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Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Whipping up Bold Asian Style Tuna Cakes brings zesty flavor right to your dinner table, delivering a quick seafood twist that’ll make your taste buds dance. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, these cakes blend perfectly balanced Asian-inspired seasonings with a spicy mayo that adds just the right kick.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water

Vegetables:

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • ¼ cup chopped carrot
  • ¼ cup chopped green onion

Binding and Seasoning:

  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 pinches ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 drained cans of tuna with ¼ cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup chopped carrot, and ¼ cup chopped green onion. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon salt and 2 pinches of black pepper.
  2. Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until your mixture holds together nicely and looks evenly distributed.
  3. Shape the tuna mixture into 8 small patties, each about 2-3 inches wide. Press the edges firmly so your cakes stay compact and won’t fall apart during cooking.
  4. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil. Wait until the oil shimmers at 350°F before adding your patties.
  5. Cook the tuna cakes for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown crust develops. Avoid moving them too much so a crisp exterior forms.
  6. While the cakes sizzle, whisk 3 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Transfer the finished cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with your spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

  • Pat the tuna dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture that can make cakes fall apart.
  • Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for an extra crispy exterior that holds together better.
  • Make cakes uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout each patty.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your gochujang is certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Tuna
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 810 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg