Crisp Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties

Crisp Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties on a white plate with lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and a bowl of lemon-dill sauce on FoodForYourGood.com — Crisp Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties – golden pan-seared patties topped with creamy lemon-dill sauce, served with lemon wedges and herbs.

Crisp Lemon-Dill Tuna Patties are the perfect way to transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying, flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients, these golden patties fry up beautifully crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. The zesty lemon-dill sauce takes them to another level, adding a creamy, refreshing finish that complements the savory tuna perfectly.

This recipe isn’t just quick and easy—it’s versatile, too. You can enjoy these patties as a light main dish with a fresh salad, tucked into pita bread for a quick sandwich, or even served as appetizers at your next gathering. They’re the kind of recipe that proves delicious meals don’t need to be complicated.

Interestingly, tuna patties became popular in the 20th century as an affordable, protein-packed dinner option when canned fish rose in household use. Today, they’ve remained a staple for busy home cooks because they’re fast, filling, and endlessly adaptable. With this lemony, herby twist, these patties are ready to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cans tuna, drained (5 oz each)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 large egg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, for frying

For the Lemon-Dill Sauce
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the patties:
In a medium bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, egg, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until mixture holds together.

2. Shape the patties:
Divide mixture into 6 equal portions. Form each into a compact round patty about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Cook the patties:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

4. Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

5. Serve and enjoy:
Arrange warm tuna patties on a platter and drizzle with lemon-dill sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Balance the flavor: Don’t skip the Dijon mustard and lemon juice; they brighten the tuna flavor and make the patties taste fresh.
Prevent crumbling: Chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying. This helps them hold together better while cooking.
Serve creatively: Pair with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or stuff inside pita bread for an easy handheld meal.

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