These Asian-style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a delicious and quick meal that combines crispy tuna cakes with a flavorful spicy mayo sauce. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer, these tuna cakes are golden on the outside and packed with savory flavors on the inside. With a crunchy exterior and a smooth, creamy dipping sauce, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Tuna Cakes:
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon green onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Directions
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Prepare the Tuna Cakes:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and chopped green onion.
- Mix until everything is well combined and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
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Cook the Tuna Cakes:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Fry the tuna cakes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
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Make the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce until smooth.
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Serve:
- Serve the tuna cakes hot with the spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Enjoy these tasty and easy-to-make Asian-style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo as a perfect snack or meal! 🍣
Why You’ll Love These Tuna Cakes
These Asian-style Tuna Cakes offer a unique twist on the classic tuna patties, giving you a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The golden, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory inside, and the addition of sesame oil and soy sauce infuses them with a deep umami flavor. What truly sets them apart, however, is the spicy mayo dipping sauce, which elevates each bite with a zesty and creamy punch. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to serve it in various ways, from a light lunch to a fun party appetizer. Additionally, it’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of tuna, which is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice.
A Fusion of Flavors
One of the main highlights of these tuna cakes is the blend of Asian-inspired ingredients. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder creates a depth of flavor that is distinctly savory and slightly sweet. The use of sesame seeds for garnish adds both a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, further enhancing the taste profile. Meanwhile, the spicy mayo sauce provides a smooth and creamy contrast to the crunchy cakes, with the sriracha sauce delivering just the right amount of heat to make the dish exciting without being overwhelming. The balance between savory, spicy, and creamy is what makes this recipe truly special.
Health Benefits of Tuna
Tuna is not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Tuna is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium, which help support bone health, energy production, and immune function. Using canned tuna in this recipe is an affordable and convenient way to enjoy these health benefits while making a quick, tasty meal.
Spicy Mayo: The Perfect Pairing
The spicy mayo sauce that accompanies these tuna cakes is an essential component that takes the dish to the next level. The creamy mayo base provides a smooth texture that contrasts with the crispiness of the tuna cakes. The addition of sriracha sauce introduces a delightful spiciness that enhances the savory flavors of the cakes. Soy sauce adds a bit of saltiness and depth to the sauce, tying everything together in a harmonious way. The spicy mayo is not just a dipping sauce but an integral part of the overall experience, complementing the flavors of the tuna cakes perfectly.
How to Serve and Enjoy
Asian-style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For a simple meal, serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness of the tuna cakes. You can also pair them with a bowl of rice for a more filling meal. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these tuna cakes make an excellent appetizer. Simply arrange the cakes on a platter with the spicy mayo served on the side, allowing guests to dip and enjoy. The crunchy texture and bold flavors make these tuna cakes a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Customizing the Recipe
While this recipe is already delicious as is, there’s plenty of room to customize it to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy more heat, you can add extra sriracha sauce to the mayo or incorporate diced chili peppers into the tuna cake mixture. For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce or sesame oil in the tuna cakes or opt for a milder mayo sauce. You can also experiment with different garnishes, such as cilantro or green onions, for an added layer of freshness. These small adjustments allow you to make the recipe your own while still enjoying the core flavors that make it so appealing.
Tips for Perfect Tuna Cakes
To ensure that your tuna cakes come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients for the tuna cakes, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which isn’t ideal for this dish.
- Chill the mixture: If you have time, refrigerate the tuna cake mixture for 15–30 minutes before forming patties. This helps the mixture hold together better during cooking.
- Use medium heat: Fry the cakes over medium heat to ensure that they cook through without burning on the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the tuna cakes in batches if necessary, allowing space between each one so they can crisp up properly.
Conclusion
These Asian-style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are an exceptional dish that combines crispy, savory tuna patties with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and versatile, making them the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer. With the right balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these tuna cakes will satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and fun. So give them a try, and enjoy the wonderful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors in every bite!