Description
These Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo offer a deliciously fresh take on seafood, combining tender tuna patties with a creamy, spicy Korean-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer, they are crispy on the outside and flavorful inside.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tuna Cakes
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained well
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 pinches ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
For the Spicy Mayo
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 tsp sugar for balance
Instructions
- Prepare the mix: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely chopped onion, chopped carrot, chopped green onion, salt, and black pepper. Add the eggs and all-purpose flour, then gently mix everything until well combined and evenly coated.
- Form the cakes: Using clean hands or a spoon, shape the tuna mixture into small patties approximately 2–3 inches in diameter. You should be able to form about 8 patties from the mixture.
- Cook the patties: Heat the neutral cooking oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tuna cakes in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until the patties are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Make the spicy mayo: While the patties cook, combine the mayonnaise, gochujang, lemon juice, and optional sugar in a small bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot: Once cooked, transfer the tuna cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them warm alongside the spicy mayo, either drizzled on top or used as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly: Excess liquid makes the mixture soggy and hard to bind.
- Use fresh veggies: Carrots and green onions add crunch and vibrant color.
- Keep patties small: Smaller patties are easier to flip and cook evenly.
- Don’t overwork the mix: Gentle mixing helps maintain a tender, juicy texture.
- Spicy mayo hack: Add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra savory depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Asian tuna cakes, tuna patties, spicy mayo, Korean gochujang sauce, quick seafood dinner, easy tuna recipe, pan-fried tuna cakes
