As seen in our latest Instagram reel
These Crispy Tuna Cakes went viral in our latest reel on @lilyscravekitchen_ — crispy golden tuna cakes with a tender, savory center and a drizzle of creamy, spicy mayo. The perfect mix of crunchy, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
Flaky tuna is combined with simple seasonings, shaped into golden patties, and pan-fried until beautifully crisp on the outside. Paired with a zesty spicy mayo, every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory seafood flavor and creamy heat — ideal for quick lunches, easy dinners, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why you’ll love them
- 28g protein per serving from pantry staples
- Crispy outside, tender and savory inside
- 15-minute dinner that tastes like a restaurant appetizer
Ingredients
- 3 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained well
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp neutral oil, for frying
- For the spicy mayo: ¼ cup mayonnaise + 1–2 tbsp sriracha + squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Mix. In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, panko, egg, green onions, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently — don’t overwork it.
- Shape. Form into 6–8 patties, about ½-inch thick. For extra crunch, press the outside into more panko.
- Chill. Refrigerate the patties 15 minutes so they hold together in the pan.
- Pan-fry. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp.
- Make the spicy mayo. Whisk the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice together.
- Serve. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo and serve immediately.
Tips
- Drain the tuna really well — excess liquid is the #1 reason tuna cakes fall apart.
- The 15-minute chill is worth it; cold patties hold their shape.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes (flipping once) if you’d rather skip the frying.
Nutrition
Estimated per serving (2 cakes): ~280 kcal | ~28g protein | ~14g fat | ~12g carbs
Would you drizzle these with spicy mayo or tartar sauce? Follow @lilyscravekitchen_ on Instagram for the reel and more easy recipes.
