When it comes to comfort food, tuna patties are a classic. Tuna patties are an easy and delicious meal that can be served in various ways.
Whether you’re making them from scratch or using a pre-made mix, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. But what should you serve with tuna patties?
Here are 27 side dishes that will perfectly complement your tuna patties and make them even more delicious.
In a little Hurry, Want to know What to serve with Tuna Patties? Then try any of these- Sauces & Condiments, Breads & Buns, Potatoes, Salads, Vegetables, Potato Salad, Fruit, Coleslaw, Green Beans, Vegetable Medley, Mashed Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Macaroni & Cheese, Rice Pilaf, Roasted Vegetables, Creamed Spinach, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, and Garlic Bread.
What are tuna patties? What do Tuna Patties taste like?
Tuna patties are a delicious delicacy enjoyed by seafood lovers all over the world. Made from canned tuna, the fish is mixed with herbs and spices to create a thick patty.
The flavor of tuna patties can vary depending on the ingredients used for the recipe, but generally, it has an almost sweet taste, similar to crab cake but with a lighter texture.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be served in a variety of ways, whether grilled, fried, or even cold over salad. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion where a flavor blast is desired.
What is so special about Tuna Patties?
Tuna Patties are a wonderfully versatile dish that is low in fat and calories yet pack a punch of flavor.
Specifically, the combination of tuna and seasonings provide an interesting taste to the patties – from a lemon zest for a zingy finish to lightly fried onions for a comforting flavor; these ingredients bring tropical flavors that will transport your taste buds on an exciting journey.
The great thing about Tuna Patties is that you can use the recipe as a jumping-off point to add your own flavors, be it capers, herbs, or any other ingredients you might like.
This makes them one of the most delicious and creative snacks – perfect for bringing to potlucks, picnics, or just as an afternoon snack.
27 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Tuna Patties
1. Sauces & Condiments for Tuna Patties
Sauces and condiments always help to pair up with deep Fried! Tartar sauce is a classic companion for tuna patties—just mix mayonnaise with relish and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder for an easy homemade version.
For something more flavorful, try topping your patties with creamy garlic sauce or sriracha mayo. To give your meal an Asian twist, serve it with teriyaki sauce or Thai peanut sauce.
You can choose from different kinds of store-bought sauces, such as barbecue, tartar, or hot & spicy. Or make your own special recipe by combining mayonnaise and dried herbs for a unique flavor experience.
Serve the sauce in small individual dipping cups beside each patty, so your guests have something to dip their tuna into – it’s sure to make the meal even more enjoyable!
From creamy Aioli to spicy Sriracha, there’s something for everyone at the dinner table.
2. Breads & Buns
Tuna patties also taste fantastic when served on buns! Whether you use hamburger buns or ciabatta rolls is up to you—just make sure they’re fresh and lightly toasted before serving them up with your patties.
You could also opt for lighter sides such as crackers or slices of rustic bread instead of buns if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
3. Potatoes
One of the most classic sides for tuna patties is potatoes. You can make mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, or even go for French fries.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sweet potato fries are also a great way to mix it up. Don’t forget to top your potatoes off with some butter and herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra bit of flavor.
4. Salads
A salad is always a great side dish because it provides an extra layer of texture and nutrition to the meal.
A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers is always a good choice, but if you want something more creative, try making a pasta salad or a quinoa bowl instead.
The possibilities are endless! Just remember that when it comes to salads, less is often more – so be careful not to overload your plate.
5. Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are another great accompaniment for tuna patties!
Simply choose your favorite vegetables – peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant all work well – cut them into slices and throw them on the grill or stovetop until they are tender but still crisp.
Once they’re done cooking, add some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra kick of flavor.
6. Potato Salad
Nothing goes better with fried fish than a good old-fashioned potato salad. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, making it an ideal accompaniment to the succulent flavors of the patty.
You can also add in your favorite vegetables, like celery or bell peppers, if you want more flavor and crunch.
