Imagine savoring a dish that combines crispy textures with aromatic flavors, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a tender bite. Meet the Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo—an explosion of taste that takes simple pantry staples to culinary heights. These delectable cakes are easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The marriage of white tuna with the rich, creamy spicy mayo brings a delightful Asian twist to your plate. Perfectly balanced with a kick of spice, these tuna cakes are not only an amazing appetizer but also a fantastic main course when paired with a light salad.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, featuring readily available ingredients that pack an impressive punch. Using canned tuna as the star protein speeds up preparation without compromising on flavor or texture. The addition of green onions and garlic infuses freshness into every bite, while the spicy mayo offers a customizable heat level to suit your taste. This dish truly embodies versatility—ideal for quick weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Tuna Cakes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful tuna cakes. Here’s why they should be your next go-to recipe:

Quick and Easy: Prepare the mix and pan-fry for a hassle-free meal.
Flavorful: Asian-inspired ingredients create a depth of flavor.
Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer, light lunch, or main dish.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spicy mayo to suit your preferences.
Healthy Option: Use gluten-free crumbs and light oil for a nutritious choice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo, let’s set up the kitchen to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Start by clearing your workspace and gathering all necessary ingredients and utensils. Prepare a cutting board for chopping green onions and mincing garlic, a large mixing bowl to combine your tuna base, and a skillet for frying. It’s crucial to have a reliable spatula on hand to gently flip your cakes as they cook to perfection. Additionally, have a small bowl ready for mixing the spicy mayo.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious tuna cakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 (142g) cans flaked white tuna, drained
2 green onions, finely chopped (whites and greens separated)
1 egg
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp arrowroot powder (or flour)
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup gluten-free or panko crumbs
Avocado oil, for frying
Sesame oil, for frying
For the Spicy Mayo:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tsp lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Tuna Base

Begin by taking a large bowl and adding the drained tuna along with the whites of the green onions. Crack in the egg, followed by soy sauce, arrowroot powder, and mayonnaise. Mix in the minced garlic and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture holds together nicely.

Step 2: Form Patties

Once your tuna mixture is ready, shape it into small cakes, roughly 2 inches in width. Roll each cake in gluten-free or panko crumbs to create a crispy outer layer. Ensure each patty is entirely coated in crumbs, as this will help give them that delicious crunch when fried.

Step 3: Pan-Fry

Heat a mix of avocado oil and sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, slowly place the tuna cakes into the skillet. Fry each side for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the cakes halfway through, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.

Step 4: Make Spicy Mayo

Meanwhile, prepare the spicy mayo by stirring together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 5: Serve

Once your tuna cakes are ready, remove them from the heat and allow any excess oil to drain off. Arrange the cakes on a serving platter, sprinkle the greens of the chopped green onions over the top, and drizzle with the spicy mayo. Enjoy while warm.

Variations

Protein: Substitute tuna with salmon or crab for a different taste profile while keeping the flavors balanced.
Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Spices: Experiment with ginger or a hint of wasabi in the mayo for additional spice and depth.

Cooking Notes

For extra crispiness, use dry crumbs and ensure the oil is adequately heated before frying.
If your mixture feels too wet, add extra arrowroot powder to firm it up.
Press the cakes lightly with a spatula as they fry to ensure even cooking and thickness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these tuna cakes with a fresh salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
Serve as a side to a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Tips

Adjust the level of sriracha in the mayo for preferred spice levels.
Make sure the tuna is thoroughly drained to prevent the mixture from getting soggy.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Protein: 20 grams
Sodium: 450 mg

FAQs

Can I make these tuna cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cakes in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them when ready to serve.

What is the best way to reheat tuna cakes?

Reheat the tuna cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through for best results.

What if I don’t have sriracha for the mayo?

You can substitute sriracha with another hot sauce of your preference or skip it for a milder version.

Can gluten-free crumbs be used?

Absolutely! Gluten-free crumbs work perfectly in this recipe and add to its versatility for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Transform your meal times with these delicious Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo, where each bite offers a contrast of textures and a burst of flavors. These tuna cakes are not only a treat for the senses but a testament to the versatility of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether it’s a quiet meal for two or a lively family gathering, these cakes promise to impress. We invite you to try them and share your thoughts in the comments below, and remember to experiment with variations. Enjoy every delightful bite!