- Drain the tuna well – too much moisture makes the patties fall apart.
- Mash the sweet potato warm – it blends better and binds everything naturally.
- Don’t overmix – keeps the patties light, soft, and tender.
- Use a nonstick skillet – gives a perfect golden crust with minimal oil.
- Add herbs or spices – smoked paprika or parsley boost that Mediterranean flavor.
- Make ahead for meal prep – easy to store, reheat, and enjoy later.
- Serve with something fresh – lemon juice and Greek yogurt or Skyr make them shine.
Tuna Sweet Potato Patties
Servings: people
These Tuna Sweet Potato Patties are crispy, protein-packed, and full of flavor — the perfect quick dinner when you want something wholesome and satisfying. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re easy to prep, high in fiber, and ready in under 30 minutes for a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-large sweet potato about 1 cup mashed - about 12 oz / 350 g raw
- 2 cans tuna 4 oz / 120 g each can
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic grated
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs — sub gluten-free flour
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano + a grating of lemon zest optional
- ½ teaspoon salt + black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking the patties
Instructions
- Prep the Sweet Potato: Pierce 1 medium-large sweet potato a few times with a fork. Microwave for about 6–7 minutes, or until soft. Cut it open, scoop out the flesh, and mash it in a large bowl. You should have about 1 cup.
- Mix the Patties: Add 2 cans tuna (drained), 1 egg, ¼ cup red onion (chopped), 1 clove garlic (grated), ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup grated parmesan, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper.Mix until everything comes together — the mixture should be soft but hold its shape. If it feels too wet, add a spoonful more flour.
- Shape and Cook: Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture per patty and shape into small rounds, about ½ inch thick.Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the outside and heated through.Note: You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve: Squeeze over fresh lemon and serve with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt-garlic sauce.
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Sweet potato → Mashed butternut squash or pumpkin
- Canned tuna → Salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken
- Egg → Flax egg or chia egg
- Red onion → Green onions or shallots
- Garlic → Garlic powder or roasted garlic
- Flour or breadcrumbs → Oat flour, almond flour, or panko
- Parmesan → Pecorino or crumbled feta cheese
- Dried oregano and lemon zest → Italian seasoning or fresh herbs
- Greek yogurt → Low-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr
