If you’re craving something savory, simple, and full of personality, these Asian-style tuna cakes hit all the right notes. They come together fast, using pantry staples like canned tuna, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs, and they’re topped with a creamy, zesty sriracha mayo that makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe delivers comfort, bold flavor, and reliable results every time.
This is the kind of recipe that welcomes you home. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying without being heavy, and brings warmth to the table, no matter the occasion.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tuna cakes are the answer when time is short and taste still matters. They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and come with a sauce that adds just the right kick.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Gluten-free? No problem. Want it hotter? Add more chili sauce. Looking to pack your meal with nutrients? Tuna delivers lean protein and healthy fats, while the garlic, lime, and green onion keep it vibrant and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Canned White Tuna
This is the foundation of the cakes. Choose high-quality tuna packed in water or oil and make sure it’s well drained. This keeps the mixture from being too wet.
Green Onions
Both the white bulbs and green stalks are used. The white parts go into the cake mixture, adding a subtle sharpness, while the greens are saved for a bright garnish.
Egg
The egg acts as a natural binder, helping the mixture hold its shape during frying.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy adds a deep savory note and enhances the overall taste.
Arrowroot or All-Purpose Flour
Used to help firm up the mixture. Arrowroot is perfect for gluten-free diets, while all-purpose flour works just as well.
Mayonnaise
Adds moisture and richness to the patties. It’s also the main ingredient in the spicy drizzle.
Garlic
Fresh, minced garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the mix.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for bringing all the ingredients into balance.
Breadcrumbs
Panko or gluten-free varieties help form the crispy crust on each cake when pan-fried.
Avocado Oil and Sesame Oil
A combination of these oils makes for a flavorful, high-heat cooking medium. Avocado oil ensures a good sear, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the spicy mayo and adds a touch of tang.
Sriracha
This chili-based sauce adds spice and depth to the mayo topping. Adjust the amount to suit your heat level.
How to Make Asian-Style Tuna Cakes
These cakes are a breeze to put together. You’ll combine the ingredients, shape them into patties, coat them in breadcrumbs, and pan-fry them until crisp. The spicy mayo comes together in under a minute and adds a bold final touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by slicing the green onions. Set aside the green parts for garnish and use the white parts in the cake mixture. Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish to prepare for coating.
2. Mix the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, the juice of half a lime, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill in the fridge while you cook the cakes.
3. Make the Tuna Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped white green onions, egg, soy sauce, flour or arrowroot, ¼ cup mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and firm enough to hold its shape.
4. Shape and Bread the Cakes
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into patties about 2 inches wide. Gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re evenly coated on both sides.
5. Cook the Tuna Cakes
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a combination of avocado oil and sesame oil. Once hot, add a few cakes at a time and fry for around 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the cakes to a plate lined with paper towels. Drizzle with the prepared spicy mayo and top with the green onion slices. Add sesame seeds for extra texture, if desired.
Helpful Tips
Drain the tuna well to avoid soggy cakes.
If the mixture feels too loose to shape, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, a spoonful of mayo will help.
Fry the cakes in batches to keep them crispy and evenly browned.
Refrigerate the spicy mayo ahead of time for a more developed flavor.
Serve with a side salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Details
Flavor: Savory and bold with a spicy, tangy finish
Texture: Crunchy exterior with a moist, flaky center
Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, lunch prep, or party appetizers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Makes 9 tuna cakes
Notes
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and arrowroot if needed.
Feel free to mix in finely chopped veggies for added texture.
Double the batch and freeze extra cakes for a quick future meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 10–12 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What helps tuna cakes hold together?
The combination of egg, mayo, and flour binds the ingredients and keeps the cakes intact while cooking.
Can I bake instead of fry these tuna cakes?
Yes, baking works well. Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once.
How is spicy mayo made?
It’s a simple blend of mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Do you eat tuna cakes hot or cold?
They’re delicious fresh off the skillet but also great chilled, making them perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftover cakes in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet until hot, or use a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
For longer storage, freeze the cakes individually wrapped and store for up to a month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo | Quick and Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 cakes 1x
Description
These Asian-style tuna cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a bold, creamy sriracha-lime mayo. Great for a fast dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients
2 cans (142 g each) flaked white tuna, drained
2 green onions, finely chopped (whites and greens separated)
1 egg
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free)
Avocado oil and sesame oil, for frying
½ cup mayonnaise (for spicy mayo)
Juice from ½ lime
1 tbsp sriracha sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Slice green onions and separate white and green parts. Set greens aside.
2. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for coating.
3. In a bowl, mix mayo, lime juice, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
4. In a large bowl, mix tuna, white onions, egg, soy sauce, flour, mayo, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Shape into 2-inch patties. Coat each in breadcrumbs.
6. Heat avocado and sesame oil in skillet. Fry cakes 2 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towel. Drizzle with spicy mayo and top with green onions.
Notes
Swap flour for arrowroot to make gluten-free.
Adjust spice level in mayo by using more or less sriracha.
Excellent served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Conclusion
These Asian-inspired tuna cakes are a flavorful twist on an everyday staple. Fast to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with delicious texture, they make a perfect addition to any meal plan. Whether served with rice, tucked into a sandwich, or enjoyed straight from the pan, they’re a simple and satisfying way to enjoy good food without overcomplicating your day. Give them a try and savor a meal that’s just as nourishing as it is tasty.