Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these tuna cakes are a quick and delicious way to transform canned tuna into a satisfying meal. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’re loaded with flavor and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tuna Mixture
- Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl. Flake it with a fork to break up any large pieces.
- Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, lemon juice, and parsley to the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should feel slightly damp but cohesive enough to form patties. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.
2. Shape the Patties
- Scoop a portion of the mixture into your hands and form it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used, making 4-6 patties depending on size.
3. Fry the Patties
- Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium heat to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place the patties carefully into the skillet once the oil is hot.
- Pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Serve
- Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Draining the Tuna: Ensure the tuna is drained thoroughly to prevent the patties from becoming soggy.
- Custom Flavors: Add garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: These patties can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American