Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo

These Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are crispy, flavorful patties made from flaked tuna mixed with aromatic ginger, scallions, and Asian seasonings, then pan-fried golden brown. Served with a creamy, spicy mayo dip, they make a delicious appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and savory – rich umami notes from soy, ginger, and sesame

• Quick and easy – uses canned tuna and whips up in under 30 minutes

• Customizable – adjust heat or swap ingredients to suit your taste

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – great for family meals or parties

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (more if needed)

• 2 scallions, finely sliced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (for binding)

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch salt and black pepper

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the spicy mayo

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• 1–2 Tbsp sriracha or chili sauce (adjust for spice preference)

• 1 tsp lime juice

directions

1. Mix tuna cake base
   In a large bowl, combine flaked tuna, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, ginger, egg, mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well. If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a touch of mayo or beaten egg.

2. Form patties
   Shape into 8 evenly sized patties (about 2 ½ inches wide). Place on a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them hold shape.

3. Make spicy mayo
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust heat to preference and set aside.

4. Cook tuna cakes
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add patties (don’t crowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp, flipping once.

5. Drain & serve
   Transfer cooked cakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with spicy mayo on the side or drizzled over.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 (2 tuna cakes each)

• Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling)

• Cook time: 10–12 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Herb boost: Mix in chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness

• Veggie add-ins: Stir in finely diced bell pepper or carrot for texture

• Cheesy option: Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mix

• Crispy bake alternative: Bake at 400 °F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store tuna cakes and spicy mayo separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Gently pan-fry for 2 minutes per side or warm in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes

• Freezer: Flash-freeze cooked cakes on a tray, then store in a bag up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in the oven for 10–12 minutes

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes—finely cook and flake fresh tuna, then cool before mixing into the batter.

How spicy is the mayo?

Mild to medium; adjust sriracha amount based on your heat preference.

Can I air-fry these instead of pan-frying?

Yes—air-fry at 375 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, and lightly spray with oil.

Are they gluten-free?

Use gluten-free panko and tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes—assemble patties and refrigerate overnight; pan-fry or bake right before serving.

What other dipping sauces work?

Sweet chili sauce, soy-ginger dressing, or creamy aioli also pair well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—finely diced veggies like carrot, zucchini, or bell pepper add color and crunch.

How do I prevent them from falling apart?

Chilling patties before cooking and using binding ingredients (egg, mayo, breadcrumbs) help them hold shape.

Are tuna cakes kid-friendly?

Yes—mild flavors and fun dipping sauce appeal to children.

What sides pair nicely?

Serve with Asian slaw, steamed rice, simple green salad, or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining the lightness of tuna with bold Asian-inspired flavors and a creamy, zesty dip. Perfect for quick meals, appetizers, or casual gatherings—these crispy cakes bring a satisfying crunch and delicious punch in every bite!