The Story Behind the Dish
Comfort food takes on a new meaning with these incredible Tuna and Egg Patties – a dish that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a mouth-watering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Born from the need to create a delicious, protein-packed dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these patties blend the rich flavors of tuna with the creamy texture of eggs and a zesty accompanying sauce.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 3 large eggs (US) / 150g eggs (Europe)
- 2 cans of tuna, drained (approx. 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 5-6 medium potatoes (approx. 750g / 26 oz)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp French mustard
- 1 pickled cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and quarter the potatoes
- Boil in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes)
- Drain and mash with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper
- Set aside to cool slightly
- Mix Patty Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs
- Drain and flake the tuna, adding to the eggs
- Add chopped parsley, green onions, lemon zest
- Sprinkle in salt, sweet paprika, and black pepper
- Mix in breadcrumbs
- Form the Patties
- Fold the mashed potatoes into the tuna mixture
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
- Shape into 4-5 round patties using your hands
- If mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs
- Cook the Patties
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Carefully place patties in the pan
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise
- Stir in French mustard
- Add finely chopped pickled cucumber and dill
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Mix well
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 patty with sauce):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Cooking Time:
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-5 patties
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Ensure tuna is well-drained to prevent soggy patties
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier flipping
- Let patties rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help them set
- For a crispy exterior, dust patties lightly with flour before frying
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives:
- Replace tuna with canned salmon
- Use shredded chicken instead
- Try plant-based tuna alternatives for a vegetarian version
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Dairy-Free Modification:
- Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk
- Use coconut oil instead of butter
- Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these patties ahead of time? A: Yes! Prepare the mixture and shape patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and cook when ready.
Q2: How do I prevent my patties from falling apart? A: Ensure ingredients are well mixed, use breadcrumbs as a binder, and let patties rest before cooking.
Q3: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: Are these patties freezer-friendly? A: Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.
Q5: What can I serve with these patties? A: Great with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or as a burger alternative on a bun.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag
- Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness
- Sauce: Prepare sauce up to 2 days in advance, store in the refrigerator
Enjoy your delicious Tuna and Egg Patties – a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and flavor!