These delicious and easy-to-make tuna burgers are a fantastic alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with flavor and a great source of protein, they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of chickpeas and spices creates a satisfying texture and taste that will leave you wanting more.
If you don't usually keep chickpeas or vegan mayonnaise in your pantry, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Chickpeas are often found in the canned goods aisle, while vegan mayonnaise can typically be found in the condiments section or the health food aisle. Make sure to also grab some breadcrumbs and soy sauce if you don't already have them at home.
Ingredients For Tuna Burgers Recipe
Chickpeas: These legumes are mashed to create the base of the burger patties.
Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the ingredients together and give the patties structure.
Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and flavor to the patties.
Vegan mayonnaise: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the mixture.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of color.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall taste.
Technique Tip for Making Vegan Burgers
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more vegan mayonnaise or a splash of water to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before cooking can help them firm up and maintain their shape better in the frying pan.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar texture and can be mashed to create a similar consistency to chickpeas.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the mixture together and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the burgers.
vegan mayonnaise - Substitute with mashed avocado: Mashed avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats, making it a good alternative to vegan mayonnaise.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the burgers.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the taste of the other ingredients.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can add a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Vegan Burgers
- Allow the tuna burgers to cool completely after cooking. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. This initial freezing step helps them maintain their shape.
- Freeze the patties on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
- Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Tuna burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen.
- For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
- You can also reheat the patties in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and golden brown.
- Serve the reheated tuna burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or pickles.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures even heating and maintains the crispy texture of the patties.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna burgers in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the crispiness while ensuring the inside is warm.
Microwave Method: Place the tuna burgers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is quick but may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great for maintaining the crispy texture while reheating evenly.
Steaming Method: If you prefer a softer texture, place the tuna burgers in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the patties moist but may soften the crispy exterior.
Best Tools for Making Vegan Burgers
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix all the ingredients together.
- Fork: Useful for mashing the chickpeas to the desired consistency.
- Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, vegan mayonnaise, and soy sauce.
- Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Knife: Needed for finely chopping the onion.
- Cutting board: A safe surface to chop the onion on.
- Frying pan: Used to cook the patties until they are golden brown.
- Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties in the frying pan.
- Plate: To place the cooked patties on before serving.
- Oil dispenser: For adding a little oil to the frying pan before cooking the patties.
How to Save Time on Making Vegan Burgers
Use a food processor: Quickly mash the chickpeas and mix all ingredients in a food processor to save time.
Pre-chop ingredients: Finely chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs and spices ahead of time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.
Non-stick pan: Use a non-stick pan to reduce the need for oil and make cleanup faster.
Preheat the pan: Preheat your frying pan while forming the patties to streamline cooking.

Tuna Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpeas drained and mashed
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Vegan Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, onion, vegan mayonnaise, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties.
- 3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
- 4. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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