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you have a couple of great alternatives: substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles for a tangy crunch, or use 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard for a sharp, savory kick. Both will yield a delicious sauce!
- **Extra Tartar Sauce:** Don’t be surprised if you have some tartar sauce leftover – it’s a good thing! It stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for several weeks. It’s absolutely delicious on fish sandwiches, chicken burgers, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
More Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas for Your Family
Building on the success of these delightful tuna patties, here are some other fantastic and easy weeknight meal ideas that are perfect for cooking with (or for!) kids, big and small. These recipes are designed to be fun, flavorful, and fuss-free:
- **Meatballs with 3 Dipping Sauces** (also makes a great appetizer for parties)
- **Number One Chili** (a super easy recipe requiring just 1 cup of everything!)
- **Lentil Sloppy Joes** (a fantastic and hearty meatless meal option)
- **Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti Spiders** (as fun and delicious as it sounds, truly a kid favorite!)
- **Lemon Chicken Soup with Egg Strands** (a simple, tasty, and wonderfully comforting bowl of goodness)
- **Sweet Potato Nachos** (everyone loves nachos, and these are a healthy, flavorful winner!)
- **Pasta & Sausage Skillet Supper** (a convenient and delicious meal, all made in one pan for easy cleanup)
For even more inspiration, explore our extensive collection of fun and easy ‘Cooking with Kids’ recipes. You’ll discover a variety of sweet and savory dishes that your budding sous chefs will absolutely adore helping you prepare and, of course, devour!
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Tuna Patties with Quick Tartar Sauce
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
for the Tuna Patties:
- 2 cans (198gms/7oz) tuna preferably oil-packed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup quick oats (small-flake rolled oats) gluten-free, if necessary
- 2 tablespoons flour (use sweet rice flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons milk any kind
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- dash of hot pepper sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons oil, for frying
for the Quick Tartar Sauce:
- ⅓ cup (75gms) good quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon prepared (or creamed) horseradish
Instructions
To make the Tuna Patties:
- Drain the liquid from the cans of tuna.
- Mix together the drained tuna, eggs, oats, flour, milk, herbs, pepper, and hot sauce with your hands until all the tuna chunks are broken up.
- Using 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time, roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly into an oval patty. If desired, you can form the patties into little fish shapes. Makes 16 patties.
- Heat about 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties until golden brown on each side (about 2 minutes per side). Fry them in batches if your pan is small, using a bit more oil if needed.
To make the Quick Tartar Sauce:
- Stir together all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Notes
If you don’t have the smaller-flaked quick-oats, you can use regular oats whizzed quickly in a blender, or substitute with bread crumbs (gluten-free, if necessary).
For gluten-free, use sweet rice flour or any other gluten-free flour (chickpea flour works well).
If you don’t have horseradish for the Tartar Sauce, subsitute with 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles or 2 teaspoons dijon mustard.
Extra tartar sauce keeps in the fridge for several weeks and is great on sandwiches.