Tuna Burgers

These easy Tuna Burgers are a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with canned tuna, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and simple seasonings, these patties are pan-seared until golden brown and served on a toasted bun with your favorite burger toppings.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers

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Ingredients

Tuna Patties

• 2 cans tuna (5–6 oz each), drained
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Tabasco hot sauce, to taste (go light)
• 1 large egg

Optional

• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tsp minced garlic

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tbsp unsalted butter

For Serving

• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion

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How to Make Tuna Burgers

1) Mix the tuna mixture

Drain the tuna thoroughly and add it to a large mixing bowl. Add the Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, water, parsley, yellow onion, salt, black pepper, Tabasco, and egg. Add the Parmesan and minced garlic if using.

Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it seems too wet, add a small amount of additional breadcrumbs.

2) Form the patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty, about ½–¾ inch thick.

3) Heat the pan

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter and allow the butter to melt.

4) Cook the tuna burgers

Carefully place the patties into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Flip gently to prevent the patties from breaking apart.

5) Build the burgers

Place each tuna patty onto a burger bun and top with your favorite fixings. Lettuce, tomato, and red onion make a great combination.

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What to Serve With Tuna Burgers

Tuna burgers pair really well with classic burger sides. Some of my favorites are:

• Oven-Baked French Fries – Crispy fries make this feel like a classic burger-and-fries dinner.
• Oven Baked Brussel Sprouts – Oven baked Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor.
• Air Fryer Zucchini Rings – Coated in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and air fried until golden.
• Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory tuna patty.
• Potato Salad – Great for a summer-style meal.
• Side Salad – A simple green salad keeps the meal lighter.
• Roasted Vegetables – A good option if you’re looking for something a little healthier. Pickles – A few crunchy dill pickles on the side add some much-needed acidity.

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Final Thoughts

These Tuna Burgers are one of those recipes that prove you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a satisfying meal. Canned tuna is inexpensive and convenient, while the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and Tabasco give the patties plenty of flavor.

The Parmesan and garlic are optional, but I’d personally recommend adding them. They give the burgers an extra savory flavor without taking away from the tuna.