The sizzle of patties hitting a hot skillet is music to my ears, and nothing carries that tune quite like these Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo. Picture this: crispy golden edges giving way to tender, flavorful bites infused with delightful Korean-inspired notes. Perfect for a light lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, these tuna cakes offer a quick culinary escape from the usual routine. And let’s not forget the creamy, spicy mayo that elevates the experience—because who doesn’t love a little zing? With a high-protein content and simple pantry staples, you can whip up these mouthwatering seafood cakes in no time, making them an irresistible addition to your meal rotation. Are you ready to bring a touch of excitement to your kitchen? Why Are These Tuna Cakes So Amazing? Crispy Texture: These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes boast a perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with a moist, flavorful inside. Quick & Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can serve up these delightful patties, making them a perfect last-minute meal option or a quick lunch. Protein Powerhouse: Each cake is packed with high-quality protein, thanks to the canned tuna, ensuring you stay full and satisfied. Versatile Serving Options: Whether paired with a light salad or topped on a rice bowl, these cakes adapt seamlessly to your culinary preferences. Flavor Adventure: With the spicy mayo bringing a delightful kick, every bite is a journey through vibrant flavors that dance on your palate. Try them alongside a refreshing Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad for a full meal experience! Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes Ingredients For the Tuna Cakes Canned Tuna – Ensure it’s drained thoroughly; this main protein source prevents sogginess. Eggs – They bind the mixture together, giving the cakes structure. Flour – Helps hold patties together and adds a nice texture. Chopped Onion – Adds moisture and enhances flavor; sweet onions work great! Carrot – Offers sweetness and crunch; use fresh for the best results. Green Onion – Enhances flavor and adds a pop of freshness to the cakes. Salt & Pepper – Essential for elevating the taste; seasoning is key. Oil (for frying) – Use vegetable or canola oil for that perfect crispy finish. For the Spicy Mayo Mayonnaise – The creamy base; for a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt. Gochujang – Adds a spicy, savory kick; adjust according to your heat preference. Lemon Juice – Provides acidity to balance the flavors and brighten the dish. Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the heat of the spicy mayo. These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are not only delicious but also a great way to blend flavor and nutrition in your meals! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Step 1: Prepare the Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine one can of thoroughly drained tuna, chopped onion, grated carrot, and sliced green onion. Season with salt and pepper, then crack in two large eggs and sprinkle in flour. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the mixture, which will ensure your Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes remain tender. Step 2: Shape Patties With clean hands, form the mixture into patties about 2–3 inches in diameter, aiming for a uniform thickness for even cooking. You should yield around 8 patties. Place them on a plate or a tray as you shape each one, ensuring they are well-formed to help them hold together during frying. Step 3: Cook Patties Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the patties in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and crisp, turning them gently to avoid breaking apart. Step 4: Make Spicy Mayo While your patties are frying, take a small bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 to 2 tablespoons of gochujang (adjust based on your spice preference), the juice of half a lemon, and a teaspoon of sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended; this creamy spicy mayo will be the perfect complement to your Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes. Step 5: Serve Once the patties are beautifully golden and cooked through, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the cakes warm, drizzled with the spicy mayo or with it on the side for dipping. Pair them with a light salad or your choice of flavorful side for a complete meal experience. Make Ahead Options These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the tuna mixture and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can make the spicy mayo ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious cakes, just heat oil in a skillet and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This way, you’ll have restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, making your dining experience just as delightful as cooking from scratch! Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these tasty tweaks to make the Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo truly yours! Salmon Swap: Use canned salmon instead of tuna for a different flavor profile. It gives a richer taste while keeping the recipe delightful. Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini to the mixture for an extra crunch and nutrition. These veggies not only enhance the textures but also infuse vibrant colors! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness. A handful of chopped herbs can elevate the dish and add exciting layers of flavor. Dairy-Free Mayo: Substitute mayo with a dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. This swap will give your spicy mayo a creamy yet healthier twist. Spice It Up: If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick. This adds a delightful crunch and spice that will awaken your taste buds! Crispy Coating: For a crunchier exterior, dredge the patties in panko breadcrumbs before frying. The result? A deliciously crunchy bite that pairs perfectly with the tender interior. Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour. This allows everyone to enjoy the flavors without worry. Tuna Casserole: Transform your leftovers into a comforting tuna casserole by mixing the cakes into a creamy pasta dish before baking with cheese. A truly heartwarming way to enjoy these flavors again! Pair your creations with a zesty side dish like these Tuna Cakes Avocado for a well-rounded meal! Expert Tips for Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Ensuring your canned tuna is well-drained prevents sogginess and helps the cakes hold together better during cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh grated carrots and chopped green onions not only enhance flavor but also contribute a wonderful crunch to your Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix gently to preserve the tender texture of the patties; overmixing can lead to tough cakes. Adjust Heat: When making the spicy mayo, start with a little gochujang and gradually increase for your desired spice level—taste as you go! Cook in Batches: Fry patties in batches to ensure even cooking and a perfect crisp; overcrowding the pan can cause them to steam instead of fry. What to Serve with Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Create a delightful meal to savor alongside the crispy goodness of these flavorful tuna cakes! Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the tuna cakes and adds a crunch that’s oh-so-satisfying. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, fluffy jasmine rice complements the savory notes of the tuna cakes, soaking up the spicy mayo beautifully. It’s an excellent base to round out your meal. Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce bring an Asian twist that aligns well with the flavors in your tuna cakes. They add an interesting texture that’s fresh and vibrant. Soy Glazed Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy with a soy glaze adds a lovely element of umami, enhancing the meal while bringing a tender-crisp texture to the table. Chilled Cucumber Salad: This light and refreshing salad, dressed in rice vinegar and sesame seeds, can brighten your plate and cleanse your palate after each bite of scrumptious tuna cake. Spicy Pickles: For a kick of heat and acidity, serve alongside spicy pickles, which will elevate the flavor profile and provide a delightful tang that balances beautifully with the creamy mayo. Coconut Milk Smoothie: A tropical coconut smoothie adds a refreshing drink option that can mellow the heat of the spicy mayo while offering a creamy, sweet flavor. Mango Sorbet: End your meal on a sweet note with a scoop of mango sorbet, a perfect, light dessert that pairs beautifully with the savory elements and leaves you feeling refreshed. Bring your family around the table for a satisfying evening filled with delicious bites! How to Store and Freeze Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes Fridge: Store leftover Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best crispiness. Freezer: To freeze, place cooked tuna cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid Sogginess: When storing, avoid stacking the patties directly on top of each other to prevent them from becoming soggy. Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe FAQs What type of canned tuna should I use? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using solid white tuna packed in water or oil. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to keep the patties from becoming soggy. A high-quality tuna not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of your Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes. How should I store leftovers? Store your leftover Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can either use a skillet over medium heat for a nice crispy texture or microwave them for convenience. They are best enjoyed fresh, but this storage method will keep them tasty! Can I freeze the tuna cakes? Certainly! To freeze, place the cooked tuna cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. These can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven to maintain that delightful crispiness! What if my tuna cakes fall apart while cooking? Very! If your Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes are falling apart, it might be due to too much moisture in the mixture. Make sure to drain your tuna well. If they still feel loose, try adding a bit more flour to the mixture for extra binding. Also, ensure that the pan is not overcrowded and that the oil is hot enough when frying. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Of course! If you or someone you’re cooking for has seafood allergies, you can substitute canned salmon for the tuna. Additionally, for a gluten-free alternative, try using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. And if you’re looking to cut calories, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise in the spicy mayo. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens! How can I adjust the spiciness of the mayo? Feel free to customize the heat level to your liking! Start with a smaller amount of gochujang in the spicy mayo, perhaps just a teaspoon, and gradually increase mixed in with the mayonnaise until you reach your desired level of spice. This way you can make it as mild or as fiery as you like. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect blend! Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo for a Flavor Rush These Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo offer crispy, flavorful bites and a delightful kick, perfect for a light meal or quick dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 cakesCourse: SeafoodCuisine: AsianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tuna Cakes1 can Canned Tuna drained thoroughly2 large Eggs1/2 cup Flour1 cup Chopped Onion sweet onions work great1 medium Carrot grated2 stalks Green Onion sliced1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Pepper2 tablespoons Oil for frying, vegetable or canola oilFor the Spicy Mayo1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option1 to 2 tablespoons Gochujang adjust according to spice preference1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed1 teaspoon Sugar Equipment Mixing Bowlnon-stick skilletPlate Method PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, combine one can of thoroughly drained tuna, chopped onion, grated carrot, and sliced green onion. Season with salt and pepper, then crack in two large eggs and sprinkle in flour. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the mixture.With clean hands, form the mixture into patties about 2–3 inches in diameter, ensuring they are well-formed to help them hold together during frying.Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the patties in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and crisp.While your patties are frying, take a small bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 to 2 tablespoons of gochujang, the juice of half a lemon, and a teaspoon of sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.Once the patties are beautifully golden and cooked through, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled with the spicy mayo or with it on the side. Nutrition Serving: 1cakeCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your canned tuna is well-drained to prevent sogginess. Use fresh grated carrots and chopped green onions for better flavor and texture. Don't overmix the ingredients to preserve the tender texture of the patties. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
