Explore the zestful flavors of the ocean with this spicy canned tuna fish cakes recipe. A delightful blend of protein-packed tuna, spicy sriracha, and tangy mustard, these fish cakes are an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. They are easy to make and sure to impress with their crunchy exterior and moist, flavorful interior.
The ingredients for this recipe are generally available in most homes. However, Sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, might not be readily available in your pantry. It's a key ingredient that gives these fish cakes their distinctive spicy kick. You can find it in the international or Asian food section of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes
Tuna: Packed with lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, they add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Bread crumbs: Helps bind the fish cakes together and adds a crispy texture when pan-fried.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the tuna.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the fish cakes.
Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick, but can be adjusted to taste.
Salt and ground black pepper: Season to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Olive oil: Used for pan-frying, it adds a rich flavor.
One reader, Cheryl Dowell says:
These spicy canned tuna fish cakes are a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply amazing. The kick from the sriracha adds a perfect amount of heat. Plus, they're so easy to make. I'll definitely be making these again and again. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes
How to combine the ingredients: Mix the tuna, scallions, bread crumbs, egg, mustard, garlic powder, sriracha, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined and the mixture sticks together.
How to shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties using your hands, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
How to pan-fry the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the patties for about 3 minutes on each side until they are deeply browned and crispy.
How to bake the fish cakes: Transfer the pan-fried patties to a small baking tray and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the center of the fish cakes is firm.
How To Make Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes
This recipe for fish cakes uses canned tuna, which you’ll often have lying idly in your pantry. Serve with mayo and limes if desired for more flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12oztuna,(1 can), drained
- ½cupscallions,chopped
- ½cupdry bread crumbs,or as needed
- 1large egg
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tspsriracha
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 2tbspolive oil,or as needed
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Combine tuna, scallions, bread crumbs, egg, mustard, garlic powder, Sriracha, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until the mixture sticks together.
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Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into patties.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the patties for about 3 minutes on each side until deeply browned and crispy. Transfer to a small baking tray.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until the center of the fish cakes are firm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 311.32kcal
- Fat: 12.32g
- Saturated Fat: 2.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.61g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.86g
- Carbohydrates: 15.70g
- Fiber: 1.68g
- Sugar: 1.64g
- Protein: 32.89g
- Cholesterol: 106.23mg
- Sodium: 419.73mg
- Calcium: 65.47mg
- Potassium: 631.87mg
- Iron: 2.53mg
- Vitamin A: 55.82µg
- Vitamin C: 3.16mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes
To ensure your tuna fish cakes are moist and flavorful, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together just until they're combined. This will keep your fish cakes tender and light. Additionally, when pan-frying, make sure the oil is hot enough so the patties sizzle as soon as they hit the pan. This will give them a nice, crispy exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes
Prep ahead: Prepare the tuna mixture the night before and refrigerate it. This will save you time when you're ready to cook the fish cakes.
Use a food processor: Instead of chopping the scallions by hand, use a food processor to quickly chop them to the desired size.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of fish cakes and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Bake instead of frying: To save time and effort, bake the fish cakes instead of pan-frying them. Simply shape the patties and bake until golden brown and crispy.
Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the ingredients and tools you need to streamline the cooking process.
Canned tuna: Use canned tuna in water for convenience and time-saving, as it eliminates the need to cook fresh fish.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes Recipe
tuna - Substitute with canned salmon: Canned salmon can be used as a substitute for tuna in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
scallions - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for scallions, offering a mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic.
dry bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for dry bread crumbs, providing a lighter, crispier texture.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can be used as a substitute for Dijon mustard, adding a slightly different texture and a more pronounced mustard flavor.
sriracha - Substitute with chili paste: Chili paste can be used as a substitute for sriracha, offering a similar level of spiciness and flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point for cooking.
