Description
These Bold Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo offer a flavorful and crispy seafood twist perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Combining tender tuna with fresh veggies and a spicy Korean-inspired mayo, this recipe is both easy to make and irresistibly tasty.
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, chopped onion, carrot, green onion, salt, and pepper. Add in the eggs and flour. Mix everything until well combined and evenly coated.
- Form the cakes: Using clean hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter. You should get around 8 pieces.
- Cook the patties: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tuna cakes in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Make the spicy mayo: While the cakes cook, mix the mayonnaise, gochujang, lemon juice, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot: Transfer the cooked cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled or dipped in spicy mayo.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly: Excess liquid makes the mixture soggy and hard to bind.
- Use fresh veggies: Carrots and green onions add crunch and 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.
- Spicy mayo hack: Add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra savory note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Asian tuna cakes, spicy mayo, Korean recipe, quick seafood recipe, tuna patties, gochujang, easy dinner
