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Golden brown Tuna Melt Patties served on a white plate with fresh parsley and lemon.
Maryam

Tuna Melt Patties

Crispy, cheesy tuna patties that taste like your favorite diner melt, ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Patties
  • 12 oz canned tuna in water drained well (2 standard cans)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup celery finely diced
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. In a large bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork until no large chunks remain. Add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, scallions, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
  2. Add the panko breadcrumbs to the tuna mixture and fold gently until the mixture holds together when squeezed. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into 3/4-inch thick patties. They will feel soft - that is normal.
Cook
  1. Heat the butter and oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the butter stops foaming. Add 4 patties and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are deep golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese over the hot patties, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 1 minute until the cheese melts. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining patties.
  3. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with lemon wedges, pickles, or a simple green salad.

Notes

Press the patties firmly when shaping - they need to hold together in the pan but will firm up as they cook. For extra crunch, use crushed Ritz crackers instead of panko. These reheat surprisingly well in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side.