Growing up my mother made wonderful salmon patties and always served them with fried potatoes and creamed peas on the side.

 

Southern Fried Tuna Patties: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Southern cuisine is renowned for its hearty, flavorful, and comforting dishes, and Southern Fried Tuna Patties are no exception. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these patties are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a few kitchen staples, they combine the delicate flavor of tuna with the richness of Southern-style seasoning and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried exterior.

In this guide, we’ll walk through every detail of making Southern Fried Tuna Patties—from selecting the best tuna to mastering the frying process, seasoning variations, and serving suggestions. We’ll also cover tips for making the patties ahead of time, freezing them, and keeping them moist and flavorful. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe for a dish that will impress friends and family alike.

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Why Southern Fried Tuna Patties Are a Classic

Tuna patties, or tuna cakes, have been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. They originated as a way to transform canned tuna, a readily available and affordable protein source, into a delicious, crispy, and satisfying meal.

The Southern twist on tuna patties often involves:

• Cornmeal or breadcrumbs: Adds texture and crunch to the patties.

• Southern spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of cayenne.

• Egg and mayonnaise: Bind the patties and add richness, keeping the tuna moist during frying.

• Onions and bell peppers: Add moisture, flavor, and a subtle sweetness to each bite.

The result is a golden-brown patty that’s crispy on the outside yet moist and flavorful on the inside—a perfect balance of textures and tastes that makes Southern fried tuna patties irresistible.

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Ingredients for Southern Fried Tuna Patties

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of delicious Southern fried tuna patties:

Main Ingredients:

1. Canned tuna – 3 (5-ounce) cans, drained

   • Use solid or chunk light tuna for the best texture. Draining thoroughly is key to avoid soggy patties.

2. Breadcrumbs or cornmeal – ¾ cup

   • Traditional Southern recipes often use cornmeal, giving the patties a slightly gritty, crispy exterior. Breadcrumbs will yield a smoother coating.

3. Eggs – 2 large, beaten

   • Eggs bind the tuna and other ingredients together, helping the patties hold their shape.

4. Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons

   • Adds moisture and richness to the patties. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

5. Onion – ½ cup, finely chopped

   • Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

6. Bell pepper – ½ cup, finely chopped

   • Optional, but provides a fresh, colorful contrast.

7. Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon

   • Adds umami and depth of flavor.

8. Mustard – 1 teaspoon

   • Dijon or yellow mustard enhances the flavor profile of the patties.

9. Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

   • Optional, but adds a subtle kick of flavor.

10. Salt and black pepper – to taste

For Frying:

1. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil – enough for shallow frying (about ¼–½ inch in a skillet)

Optional Garnishes and Sides:

• Lemon wedges

• Hot sauce

• Tartar sauce

• Fresh parsley

• Coleslaw, grits, or mashed potatoes

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Fried Tuna Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all ingredients. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly—press the cans gently with a fork or use a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. Chop the onion and bell pepper finely. This ensures that they cook evenly and mix smoothly into the patties.

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Step 2: Mix the Tuna Patty Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

1. Tuna – flake it gently with a fork.

2. Eggs – add beaten eggs to act as a binder.

3. Mayonnaise – adds creaminess and moisture.

4. Onion and bell pepper – fold in evenly.

5. Worcestershire sauce and mustard – stir to combine.

6. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – season generously.

7. Breadcrumbs or cornmeal – start with ¾ cup, adding more if needed to achieve a firm mixture that holds its shape.

Mix all ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the patties dense, so combine until just incorporated.

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Step 3: Form the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into equal portions. This recipe should yield about 8–10 medium-sized patties.

2. Shape each portion into a round patty, about ¾–1 inch thick.

3. Lightly dredge each patty in extra breadcrumbs or cornmeal for added crispiness.

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Step 4: Prepare the Frying Pan

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Pour in enough vegetable oil (or your choice of oil) to cover the bottom about ¼ inch deep.

3. Heat until the oil shimmers but is not smoking. You want a moderate heat so the patties cook evenly without burning.

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Step 5: Fry the Tuna Patties

1. Place the patties carefully in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

2. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

3. Use a spatula to flip the patties carefully to prevent breaking.

4. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

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Step 6: Serve the Southern Fried Tuna Patties

1. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh parsley.

2. Accompany with your favorite condiments, such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a simple mayonnaise-based sauce.

3. These patties pair well with traditional Southern sides like coleslaw, grits, fried okra, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Southern Fried Tuna Patties

1. Choose the Right Tuna

• Use chunk light tuna for tenderness or solid white albacore for a meatier texture. Avoid tuna packed in water that’s too watery; drain well.

2. Don’t Overmix

• Mixing too vigorously can make the patties dense. Stir gently until just combined.

3. Adjust the Binder

• If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or cornmeal. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of mayonnaise or an extra egg.

4. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature

• Medium heat is crucial. Too hot, and the patties burn outside before cooking through; too low, and they absorb too much oil and become greasy.

5. Make Ahead

• You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld.

6. Freezing Tips

• Patties freeze well. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

7. Add Extra Flavor

• For an extra Southern twist, add finely chopped green onions, celery, or bell peppers. Some cooks like to mix in a small amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a gentle kick.

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Variations on Southern Fried Tuna Patties

1. Cheesy Tuna Patties

• Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a melty, savory flavor.

2. Spicy Tuna Patties

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce to the mixture.

3. Healthier Version

• Bake instead of fry. Place patties on a greased baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Tuna and Corn Patties

• Mix in ½ cup sweet corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Southern fried tuna patties are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve them:

• As a Sandwich: Place a patty on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.

• As a Dinner Side: Serve with grits, collard greens, and cornbread for a full Southern-style meal.

• As an Appetizer: Cut patties into small pieces, serve with dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or spicy remoulade.

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Southern Fried Tuna Patties are a delicious, comforting dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your table. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold seasoning, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Once you master this recipe, you can experiment with various flavorings, binders, and sides to create your perfect Southern fried tuna patty.

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