Dinner

Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Name: Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained; 1 egg; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste); ½ teaspoon lime juice

Byluca Carter October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

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Introduction

Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a deliciously crisp and tender dish that combines canned tuna with vibrant Asian flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Finished with a creamy, spicy mayo, they make a perfect appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

The image shows a white plate with seven golden-brown patties that have a crispy texture and small green pieces mixed inside. Each patty has a dollop of light orange sauce on top and is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The patties are round and stacked closely together on the plate. There is a small clear glass bowl filled with the same light orange sauce placed on the left side of the plate. The setting includes a white marbled textured surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 egg

¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce

Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
½ teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, green onions, and sriracha. Mix until well combined. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Using your hands, form the mixture into 6 to 8 small patties, pressing firmly so they hold together.
Step 3: Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tuna cakes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 5: Serve the tuna cakes warm with a drizzle of spicy mayo on top or on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Make ahead and reheat in a skillet or air fryer for convenience.
Add finely chopped bell pepper or shredded carrots to the tuna mixture for extra texture and nutrition.

For a low-carb option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Serve with a simple cucumber salad or steamed rice for a full meal.

Storage

Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer until warmed through to maintain their crispiness. The spicy mayo can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with nine round, golden-brown croquettes arranged in a circle with one in the middle. Each croquette has a crispy, crumb-coated outer layer with a browned, slightly rough texture. On top of most croquettes, there is a dollop of creamy light orange sauce, garnished with thin, bright green slices of scallion and a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds. A silver spoon, resting on a croquette at the bottom right of the plate, holds some sauce with a few pieces of scallion on it. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean, bright contrast to the warm colors of the croquettes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use tuna packed in oil instead of water?

Yes, tuna packed in oil will add extra richness and flavor, but you may want to reduce or omit added oil when frying the cakes.

How do I prevent the tuna cakes from falling apart?

Make sure to press the patties firmly and use enough binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs. Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold together better.