Zesty Lemon Tuna Cakes
Brighten up your mealtime with these irresistible Zesty Lemon Tuna Cakes, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches. Packed with protein-rich canned tuna, a zesty burst of fresh lemon juice and zest, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, these golden-brown patties offer a delightful balance of crispy texture and tender, flaky goodness. Fresh parsley and minced garlic add a vibrant, herbaceous note, while plain or panko breadcrumbs ensure just the right amount of structure. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tuna cakes are pan-fried in olive oil to achieve a beautifully crisp exterior. Serve them warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a dollop of tartar sauce, or over a bed of greens for a healthy, crave-worthy meal. Perfect for anyone seeking a savory, citrusy twist on classic seafood patties!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna (drained)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, large egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 2.5 inches in diameter.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the tuna cakes for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and heated through.
Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot with a wedge of lemon, a dollop of tartar sauce, or a small salad on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1084 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.5 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 270 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 2675 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.0 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 511 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
