These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavors like ginger, garlic, and sesame. They’re an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a high-protein snack. Serve them with a side of rice, salad, or a zesty dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying dish!
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Why You’ll Love These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Crispy & Flavorful: A perfect blend of savory, umami, and a hint of spice.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: A great way to enjoy tuna in a new and exciting way.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sandwich!
Ingredients for Asian-Style Tuna Cakes
For the Tuna Cakes:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps bind the cakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Extra chopped green onions
- Lime wedges
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Asian-Style Tuna Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, lime juice, mayonnaise, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. If too wet, add a little more panko.
Step 2: Form the Patties
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used, making about 6-8 patties.
Step 3: Cook the Tuna Cakes
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the tuna cakes in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (see suggestions below).
Best Dipping Sauces for Tuna Cakes
- Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and fresh ginger.
- Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha and a squeeze of lime.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Perfect for a little sweetness and spice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add to a burger bun with slaw and spicy mayo for an Asian-inspired tuna burger.
- Enjoy with a side of cucumber salad or miso soup.
Tips for the Best Tuna Cakes
- Use Canned Tuna in Water: It gives a better texture and is less oily.
- Chill Before Cooking: If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before frying.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Use extra panko on the outside before frying.
- Air-Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! Simply cook and flake fresh tuna before using it in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Q3: What’s the best oil for frying these cakes?
A neutral oil like vegetable, avocado, or canola oil works best for a crispy texture.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Easy & Flavorful Recipe!
These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes are crispy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful tuna cakes with your favorite dipping sauce!
Print
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavors like ginger, garlic, and sesame. They’re an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a high-protein snack. Serve them with a side of rice, salad, or a zesty dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying dish!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Tuna Cakes:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps bind the cakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Extra chopped green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, lime juice, mayonnaise, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. If too wet, add a little more panko.
Step 2: Form the Patties
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used, making about 6-8 patties.
Step 3: Cook the Tuna Cakes
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the tuna cakes in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (see suggestions below).
Notes
- Use Canned Tuna in Water: It gives a better texture and is less oily.
- Chill Before Cooking: If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before frying.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Use extra panko on the outside before frying.
- Air-Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
