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Korean Style Tuna Cakes Recipe

Korean Style Tuna Cakes Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 16-18 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Whipping up Korean Style Tuna Cakes brings pure comfort right to your dinner table with zesty Asian-inspired flavors packed into crispy little patties. Seasoned with green onions, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce, these quick cakes turn simple canned tuna into something seriously delicious that makes your taste buds dance.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water
  • 1 egg

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium carrot
  • ¼ onion
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped kimchi (optional)

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Drain 2 cans of tuna thoroughly, ensuring no excess water remains. Use a fork to break tuna into small, uniform flakes.
  2. Mince 1 medium carrot, ¼ onion, and 1 green onion into tiny, consistent pieces for even distribution.
  3. Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine 2 cans of flaked tuna, chopped vegetables, 1 whole egg, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Stir ingredients until they create a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture that holds together easily when pressed.
  5. Measure out ½ tablespoon portions and shape into round, flat cakes approximately ½ inch thick with gentle pressure.
  6. Place a skillet over medium heat and add enough neutral oil to cover the bottom, about 2 tablespoons.
  7. Once oil reaches 350°F, carefully slide tuna cakes into the pan, leaving space between each cake.
  8. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown crust that signals perfect crispiness.
  9. Transfer cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent soggy cakes that fall apart during cooking.
  • Use fresh green onions and grated garlic for maximum flavor depth in the patties.
  • Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping helps cakes hold together better during frying.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free mayo.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
  • Category: Tuna
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg