Tom'S Tuna Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tasty tuna cakes with a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, perfect for quick lunches or dinners. They pair well with macaroni and cheese or soup.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans tuna packed in water
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • cooking oil or spray
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 teaspoons mustard

Instructions

  1. Chop the tuna, then mix all the ingredients, except the bread crumbs and oil, together.
  2. Form the mixture into patties.
  3. Dip each patty in bread crumbs.
  4. Fry the patties in hot oil until golden brown.
  5. Serve with macaroni and cheese or soup.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat bread crumbs or replacing eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. If you want extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or dill. For a crunchier texture, use panko bread crumbs instead. Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy patties; test with a small piece of the mixture first. This recipe is great for using leftover tuna from dishes like Tuna Vegetable Slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious tuna cakes with a side of macaroni and cheese for a comforting meal, or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter option. They also make a great appetizer when served with a dipping sauce. For an exciting twist, try serving them alongside Red Rice And Gravy With Shrimp for a seafood-themed feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to maintain their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tom'S Tuna Cakes contains roughly 463 calories, with 40g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).

463 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.2g 80% DV
Total Fat 28.1g 36% DV
Carbs 13.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1522mg 66% DV
Potassium 445.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 110.7mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Vitamin D 2.4mcg 12% DV
Calcium 73mg 6% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten 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 tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna! Just cook it thoroughly before chopping and mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that fresh tuna may require additional seasoning as it tends to be less salty than canned options.

What can I substitute for mustard?

If you're not a fan of mustard, you can substitute it with mayonnaise for a creamier texture, or use a bit of lemon juice for acidity. Both alternatives will alter the flavor slightly but will still work well in the recipe.

How do I make these cakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free tuna cakes, simply replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check all ingredient labels, especially for the mustard, to ensure they are gluten-free.

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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