Plating Ideas for Canned Tuna Fish Cakes
Elevate the plating: Arrange the tuna fish cakes on a pristine white plate, ensuring each cake is positioned with precision and care.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a touch of finely chopped scallions over the fish cakes to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate a zesty drizzle: Create an artistic design on the plate using a blend of sriracha and dijon mustard for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a delicate cluster of microgreens on the side of the plate to add a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Enhance with a side of citrus: Serve alongside a wedge of lemon or lime to provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the spicy tuna cakes.
Emphasize texture and color: Consider adding a vibrant side salad or a colorful vegetable medley to complement the dish and provide a well-rounded culinary experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tuna Fish Cakes
- Mixing bowl: A large, deep bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing the tuna fish cake mixture.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for pan-frying the tuna fish cakes.
- Small baking tray: A shallow, oven-safe tray used for baking the pan-fried tuna fish cakes in the oven.
- Olive oil: Used for pan-frying the tuna fish cakes and adding flavor to the dish.
- Food processor: Optional for finely chopping the scallions and breaking down the tuna for a smoother texture in the fish cakes.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Tuna Fish Cakes
- Allow the tuna fish cakes to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled fish cakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the tuna fish cakes:
- Arrange the cooled fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the fish cakes are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the fish cakes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen tuna fish cakes will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen fish cakes, you can either:
- Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Place the frozen fish cakes on a baking sheet and bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen tuna fish cakes to maintain their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Tuna Fish Cakes
To reheat leftover spicy canned tuna fish cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain the crispy exterior while ensuring the inside is warmed evenly.
Another option is to reheat the tuna fish cakes in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish cakes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the tuna fish cakes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until they are warmed to your liking. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or stovetop reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your spicy tuna fish cakes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the fish cakes in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method is a great way to restore the crispy texture without adding extra oil.
Lastly, you can enjoy your leftover tuna fish cakes cold by slicing them and serving them over a salad with your favorite dressing. This is a refreshing and light option, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Interesting Trivia About Tuna Fish Cakes
Tuna fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function.
Is Making Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes at Home Cost-Effective?
This spicy canned tuna fish cakes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Tuna is an affordable source of protein, and the addition of pantry staples like bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings keeps the overall cost low. The recipe yields 6 fish cakes, making it suitable for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-12, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10 for its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.
Are Spicy Tuna Fish Cakes Healthy?
The spicy canned tuna fish cakes recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
- Scallions provide vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and potassium.
- Dijon mustard and sriracha add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for bread crumbs, which are likely made from refined grains. Replacing them with whole wheat bread crumbs or almond flour would increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- While olive oil is a healthy fat, pan-frying the patties may lead to the formation of harmful compounds due to high heat. Consider baking the patties instead to reduce the risk.
To further enhance the nutritional value of the recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the mixture, such as finely chopped bell peppers or carrots, to increase the fiber and vitamin content.
- Experiment with using mashed avocado or Greek yogurt as a binding agent instead of the egg to reduce cholesterol and add healthy fats.
- Serve the fish cakes over a bed of leafy greens or paired with a colorful side salad to make it a well-rounded meal.
- Replace the sriracha with a homemade spice blend that includes turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the added sugar found in some sriracha brands.
Editor's Opinion on This Spicy Tuna Fish Cake Recipe
This recipe for spicy canned tuna fish cakes is a delightful twist on traditional fish cakes. The combination of tuna, scallions, and a kick of sriracha creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of mustard and garlic powder adds depth to the flavor profile, while the breadcrumbs and egg bind everything together perfectly. Pan-frying the patties gives them a crispy exterior, and finishing them in the oven ensures a moist and tender center. This recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate canned tuna into a delicious and impressive meal.
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Why trust this Spicy Canned Tuna Fish Cakes Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality tuna and a blend of flavorful spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of scallions and garlic powder adds depth of flavor, while the addition of sriracha provides a spicy kick. The use of Dijon mustard and egg helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in perfectly textured fish cakes. The method of pan-frying followed by baking ensures a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Trust in the balance of flavors and the cooking techniques employed to deliver a delightful dining experience.
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