Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds like an enthusiastic ballerina at a wedding. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, crispy cakes that hide tender tuna within, seasoned with Asian-inspired spices that whisk you away to a bustling street market in Tokyo. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make even the most stubborn of dinner guests abandon their diets and ask for seconds.

These cakes are not just an appetizer; they are the life of the party! I remember the first time I made these for friends during a game night. With every bite, laughter filled the room as we debated whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, by the way). The combination of the savory tuna and the zesty spicy mayo had everyone raving about my newfound culinary prowess. Trust me; this dish is perfect for casual gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply when you’re feeling adventurous in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Asian-Style Tuna Cakes are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any weeknight meal
- Bursting with flavor, they feature a delightful mix of spices that elevate ordinary tuna into something extraordinary
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, these cakes can steal the show on any dinner table
- They are versatile too; serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even in a sandwich for a delicious lunch
Ingredients for Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Canned Tuna: Choose high-quality tuna packed in water or oil for the best flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture that holds everything together beautifully.
Green Onions: Chopped finely to add a fresh zing and color to your tuna cakes.
Sesame Oil: A few drops will give your cakes that authentic Asian flavor profile.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent ensuring your cakes hold their shape while cooking.
For the Spicy Mayo:
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand; it adds creaminess and richness to balance the spice.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust to taste if you want an extra kick or prefer it milder.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and drain the canned tuna thoroughly. A colander works wonders here—just don’t forget to keep those fingers safe!
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, sesame oil, and egg. Get your hands in there (clean hands only), mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Form Patties
Using your hands, form small patties about two inches wide. Think of them as little tuna frisbees ready to take flight into hot oil!
Step 4: Heat That Pan
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Allow it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking—like those Instagram influencers who always look radiant.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden
Carefully place your patties into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy—don’t rush this part; patience is key!
Step 6: Whip Up Spicy Mayo
While waiting for those beauties to cook, mix mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Taste-test it; adjust spice levels according to your courage level!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with spicy mayo for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy these Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with friends or solo while watching cat videos online—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- These delightful Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are not just a treat for your taste buds; they make meal prep a fun adventure
- The blend of flavors and textures is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table
- Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a laid-back weekend feast
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly golden Asian-Style Tuna Cakes, start by mixing all ingredients thoroughly. Shape them into patties and chill for at least 30 minutes. Sear them in a hot pan until crispy, while preparing that mouthwatering spicy mayo on the side.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the tuna for salmon or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist! Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, throw in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, simply pop them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy on the outside.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For flawless Asian-Style Tuna Cakes, always use chilled ingredients before cooking to help maintain structure
- Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding cakes to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect sear
- Lastly, don’t skip chilling the patties; it helps them hold together beautifully
Sharing my first attempt at these Asian-Style Tuna Cakes was hilarious; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! Who knew such simple ingredients could create such culinary magic?
FAQs :
What are Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo?
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines canned tuna, Asian seasonings, and breadcrumbs to create savory cakes. These cakes are typically pan-fried until golden brown, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. The spicy mayo, made from mayonnaise mixed with Sriracha or other hot sauces, adds a zesty kick that complements the cakes beautifully. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option and can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
How do I make the spicy mayo for my tuna cakes?
To prepare the spicy mayo for your Asian-Style Tuna Cakes, start by mixing one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of Sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount of Sriracha according to your desired spice level. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lime juice or sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This zesty mayo pairs perfectly with the savory tuna cakes.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna for making Asian-Style Tuna Cakes if you prefer a fresher taste. Simply sear or grill the fresh tuna steak until it’s cooked to your liking, then flake it into pieces before mixing it with other ingredients. Keep in mind that using fresh tuna may alter the texture slightly compared to canned tuna, which is softer and easier to combine with other components. Fresh tuna will provide a richer flavor and can elevate your dish significantly.
What sides pair well with Asian-Style Tuna Cakes?
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes pair wonderfully with various sides that complement their flavors. A simple green salad drizzled with sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch. Steamed broccoli or bok choy also works well, providing a nutritious balance to the meal. Additionally, serving the cakes alongside jasmine rice or quinoa can enhance the overall experience. For added flair, consider garnishing your plate with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Conclusion for Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo :
In summary, Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo offer a delightful blend of flavors that cater to seafood lovers looking for something unique. The combination of tender tuna and zesty spices creates a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you choose to serve them as appetizers or as part of a main course, these cakes are sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to whip up some spicy mayo for an added kick! Enjoy this delicious recipe today!

Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (4 cakes) 1x
Description
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo are a crispy, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine to your table. These golden cakes, made with tender canned tuna and aromatic spices, are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Paired with a zesty spicy mayo, they offer a delicious balance of savory and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz) canned tuna, drained
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 large egg
- For Spicy Mayo: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- For Spicy Mayo: 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, sesame oil, and egg. Mix well until combined.
- Form small patties about 2 inches wide.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- For the spicy mayo, mix mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust spice level as desired.
- Serve the tuna cakes drizzled with spicy mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg