Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich, transformed into crispy, cheesy patties perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. With a golden crust and gooey melted cheddar cheese, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Drain and Flake Tuna: Drain tuna very well, pressing out excess liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and flake with a fork. Proper draining is crucial for crispy patties.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with the flaked tuna, add the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of water.
- Form Patties: Take about ½ cup of the mixture and gently form it into 4 equally sized, round patties, approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate. If time allows, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up and prevent breaking during cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the formed patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden-brown and crispy. Carefully flip each patty and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until also golden-brown and heated through.
- Melt the Cheese: Once patties are cooked on both sides, reduce the heat to low. Evenly sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese on top of each patty. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s gloriously gooey and bubbling. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the hot, cheesy Tuna Melt Patties to a serving plate. Serve immediately, optionally on toasted hamburger buns or bread slices with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a dollop of tartar sauce or sriracha aioli, or enjoy as a standalone main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure tuna is well-drained to avoid soggy patties.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold shape better.
- Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for best results.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Swiss or your preferred melting cheese.
- Serve with toasted buns and condiments for a classic tuna melt sandwich experience.
