These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients like canned tuna, soy sauce, and ground ginger, they come together quickly for an easy lunch or light dinner. The creamy spicy mayo adds just the right kick, making these Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo completely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy 20-minute meal
- Crispy golden exterior with tender center
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Protein-packed and satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep or light dinners
Ingredients
For the Tuna Cakes
- 2 cans tuna in water (5 oz each), drained
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking, optional)
For the Spicy Mayo
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (45 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (5 ml), or to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together.
- Shape into 6–8 small patties, pressing gently to compact them.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and sriracha to create the spicy mayo.
- Serve the Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking for better shape retention.
- Add chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter option.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control heat level.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cakes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve over rice or with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lime for freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving – 2 cakes)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I use tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, but drain well to avoid overly soft patties.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze tuna cakes?
Yes, freeze cooked cakes for up to 2 months.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure tuna is well-drained and mixture is firmly pressed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The tuna cakes are mild; the heat comes from the spicy mayo, which you can adjust.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet or oven at 325°F until heated through.
Similar Recipes
- Curried Butter Beans with Flatbreads Easy Vegan Dinner
- Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Muffins Fluffy & Golden
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo – Crispy & Flavorful
Ingredients
For the Tuna Cakes
- 2 cans tuna in water 5 oz each, drained
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking, optional
For the Spicy Mayo
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 45 ml
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce 5 ml, or to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together.
- Shape into 6–8 small patties, pressing gently to compact them.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and sriracha to create the spicy mayo.
- Serve the Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Serve over rice or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients and a creamy kick from the spicy mayo, they’re perfect for quick dinners, appetizers, or meal prep. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your weekly rotation.