These flavorful crispy pan-fried tuna cakes are a simple, budget-friendly dish packed with protein, fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and a hint of garlic. Pan-seared until golden and served with a creamy, spicy mayo dressing, they make an excellent lunch, light dinner, or even an appetizer. Quick to whip up and perfect for using pantry staples like canned tuna.
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I love a quick dinner and these little tuna cakes are perfect for a weeknight dinner for one. Also check out my pan fried salmon patties.
Ingredient Notes
- I use tuna packed in water, its also some of the least expensive, so you can really get a tasty budget meal out of one can of tuna
- You can leave out the sesame seeds if preferred, I probably would not go out and buy them for just one recipe, that really defeats the purpose of a budget meal!
- If you don’t have packaged bread crumbs there a couple options; toast up some stale bread and pulverize into a fine crumb or use saltine crackers, again crumble and pulverize. If you use saltines, lighten up on the added salt.
Common Questions: Crispy Tuna Cakes
Yes, bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and set.
Add more breadcrumbs if it’s too wet, or a touch more mayo if too dry, until it holds together easily.
Absolutely,form the patties and refrigerate them, uncooked, for up to 24 hours before frying. Make a double batch and freeze a couple for another meal!
You can use hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
I have not done so myself, but yes, you can use fresh. Make sure its fully cooked and flaked, but make sure it’s not too wet or the cakes may fall apart.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Drain the tuna very well, excess moisture makes them fall apart.
- Chill the patties for 10–15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Flatten patties slightly for even browning.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform-sized cakes.
- Over mixing can make the patties dense.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, or over salad greens or rice for a full meal.
Quick Instructions and Process Photos: Tuna Cakes
Mix the tuna. Don’t over mix, but make sure everything is combined.
Heat the oil, patty up the tuna and fry up the tuna cakes.
Mix the spicy mayo sauce.
Serve and enjoy
Pan Fried Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
Recipe Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Form the mixture into 3 small patties, pressing firmly so they hold together. Once hot, place the tuna cakes in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the cakes cook, mix all ingredients for the spicy mayo dressing in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the tuna cakes hot, drizzled or dipped with spicy mayo. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
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Nutrition
Notes
- Drain the tuna very well—excess moisture makes them fall apart.
- Chill the patties for 10–15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Flatten patties slightly for even browning.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform-sized cakes.
- Mix gently—over mixing can make them dense.
Your Private Recipe Notes
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Let us know how it was!| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Price | Cost |
|---|
| Tuna, in water | 1 can (5 oz) | $1.49 / can | $1.49 |
| Egg yolk (from 1 large egg) | 1 yolk | $0.25 / egg | $0.13 |
| Mayonnaise (in cakes) | 2 Tbsp | $0.07 / Tbsp | $0.13 |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 Tbsp | $0.08 / Tbsp | $0.17 |
| Green onion | 1 stalk | $0.25 / stalk | $0.25 |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp | $0.03 / tsp | $0.03 |
| Sesame oil | ½ tsp | $0.20 / tsp | $0.10 |
| Garlic powder | ¼ tsp | $0.03 / tsp | $0.01 |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tsp | $0.08 / tsp | $0.08 |
| Salt & pepper | to taste | — | $0.01 |
| Oil for pan-frying (vegetable) | 1 Tbsp | $0.06 / Tbsp | $0.06 |
| Spicy Mayo |
| Mayonnaise (for sauce) | 2 Tbsp | $0.07 / Tbsp | $0.13 |
| Sriracha | 1 tsp | $0.04 / tsp | $0.04 |
| Lime juice | ½ tsp | $0.03 / tsp | $0.01 |
| Honey | ¼ tsp | $0.13 / tsp | $0.03 |
| Garlic powder (pinch) | pinch | $0.03 / tsp | $0.01 |
| Total (with vegetable oil) | $2.68 |