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Jenna Ewing

Super Chef & Mom

I’m Jenna, a busy mom who finds joy in the kitchen and loves sharing simple, family-friendly recipes made for real life. My goal is to make everyday meals feel approachable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

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High-Protein Tuna Patties

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Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cooking Time

10 Minutes

Servings

6–8 patties

Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside — these tuna patties are the perfect protein-packed meal for any time of day. Quick and easy to make, they’re a budget-friendly recipe that pairs well with salads, roasted veggies, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love High-Protein Tuna Patties

Tuna patties are a true weeknight hero: fast, versatile, and made with pantry staples. They’re an excellent way to pack in protein while keeping things simple and affordable. With cottage cheese blended into the mixture, these patties stay moist and creamy inside while developing a crispy golden crust on the outside.

They’re also highly customizable — add fresh herbs, spices, or veggies to switch up the flavor, or keep them classic for a no-fuss meal. Whether you need a light lunch, a grab-and-go snack, or a family-friendly dinner, these patties check all the boxes.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula (for flipping)

Ingredients

High-Protein Tuna Patties

  • 3 cans tuna, drained
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or low-carb substitute)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Step 1: Mix ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, and red onion. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and holds together.
  • Step 2: Form patties
    Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6–8 equal-sized patties. If the mixture feels too wet, add extra breadcrumbs until firm enough to hold shape.
  • Step 3: Cook patties
    Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
  • Step 4: Serve
    Remove patties from the skillet and serve immediately. Pair with a dipping sauce like Greek yogurt, sour cream, chili crisp, or simply a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

Special Notes

  • 🥒 Low-Carb Option – Replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
  • 🌶 Spice Boost – Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño to the mixture for heat.
  • 🧀 Cheesy Twist – Mix in a little shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra richness.
  • 🍋 Zesty Flavor – Add lemon zest to the mix for brightness.

Serving Ideas

  • Light Lunch: Serve patties over mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Dinner Plate: Pair with roasted veggies or cauliflower mash for a hearty meal.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Tuck patties into crisp lettuce leaves with avocado and tomato.
  • Snack Style: Serve with a dipping trio — ranch, chili crisp, and lemon yogurt.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Form uncooked patties, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Once cooked and cooled, freeze patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.

Nutrition Breakdown (per patty – approximate)

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 5g

Note: Values will vary depending on breadcrumbs or substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake patties at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

You can. Cook and flake fresh tuna before mixing it into the patty mixture.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free cream cheese, or omit and add an extra egg as a binder.

Do they hold up for meal prep?

Yes. They reheat well in an air fryer, skillet, or oven — making them a great prep-ahead option.

What dipping sauces go best with tuna patties?

Greek yogurt with lemon, chipotle mayo, chili crisp, or even a classic tartar sauce.

Final Thoughts

These High-Protein Tuna Patties are a simple, flavorful, and nutrient-packed recipe you’ll want in your weekly rotation. They’re quick to prepare, versatile in flavor, and perfect for meal prep.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a freezer-friendly option, these tuna patties deliver — crispy, satisfying, and loaded with protein.

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