Savory Tuna Cakes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Let me introduce you to a little gem from my kitchen: Savory Tuna Cakes. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick meal or a delightful appetizer, these tuna cakes are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients for Savory Tuna Cakes

Tuna: The star of the show, offering a hearty, savory base. Opt for canned tuna in water for a lighter option.

Breadcrumbs: These hold our cakes together and give them that lovely texture. You can use regular or panko for extra crispiness.

Onion: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent flavor that complements the tuna beautifully.

Mayonnaise: Keeps our cakes moist and adds a touch of richness.

Lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the tuna and mayo.

Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties intact while frying.

Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, it adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying, ensuring our cakes have that irresistible golden crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
  • Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before forming patties; it makes shaping easier and holds them together better during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These tuna cakes are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with a fresh green salad and a lemony vinaigrette for a light meal. They also make a great sandwich filling—just add some lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun. For a fun appetizer, serve them with a dollop of tartar sauce or aioli.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Make sure to flake it well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze these tuna cakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Savory Tuna Cakes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by draining the tuna well to avoid any excess moisture, which can make the cakes fall apart. Flake the tuna into a large mixing bowl with a fork, breaking it up gently.

Add the breadcrumbs, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined, but don't overwork it; you want the mixture to hold together without being mushy.

Shape the mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for even cooking and a nice balance of crispy exterior to tender interior.

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties carefully to the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and heated through.

Remove the patties from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm, and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses pantry staples, so you're likely to have everything on hand.
  • High in protein and full of flavor, they're satisfying and delicious.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna (5 oz each)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Drain the tuna and flake it into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add breadcrumbs, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl with tuna.
3. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and heated through.
7. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.

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