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Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

These Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo offer a flavorful and crispy seafood dish perfect for dinner. Made with canned tuna, fresh vegetables, and a spicy gochujang-infused mayo, these patties are quick to prepare, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served warm with a creamy and spicy dipping sauce.

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

  1. Prepare the mix: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped onion, carrot, green onion, salt, and black pepper. Add in the eggs and flour, then mix everything until well combined and evenly coated.
  2. Form the cakes: Using clean hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 8 pieces.
  3. Cook the patties: Heat the neutral cooking oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tuna cakes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Make the spicy mayo: While the cakes cook, combine the mayonnaise, gochujang, lemon juice, and sugar (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve hot: Transfer the cooked tuna cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled with or dipped into the spicy mayo.

Notes

  • Drain tuna thoroughly: Excess liquid makes the mixture soggy and difficult to bind.
  • Use fresh veggies: Carrots and green onions add crunch and vibrant color.
  • Keep them small: Smaller patties are easier to flip and cook evenly.
  • Don’t overwork the mix: Gentle mixing helps maintain a tender texture in the cakes.
  • Spicy mayo hack: Add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra savory flavor boost.

Keywords: Asian tuna cakes, spicy mayo, Korean gochujang sauce, seafood patties, quick dinner, pan-fried tuna cakes

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/bold-asian-style-tuna-cakes-with-spicy-mayo-recipe/