Tuna Patties Recipe

Chickpeas: Drained and mashed, these legumes form the base of the patties and provide a hearty texture.

Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties together and add a slight crunch.

Onion: Finely chopped to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and is rich in vitamins.

Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami taste that enhances the overall flavor.

Garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a touch of color.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the patties.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Olive oil: Used for frying the patties to a golden brown perfection.

When forming the patties, make sure to press the mixture firmly to ensure they hold together well during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help bind the ingredients. Additionally, using a non-stick pan can help prevent the patties from sticking and breaking apart.

• Chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar texture and can be mashed easily, providing a comparable consistency to chickpeas.

• Breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can add a similar crunch and binding property to the patties.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the patties.

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with ground sunflower seeds: Ground sunflower seeds can provide a nutty flavor and some additional texture, though they won't have the same cheesy flavor as nutritional yeast.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and offers a similar umami flavor.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor if garlic powder is unavailable.

• Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the patties.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar salty taste.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and can be used as a direct substitute.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.

• Allow the tuna patties to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the patties in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid.

• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.

• Serve the reheated patties hot, perhaps with a side of salad or vegan dipping sauce. Enjoy the same delicious taste and texture as when they were freshly made!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the patties remain crispy on the outside while being warm and tender inside.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tuna patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have regained their crispy exterior. This method is quick and keeps the patties deliciously crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the tuna patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. This method is the fastest but may result in a slightly softer texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy. This method is great for maintaining the patties' crispiness without adding extra oil.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna patties on the toaster oven tray and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and mix all the ingredients together.
• Fork: Mash the chickpeas with this tool until they reach a desired consistency.
• Measuring cups: Measure out the breadcrumbs and chopped onion accurately.
• Measuring spoons: Measure the nutritional yeast, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.
• Frying pan: Cook the patties in this over medium heat.
• Spatula: Flip the patties carefully to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
• Knife: Finely chop the onion with this tool.
• Cutting board: Provide a stable surface to chop the onion.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mash the chickpeas and chop the onion ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients using a food processor.

Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple patties at once if your pan is large enough.

Freeze extras: Make a double batch and freeze the extra patties for a quick meal later.