Introduction – Why Choose Tuna Fish Cakes?
Tuna Fish Cakes are a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that can be made with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these savory little patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The combination of tuna, breadcrumbs, – how to make breadcrumbs recipe – and mayo, with a hint of lemon and parsley, brings a fresh yet hearty flavor to the dish.
One of the best things about Tuna Fish Cakes is their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or paired with a side for dinner. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly recipe or need a filling meal that’s ready in no time, Tuna Fish Cakes have got you covered. With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Plus, these cakes can be customized with additional herbs or spices based on your preferences, making them a great option for a variety of tastes. For those seeking a lighter meal, serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, they’re also delicious with a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Ready to dive into this simple, yet flavorful dish? Let’s get started!
Basic Recipe – How to Make Tuna Fish Cakes
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How to Make Delicious Tuna Fish Cakes | Simple Recipe & Tips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 cakes 1x
Description
These Tuna Fish Cakes are a quick and delicious way to enjoy canned tuna. Packed with flavor from fresh parsley, lemon, and a hint of mayo, these cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re perfect for a simple dinner, appetizer, or lunch and can be served with a side salad or dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tins tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 3 tablespoons oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, finely chopped onion, parsley, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Add the breadcrumbs:
- Gradually stir in the dry breadcrumbs until the mixture becomes firm enough to hold its shape. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until you reach a dough-like consistency.
- Form the fish cakes:
- Using your hands, shape the tuna mixture into small patties, about the size of your palm. You should get around 6-8 cakes, depending on the size.
- Coat the fish cakes:
- Lightly coat each fish cake with extra dry breadcrumbs to give them a crispy coating when fried.
- Fry the fish cakes:
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fish cakes in the pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve:
- Once cooked, remove the tuna fish cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the tuna mixture for a bit of heat.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the fish cakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- These fish cakes are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even on a bun as a tuna burger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Tuna Fish Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by draining the tuna thoroughly to remove excess liquid. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, egg, chopped onion, parsley, mayo, and lemon zest and juice. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well.
Step 2: Add the Bread Crumbs
Gradually add the bread crumbs to the mixture, stirring until it reaches a consistency that can be formed into patties. You can adjust the amount of bread crumbs to achieve the desired texture.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small cakes or patties. The size of the cakes can be adjusted based on your preference, but about 2 inches in diameter is standard.
Step 4: Cook the Cakes
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the patties to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the Tuna Fish Cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm with a side of your choice, or enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce.
Advanced Techniques – Perfecting Your Tuna Fish Cakes
While the basic recipe is delicious as is, here are some advanced tips and techniques to elevate your Tuna Fish Cakes:
1. Use Fresh Tuna
If you want to take your fish cakes to the next level, use fresh tuna instead of canned. Simply cook and flake the tuna, then follow the recipe as directed. Fresh tuna will give your cakes a richer flavor.
2. Add Extra Flavor with Spices
To add depth of flavor, experiment with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper. These spices pair wonderfully with tuna and can be added according to your taste preferences.
3. Use Panko Bread Crumbs
For an extra crunchy texture, substitute regular bread crumbs with panko. Panko is lighter and crunchier, giving your Cakes a crispier exterior.
4. Make a Flavorful Dipping Sauce
Pair the Tuna Fish Cakes with a tangy dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon mayonnaise blend. This adds another layer of flavor that complements the fish cakes.
5. Chill the Patties Before Cooking
If you have time, refrigerate the shaped patties for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold together better while frying and results in a firmer texture.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuna Fish Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispy texture.
Freezing for Later
Fish cakes freeze well! After cooking, let the cakes cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet when ready to serve.
Avoid Overcooking
To prevent the Tuna Fish Cakes from becoming dry, be sure not to overcook them. The key is to cook them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, but not too long.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your mayo is also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap the mayo with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mayo. Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk for the egg binding.
Low-Carb Version
To make the Tuna Fish Cakes low-carb, substitute the bread crumbs with ground almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carbohydrate content.
FAQs – Common Questions About Tuna Fish Cakes
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes! You can easily substitute tuna with other canned or fresh fish like salmon, cod, or tilapia. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the new fish flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day. When ready to cook, simply pan-fry as directed.
Can I bake the Tuna Fish Cakes instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
What can I serve with Tuna Fish Cakes?
Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a dipping sauce like tartar sauce or garlic aioli. For a more substantial meal, pair with roasted potatoes or rice.
Conclusion – Enjoy Your Tuna Fish Cakes!
Tuna Fish Cakes are a quick and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, these cakes are perfect for any occasion. They’re packed with flavor, and you can pair them with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy, tender goodness of these Tuna Fish Cakes.