Tuna cakes are a great way to prepare canned tuna. It's a tasty alternative to the usual tuna salad. I love having these for a refuel after the gym as a grab and go protein. They're also budget-friendly and so flavorful. Hard to believe you're eating canned fish! The recipe is easy and it comes together in about 25 minutes. I love that I can use ingredients from my pantry and dried seasonings if I don't have fresh herbs and aromatics on hand.
What goes well with tuna cakes?
I've served these multiple ways. Here are some ideas to pair this easy protein:
- Make them thicker and serve as a burger
- Make them smaller for an appetizer
- Top over a salad
- Serve over chow mein or fried rice
- Serve as a sandwich or in a pita
Tips:
- I prefer to rinse tuna before adding ingredients. Place tuna in a mesh strainer, run a little water over it then press firmly with the back of a spoon to get the liquid out. When the tuna is squeezed dry, the seasonings stick better to it and doesn't have too much of a fishy taste.
- You can bake these fish cakes instead at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes (flipping halfway).
- Add mashed potatoes, red and green peppers or corn for variety.
- For this specific recipe, tuna patties do not need to be breaded or dipped in egg wash before frying, just shape them and go straight to skillet.
I like to make these tuna cakes flat and thin. The thinner they are the more surface space for a crust. Making them thinner takes no extra time. Alternatively you can make them thicker and more plump- nice for a tuna burger!
Serve with your favorite side!
Tunafish cakes (using canned tuna)
Ingredients
- 3 5oz cans tuna (in water)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
- ¼ cup onion, grated or finely diced
- 1 hot pepper (jalapeno, scotch bonnet, or wiri wiri), minced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 stems scallions, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoon plain breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the tuna cans. Place tuna in mesh strainer. Run a little water over tuna to quickly rinse. Using a spoon, press tuna into strainer until most liquid is drained and tuna is dry.
- Place tuna in a mixing bowl.
- Add all ingredients except breadcrumbs and eggs. Mix thoroughly. Taste the mixture before adding eggs. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Now mix in eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Divide the mixture into 9 parts. Form a ball with each and flatten to make a patty. Flatten to desired thickness. Place on a large plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high heat, add enough oil for a shallow pan fry.
- Gently place tuna patties in skillet. Let it fry 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove onto tray lined with paper towels.
Notes
Rinsing tuna is a personal preference so this step is optional. Bake instead of pan fry at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes (flipping halfway).
Allison says
Love this recipe - especially when it's hard to get fresh foods now. I've made this before i usually include a boiled potato mashed up always. use it over peas and rice - delicious -- thank you so much!
Mona says
I should’ve put more breadcrumbs. It’s a mediocre fish cake- relevantly easy so that’s a plus! And helped me reduce my stock of run 😊
Preeti says
Love this recipe! It makes for such a tasty snack.
Do you think this could also work by cooking it in an air fryer?
Alica says
Hi Preeti,
Yes! You can definitely cook it in the air fryer. Try it at 350 degrees F, for 10-12 min, flipping at halfway point. Enjoy!