Tuna patties are a popular, versatile, and easy-to-make snack or meal using canned tuna and a filler such as bread crumbs or mashed potatoes. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces, and are popular with children.
A tuna patty is a hamburger shaped like a tuna, often served in a bun. These are quick and easy to prepare and make good use of inexpensive ingredients. There are hundreds of recipes for making a tuna patty, but the typical patty is made with canned tuna and a filler such as bread crumbs or cracker crumbs. The mix is rolled into a ball and flattened into a patty shape before being fried to a golden brown. After they are baked, the patties can be served hot or cold.
Tuna patties typically use inexpensive ingredients commonly on hand in many kitchens. Some recipes are even made specifically to handle leftovers, and cooks often improvise with ingredients they have on hand. This versatility makes tuna pie a popular choice as a quick, spontaneous snack or meal.
Another reason for the tuna pie’s popularity is its popularity with children. Children can often help with the preparation, and many children enjoy mashing and molding the ingredients. Meatballs are similar in shape and presentation to many familiar kid-friendly foods, a similarity that may contribute to their popularity.
After the ingredients have been mixed, the patties are ready to be shaped. Traditionally, a tuna patty is rolled into a ball and mashed flat. The patties are then fried until golden brown, then served.
Many people choose to serve tuna patties in sandwiches, either between slices of bread or on a hamburger bun. Tuna patties can also be served on their own, hot or cold, often accompanied by a dipping sauce. They make fun snacks, easy appetizers, and quick meals.
The one essential ingredient for a tuna patty is canned tuna. Some recipes specifically list tuna in brine or oil, and many people will prefer one or the other. This is purely a matter of taste and any available tuna can be used, regardless of how it was packaged. Either way, the tuna is drained before the other ingredients are added.
Most recipes also call for some type of filler. Some recipes call for bread crumbs or cracker crumbs, while others call for flour or mashed potatoes. These fillers fill out the meal, allowing the tuna to stretch further. Egg is generally used as a binder.
Other ingredients are included to add flavor. Vegetables such as onions or peppers may be included. Tuna pie recipes vary greatly in their use of toppings. Some recipes call for simple salt and pepper, but others call for bolder flavors like mustard or chili.
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