Tuna Quinoa Patties

Name: Tuna Quinoa Patties
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 5 oz can tuna (drained); 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (cooked and cooled (about 1 cup uncooked)); 1 egg; 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs (Italian bread crumbs can be used, do not use panko); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon salt salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; extra-virgin olive oil

April 7, 2023 by Nancy Piran Last Modified: March 22, 2024

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Tuna quinoa patties are a healthy and satisfying meal, packed with protein & fiber. Fried to golden perfection easy for a weeknight meal!

Tuna Quinoa Patties on white plate with lemon.

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We love making these easy tuna quinoa patties, especially during Lent. They tend to go our go-to recipe. This works great for when you have some leftover quinoa that you need to use up! This recipe combines quinoa and canned fish to make the perfect dish.

I have made a variation of this recipe a few times. The kids actually really enjoy this as much as we do so it is a great family recipe as well. Salmon quinoa patties are pretty good too!
Because I have quinoa in my refrigerator often I was able to whip this up pretty quickly.
Whenever I make quinoa I just follow the directions on the back of the package and add a vegetable bouillon cube to give it a little flavor.
Then I just grab whatever ingredients i have that go well with the type of canned fish I am using and whalla you are almost finished!
These patties are really good with just a side salad and sliced cheese, or peas and potatoes or as a sandwich. (Which by the way the sandwich is really really good, says my daughter!)

HOW TO MAKE TUNA QUINOA PATTIES:

INGREDIENTS:

Tuna: Tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. I use my favorite canned tuna. Works great here!
Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain that is high in protein and fiber.
Egg: Egg bind the patties together.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the patties together and they also add a bit of crunch.
Lemon juice: Has a tart flavor that pairs well with tuna and quinoa, but keeps the tuna tasting fresh!
Green onions: Green onions have a mild onion flavor that adds flavor to the patties.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is a healthy oil that is high in monounsaturated fats. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

DIRECTIONS:

For these patties, you will basically add all of the into a bowl.
Scoop them out, roll the, flatten them slightly and fry in oil.

NOTES & STORAGE:

** May have to add more oil as you go. The patties will soak some of it up.

** You can freeze for at least 15 minutes before frying.

**Make smaller patties, they hold up better while frying.

STORAGE: Tuna quinoa patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze tuna quinoa patties, simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

What are some different ways to serve tuna quinoa patties?

Tuna quinoa patties can be served on their own or in a variety of dishes. They can be served on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado. They can also be served in a salad, or as the main dish with a side dish of air fryer Brussels sprouts!

What kind of oil should I use?

I personally prefer to fry them with extra-virgin olive oil. The patties take on the flavor and leaves them tasting so good with the combination of the herbs and spices in them. I did not really like it when I fried them in vegetable oil.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making tuna quinoa patties?

One common mistake is not packing them well. If you ingredients are not combined well then they won’t stick together when you are frying them.

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