Start with boiled potatoes for a creamy texture, and add pickles, onions, celery, and mayonnaise for flavor. If you wish to give your potato salad a kick, add some mustard or Worcestershire sauce.
7. Fruit
If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, then why not try adding fruit to your plate? Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries make great additions to any meal.
The sweetness will balance out the savory flavors of the tuna patty. Plus, they provide a nice burst of color on your plate!
8. Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw is perfect for cutting through the richness of fried fish dishes like tuna patties.
Make your own coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar together in a bowl until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary before serving!
9. Green Beans
Green beans are another excellent vegetable choice when it comes to serving up sides with your tuna patties. They have a nice crunch and earthy flavor that pairs well with seafood dishes like this one.
Try sautéing them in butter or olive oil for an extra touch of flavor!
10. Vegetable Medley
f you’re looking for something more substantial than just potatoes or green beans, why not try out a vegetable medley?
A mix of carrots, peas, mushrooms, and other vegetables makes for a hearty side dish that will leave you feeling full after eating your meal. Plus, it adds tons of color to your plate!
11. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a hit when it comes to serving sides with tuna patties – who doesn’t love this comforting dish?
Choose either white or red potatoes, depending on what kind of flavor profile you want; both work perfectly as accompaniments to these tasty patties!
12. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is another excellent option when it comes to serving up sides with your meal. This cool combination of noodles and vegetables makes for an interesting contrast in texture from the warm tuna patty itself.
You can also add some shredded cheese or olives if you’d like!
13. Macaroni & Cheese
For those who love cheesy sides, macaroni & cheese is always a winner when served alongside tuna patties! This creamy pasta dish packs in tons of flavor while still providing plenty of comfort food vibes – what could be better?
14. Rice Pilaf
A simple but flavorful side dish like rice pilaf is perfect for pairing with tuna patties. Toast some long-grain rice in butter before adding chicken broth and seasoning with herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Top it off with some diced vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for an extra flavor boost.
More- Most Common Yet Best Side Dishes to serve with Rice Dishes
15. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are always a great way to add color and flavor to any meal. Try roasting up some carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes in the oven until they’re golden brown and tender.
Add some garlic cloves or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
16. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a delicious way to get in some extra greens without sacrificing flavor.
Start by sautéing spinach in butter before adding heavy cream, parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and salt & pepper to taste. This rich side dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
17. Corn on the Cob
For something light yet flavorful, tries serving corn on the cob alongside your tuna patties. Boil the ears of corn until they’re tender before brushing them with melted butter and sprinkling them with paprika or chili powder for added flavor.
18. Baked Beans
Baked beans are always a crowd-pleaser when paired with seafood dishes like tuna patties!
Start by sautéing bacon pieces until crispy before adding onions, garlic cloves, tomato paste, and spices such as smoked paprika or cumin into the mix for added depth of flavor; then let it all simmer together until thickened! Top it off with some chopped parsley right before serving if desired.
19. Garlic Bread
No meal is complete without some sort of bread – which makes garlic bread an ideal accompaniment when it comes to serving up your favorite seafood dishes!
Mix together melted butter, minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese, then spread onto slices of French bread. Toast these garlicky slices under the broiler just before serving!
20. Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful pair to serve with Tuna Patties. These deliciously baked french fries have the perfect crunch and flavor, thanks to being tossed in garlic and parmesan cheese before cooking.
Not only that, but they are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries, as sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Perfect for any dinner or lunch, these Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries add an extra kick of flavor that can’t be beaten!
21. Egg Sushi
Egg sushi is a great side dish to serve with tuna patties. This unique yet simple dish is full of flavor and has the potential to be a crowd-pleaser.
Made with boiled eggs, salt, and sushi vinegar, it’s easy to piece together this classic Japanese dish. Egg Sushi also enhances the flavors in any meal.
With its subtle sweetness and a hint of tanginess, as well as its simple preparation, Egg Sushi will provide your guests with a delightful and unexpected experience.
22. Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes Au Gratin is creamy and cheesy and has a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavor of tuna patties.
The potatoes provide plenty of texture and deliciously crispy golden edges that make every bite enjoyable. It also adds a visually appealing contrast to your meal, as it forms a golden bubbly crust on top that looks absolutely irresistible.
While Potatoes Au Gratin can be served as an entree on its own or paired with various types of meat, it really shines as a side dish when served with tuna patties.
23. Sour Cream
Sour Cream’s deliciously tangy flavor adds a nice kick to the subtly sweet taste of tuna, giving it a unique taste that sets it apart from other dishes.
Its creamy texture helps to keep the patties moist and tender, resulting in an incredibly flavorful meal. Not to mention, pairing the tuna patties with sour cream also allows you to make this delicious dish without having to add any extra calories or fat.
24. Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes are bright colors – red, orange, yellow – add a pop of vibrancy to the plate, but there are many flavor benefits as well.
The tomatoes provide a sweet-tangy combination that contrasts nicely with the savory flavor of the patty. The onion in the stewed tomatoes adds complexity and can be used as an accenting flavor on the plate or simply enjoyed as part of an overall tomato dish.
Stewed tomatoes are also packed full of antioxidants and phytochemicals, making them not just a delicious side dish option but a nutritious one as well.
25. Louisiana Dirty Rice
Louisiana Dirty Rice is an excellent, flavorful Creole and Cajun dish that is typically made with long-grain white rice, seasoned with small pieces of pork meat for extra flavor, and then cooked in chicken broth.
This flawless combination creates a tasty side dish that wonderfully complements the mild flavor of Tuna Patties while also adding a kick of heat to the meal.
Beyond merely being delicious, Louisiana Dirty Rice is also incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients, making it a great choice when looking for a weeknight dinner side.
26. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
One tasty and simple accompaniment you can serve with Tuna Patties is Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic. This flavorful side dish takes minutes to prepare and is the perfect way to balance out the crispy golden-brown patties.
To make it, start by boiling the beans for two minutes and drain them before sautéing them in a little butter over medium-high heat.
Add some large garlic cloves halfway through, tossing them around until they become golden brown. The end result is a wonderful vegetable dish that is lightly coated in flavor and adds a delightful crunch to any meal.
27. Bell Pepper Soup
A hearty bell pepper soup serves as the perfect accompaniment to crispy pan-seared tuna patties. This flavorful combination is sure to please every palate.
Bell pepper soup features a velvety texture, with an abundance of taste from the vibrant red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and celery that make up its core ingredients.
Delicious on its own, when served alongside tuna patties, it provides good balance and a complementary flavor burst. The best part? Your guests will be asking for your secret recipe!
What is the best way to serve Tuna Patties?
Tuna patties make for a tasty and easy meal that is a hit with kids and adults alike. The best way to serve them is by lightly pan-frying them in a frying pan with some olive oil. This will give the patties golden, crunchy crusts and keep the tuna succulent and juicy on the inside.
Be sure not to overfull the pan, as this will lead to steaming instead of cooking the patties properly. To complete the dish, serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables on the side, along with tartar sauce or other condiments for dipping!
FAQs
How long do tuna patties last in the fridge?
When it comes to tuna patties, freshness and shelf life are always a concern. Thankfully, they can last quite a while when stored properly in the fridge.
In fact, properly stored cooked tuna patties can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. It is important to ensure that the patties are put into an airtight container as soon as they cool down.
How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart?
Tuna patties can be a deliciously economical dish but can sometimes seem tricky to make with their tendency to disintegrate. The key to ensuring your tuna patties hold up is in the binding agent.
Instead of boring old breadcrumbs, try adding some shredded onion and/or celery along with just enough mayonnaise or egg whites to bind them together tightly before you place them into a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side.
This simple addition will add more moisture and create more flavor in the patty, so you can avoid having to pick it all up from your dinner plate!