Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo

There’s something so satisfying about making a dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, and that’s exactly what you’re getting with these Asian-style tuna cakes with spicy mayo. Trust me, you’re going to love these! The crispy golden crust on the outside gives way to tender tuna with a hint of zesty ginger and soy sauce, all topped off with that irresistible spicy mayo. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a gathering with friends, or a tasty snack, these tuna cakes are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo

This recipe isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together—it’s about creating a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Here’s why this dish is one for the books:

• Versatile: These tuna cakes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but they’re also impressive enough to serve at a party. You’ll love how they bring flavor and excitement to any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples and canned tuna, this recipe proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Simple steps make this a fuss-free recipe that even beginners can follow. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this one will leave you feeling like a kitchen rockstar!
• Customizable: Like it spicy? Add a bit more sriracha! Want to skip the mayo? You can totally swap it for something like a tangy yogurt-based sauce.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of crispy tuna cakes and spicy mayo is a guaranteed winner—your guests won’t be able to stop talking about them.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the flavor will blow your mind:

Canned Tuna: The star of the show! Flaky, tender, and packed with flavor, canned tuna is the base of these savory cakes. It’s affordable and works perfectly in this dish.

Breadcrumbs: They help bind everything together while giving the cakes that crisp, golden crust you’ll love. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch!

Egg: The secret ingredient that holds everything together, creating a perfectly cohesive mixture that fries up beautifully.

Green Onion: Adds a pop of fresh flavor and a bit of crunch, bringing brightness to the tuna cakes.

Soy Sauce: A splash of this rich, salty liquid is what brings all the umami flavor to the dish, making the cakes irresistible.

Ginger: A hint of fresh ginger gives the cakes a zesty kick, elevating the flavor profile with a bit of warmth and spice.

Garlic: A must for that savory, aromatic base flavor that complements the tuna perfectly.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor that gives the cakes an authentic Asian twist.

Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying the cakes to golden perfection.

Sriracha Mayo: The creamy, spicy topping that takes these tuna cakes to the next level. You’ll definitely want to drizzle some over the top!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, savory tuna cakes:

1. Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the canned tuna (drained), breadcrumbs, egg, green onion, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be moist but firm enough to form into cakes.

2. Shape the Cakes: Scoop out a portion of the tuna mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a patty. Repeat this process with the rest of the mixture, making sure all the cakes are about the same size for even cooking.

3. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of the tuna mixture sizzles when dropped in.

4. Cook the Tuna Cakes: Place the tuna cakes in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, so cook them in batches if necessary.

5. Make the Spicy Mayo: While the cakes are frying, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the tuna cakes are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the cakes with a drizzle of spicy mayo and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo

These tuna cakes are delicious all on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp cucumber and avocado salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the crispy tuna cakes.
• Steamed Rice: Serve alongside some fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the spicy mayo and balance out the richness of the cakes.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add some tangy pickled vegetables like carrots or radishes for a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach would be the perfect healthy sides to complement the tuna cakes.
• In a Bun: For a fun twist, serve the tuna cakes on a soft bun with a bit more spicy mayo for a tuna burger!

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make the tuna mixture a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just form the cakes and fry them when you’re ready to serve.
• Spice It Up: If you want to kick up the heat, add some extra sriracha directly to the tuna mixture before frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispiness.
• Double the Batch: These tuna cakes freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked cakes for a quick meal later on.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute canned tuna with fresh tuna?
A1: Absolutely! You can use fresh tuna steaks, just make sure to cook them first and chop them into small pieces before mixing them into the tuna cake mixture.

Q2: Can I make the spicy mayo ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the spicy mayo up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness.

Q4: Can I freeze the tuna cakes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked tuna cakes! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q5: How do I reheat frozen tuna cakes?
A5: To reheat, simply bake the frozen cakes at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or fry them straight from the freezer until crispy.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or even a creamy avocado sauce for a different flavor profile.

Q7: How can I adjust the spice level?
A7: To adjust the heat, simply add more or less sriracha to the spicy mayo, or experiment with adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the tuna mixture.

Q8: Can I make these tuna cakes without breadcrumbs?
A8: Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or use oat flour for a gluten-free option.

Q9: What can I serve with the tuna cakes if I don’t want to use rice?
A9: Try serving with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh slaw, or a cucumber and tomato salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Q10: Can I make these tuna cakes in advance for a party?
A10: Definitely! You can prepare the cakes ahead of time and fry them just before your guests arrive. They’re perfect for making ahead and reheating!

Conclusion

These Asian-style tuna cakes with spicy mayo are the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and spicy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get cooking and enjoy every crispy bite!

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