Seafood Cakes - Tuna Or Salmon

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Seafood cakes made with tuna or salmon offer a savory, protein-packed appetizer or main course. Their crispy exterior and flavorful, moist interior are enhanced by fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, they appeal to seafood lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 12 1/2 oz. can tuna or salmon, drained
  • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green peppers
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the drained tuna or salmon, Miracle Whip, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, green onions, green peppers, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of bread crumbs in a bowl.
  2. Form the mixture into balls, then roll each ball in the remaining bread crumbs.
  3. Refrigerate the formed balls for 30 minutes or longer.
  4. Heat a skillet and add 2 tablespoons of oil.
  5. When the oil is hot, flatten each ball and cook on medium to low heat until browned, about 5 minutes per side.

Tips & Substitutions

For a variation, consider using canned crab or shrimp instead of tuna or salmon. You can also add spices like Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for Miracle Whip. Ensure the mixture is well combined for uniform flavor. For an elevated dish, serve with a tangy dipping sauce, reminiscent of the flavors in Seafood Imperial.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the seafood cakes with a simple side salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They pair beautifully with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish. These cakes also make a great appetizer for gatherings or as part of a seafood platter featuring items like Smoked Salmon Log.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover seafood cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed, helping retain their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Seafood Cakes - Tuna Or Salmon contains roughly 196 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

196 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.3g 15% DV
Total Fat 4.4g 6% DV
Carbs 35.6g 13% DV
Fiber 7g 25% DV
Sugar 10.6g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1183.8mg 51% DV
Potassium 364.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 13.4mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 117.6mg 9% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna or salmon; just make sure to flake it into small pieces. Fresh seafood will add a different texture and flavor, making the cakes even more delicious. Adjust the seasoning as needed since fresh ingredients might have a different salt content.

What can I serve with these seafood cakes?

These seafood cakes go well with a variety of sides, including a green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a light pasta. For a more robust meal, pair them with dishes like Baked Flounder With Mushrooms or a creamy risotto. A simple dipping sauce can also elevate the dish.

Can I freeze the uncooked cakes?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked seafood cakes. Just form them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; just cook them a little longer until they are heated through.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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