Crsipy, flavour-packed tuna patties with a fresh pesto twist
Tuna and pesto patties are a quick, budget-friendly meal, full of flavour that are about to become a new favourite. Crispy on the outside, lots of flavour on the inside.
Four and a bit ingredients of simple pantry staples, egg, a jar of pesto, a can of tuna and breadcrumbs. Easy to make and delicious to put in your lunch box or serve as an appetizer with a fresh green salad.
These patties are perfect for busy weeknights, easy lunch, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Use your favourite store bought jar of pesto for an even quicker meal.
What I love the most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Serve the patties with a crisp green salad, tuck them into burger buns with my pesto dressing or enjoy them with roasted vegetables and a squeeze of lemon.
Unlike traditional fish cakes that can sometimes feel heavy, these tuna and pesto patties stay light and fresh, while still developing a beautifully golden crust when pan-fried.
Substitutes
You can also make these patties with canned salmon.
For a more upscale version of this recipe, but still within your budget, substitute the canned tuna with smoked mackerel.
Freezable
This tuna and pesto patties freezes so well. As always when I am freezing hamburgers, patties and pancakes, I like to freeze them flat first and then put them away in a more convinient storage box. If I have no space in my freezer to freeze something flat, I add a piece of parchment paper between each pattie, to make sure I can take out and defrost just enough that I need to make dinner or lunch.
Batch cooking tips
If you plan to make a bunch of these to bring to a large event, make them the day before. These patties are just as good eating cold the day after as they are eating them hot from the pan. Batch cooking the day before is a great hack.
Other recipes for you to enjoy
Do you prefer a vegetarian alternative, have a look at my zucchini and halloumi patties they are equally delicious.
If you want to make your own pesto to add to the patties, I have a great spinach and pecan pesto recipe.
For other tuna recipes try my easy sushi bowl with spicy tuna or my tuna sandwich filling.
Whether you are cooking on a budget, trying to use pantry staples creatively or simple craving something quick and satisfying, these tuna pesto patties are a simple recipe that delivers every time.
Tuna and pesto patties
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna in water 145g drained
- 1 egg
- 1 shallot onion
- 50 ml panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ tbsp green pesto
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- Oil to fry
Instructions
- Drain 1 can tuna in water and mix with 1 egg, 1 shallot onion, 50 ml panko breadcrumbs, 1 1/2 tbsp green pesto, 1/2 tsp salt, Pinch of white pepper.
- Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat Oil to fry in a frying pan.
- Roll the tuna paste into meatballs and place in hot pan.
- Gently press the balls with the back of a spatula to make flat patties.
- Fry the patties on each side about 5 minutes, until browned.
- Serve in tortilla bread or as an appetizer on a green salad with vinegar and lemon dressing.
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