Crispy Tuna & Potato Patties with Creamy Herb Sauce

These Crispy Tuna & Potato Patties transform pantry staples into a golden, flavorful snack or light meal. Canned tuna infuses each patty with savory depth, while mashed potatoes provide structure and tenderness. Onions and Italian herbs add aromatic nuance, and a crisp coating of breadcrumbs yields satisfying crunch. Paired with a silky sour-cream–herb sauce, these patties shine as appetizers, lunchbox treats, or alongside a fresh salad for dinner. Quick to prepare—with no special equipment—and customizable to your pantry, they’re sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Cooking Time

Preparation: 15 minutes
Chilling & coating: 10 minutes
Frying: 15 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Patty Mixture (makes 10–12 patties)
• 1 can (about 150 g drained) tuna in water, liquid discarded
• 3 medium potatoes (≈ 500 g), peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing and frying)
• 1 tsp Italian herb blend
• 1 tsp salt, plus extra for seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 30 g cornstarch or potato starch
• 40 g fine breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 2–3 stalks spring onions, thinly sliced

Coating & Frying
• 80–100 g coarse breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for shallow frying

Creamy Herb Sauce (optional)
• 4 Tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp chopped spring onion
• Pinch salt and paprika
• Drizzle olive oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash lightly, leaving some small chunks for texture.

2. Sauté Onion: While potatoes cook, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over low heat. Add chopped onion, Italian herbs, salt, and paprika. Sauté until soft and fragrant, 4–5 minutes. Cool slightly.

3. Combine Patties Mixture: In a large bowl, flake tuna with a fork. Add mashed potatoes, sautéed onion, spring onions, starch, and 40 g fine breadcrumbs. Season with additional salt if needed. Mix gently until just combined.

4. Shape & Chill: Form mixture into golf-ball–sized rounds, then flatten into 2 cm–thick patties. Place on a tray and refrigerate 10 minutes to firm up.

5. Coat Patties: Spread coarse breadcrumbs on a plate. Lightly dust each patty on both sides, pressing crumbs into the surface.

6. Fry Patties: Heat 2–3 mm of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium. Fry patties in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Drain on paper towels.

7. Make the Sauce: Whisk sour cream with spring onion, salt, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.

8. Serve: Arrange patties on a platter, drizzle with or serve alongside the creamy herb sauce. Garnish with extra spring onions.

Nutritional Information (per patty, without sauce)

Calories 120 kcal • Protein 6 g • Carbs 13 g • Fat 4 g • Fiber 1 g • Sodium 280 mg

Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Fish cakes and potato patties appear in coastal cuisines worldwide—from British cod fishcakes to Japanese satsuma-age. Canned tuna offers a modern shortcut, beloved since mid-20th-century pantry cooking. Combining tuna and potato creates a budget-friendly, protein-packed dish embraced by busy families. Seasonings like Italian herbs reflect global fusion, while the crispy breadcrumb coating echoes classic Southern fry-up traditions.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

1. Pantry-friendly: uses canned tuna and staple veggies.

2. Quick: ready in under 45 minutes.

3. Kid-approved: mild flavor and crunchy texture.

4. Versatile: serve as appetizer, snack, or meal.

5. Customizable: swap herbs, spices, or add cheese.

6. Freezer-friendly: freeze pre-fried patties for later.

7. Balanced: protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

8. One-bowl mixing: minimal dishes.

9. Crowd-pleaser: perfect for gatherings.

10. Low-effort: no bread dough or long prep.

Health Benefits

• Tuna: lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
• Potatoes: provide potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
• Onions & herbs: antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Light frying: shallow fry preserves flavor with less oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mixed-leaf salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve on crusty bread as open-faced patties with greens.
• Accompany with roasted vegetables or coleslaw.
• Offer as party finger food with toothpicks and dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-mixing: yields dense patties—mix until just combined.
• Skipping starch: leads to falling-apart patties—don’t omit.
• Oil too hot: burns coating before heating through—aim for 170–180 °C.
• Crowding pan: lowers oil temperature—fry in batches for crispness.

Pairing Recommendations

• Beverage: crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio), light beer, or iced tea.
• Sauces: aioli, sweet chili, or tartar sauce alongside the creamy herb dip.

Cooking Tips

• Texture: leave small potato chunks.
• Crispness: double-coat patties—pat mixture in breadcrumbs twice.
• Seasoning: taste a small fried test patty and adjust salt/spices.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Salmon & Potato Cakes
• Chickpea & Sweet-Potato Falafel
• Zucchini & Feta Fritters
• Classic British Fish Cakes

Variations to Try

• Spicy: add chili flakes and cumin.
• Cheesy: fold in grated Parmesan or cheddar.
• Herby: use dill, parsley, or cilantro mix.
• Veggie boost: add grated carrot or peas to the mixture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cornstarch: Binds moisture from potato and tuna, creating firm patties without the heaviness of flour, while yielding a lighter crumb.

Conclusion

Crispy Tuna & Potato Patties with Creamy Herb Sauce showcase how simple ingredients can become a sophisticated, satisfying dish. They’re perfect for busy cooks who need fast, flavorful meals with minimal fuss. Keep the recipe handy for last-minute gatherings, lunch prep, or anytime you crave a crispy, protein-packed treat that’s better than takeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake these instead of fry?
   Yes—brush patties with oil, bake at 200 °C for 15–18 min, flipping halfway.

2. How do I prevent soggy patties?
   Ensure potatoes are well-drained and cool before mixing.

3. Can I use fresh tuna?
   Cook and flake fresh tuna steak; adjust salt as needed.

4. How do I store leftovers?
   Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer.

5. Are they freezer-safe?
   Freeze uncooked patties on tray, then bag for up to 1 month; fry from frozen adding 1–2 min per side.

6. What can replace breadcrumbs?
   Use crushed cornflakes, panko, or ground oats for coating.

7. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure starch is GF.

8. Why are my patties falling apart?
   Add more starch or fine breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.

9. Can I add cheese to the mixture?
   Yes—mix in 2 Tbsp grated firm cheese for richness.

10. What dipping sauces pair well?
    Try lemon-garlic aioli, tzatziki, or chipotle mayo for variety.