Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo promise a golden, juicy, and perfectly crispy texture. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and learned the best way to avoid sogginess. The spicy mayo adds a creamy kick that balances the tuna. Try my Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl and Chicken and Spinach Casserole.
Why This Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Is Pure Comfort
- Golden crust
- Juicy center
- Perfectly crispy
- Spicy mayo
What You'll Need for Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 can tuna (5 oz)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Sriracha for spicy mayo
- Optional: Cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Lime wedge
- Optional: Sesame seeds
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Tuna: Use solid white albacore tuna for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for a crispier crust.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the tuna mixture together.
- Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality mayonnaise for better flavor.
- Green onion: Finely chop for even distribution in the mixture.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents tuna cakes from sticking and burning. → See on Amazon
- Baking sheet with rack — Ensures even cooking and crispy texture. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
- Step 1: Drain tuna and remove bones. Place in a bowl.
- Step 2: Add breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Step 3: Form into 4 patties. Press breadcrumbs on both sides.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Step 5: Mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a squeeze of lime for the spicy mayo. Serve with cakes.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
- Best technique: Use wet hands to shape the patties. This prevents the mixture from sticking.
- Common mistake and fix: If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving tip: Serve with a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Make the mixture up to 2 days in advance. Cook just before serving.
Freezing Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Don't overmix the tuna. This keeps the texture tender.
- Best substitution: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier crust.
- Make-ahead: Form patties ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If patties fall apart, add more breadcrumbs or egg to the mixture.
Want to level up this recipe?
Kitchen scale — Ensures accurate measurements for better results. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can tuna (5 oz)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Sriracha for spicy mayo
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedge
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain tuna and remove bones. Place in a bowl.
- Step 2: Add breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Step 3: Form into 4 patties. Press breadcrumbs on both sides.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Step 5: Mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a squeeze of lime for the spicy mayo. Serve with cakes.
Notes
- Chef tip: Don't overmix the tuna. This keeps the texture tender.
- Best substitution: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier crust.
- Make-ahead: Form patties ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If patties fall apart, add more breadcrumbs or egg to the mixture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Make ahead: Make the mixture up to 2 days in advance. Cook just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo FAQs
Yes, form the patties up to 2 days in advance. Cook just before serving.
Too much moisture in the mixture causes sogginess. Add more breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Yes, use solid white albacore tuna for the best flavor and texture.
Try Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangy alternative.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
