Tuna Cakes With Dill Tartar Sauce
Delicious tuna cakes with fresh dill and a tangy tartar sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that appeals to seafood lovers and those seeking a light, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons light processed cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- dash ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried whole dill weed ⓘ
- 1 can (9 1/2 oz.) 60%-less-salt tuna in water, drained ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- Dill Tartar Sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add celery and onion; sauté until tender.
- Remove from skillet and place in a medium bowl.
- Add cream cheese, lemon juice, white pepper, and ground red pepper; stir well.
- Add bread crumbs, dill weed, tuna, and egg white; stir until combined.
- Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into 2 1/2-inch cakes.
- Cook the cakes in the skillet until golden brown on both sides and heated through.
- Serve with dill tartar sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Ensure the skillet is hot enough to get a nice golden brown crust on the cakes, which adds flavor. You can also swap the tuna for canned salmon for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna cakes warm with dill tartar sauce on the side. They pair well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider serving them alongside roasted potatoes or a side of rice. These cakes also make a great appetizer at gatherings, just like the flavors found in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to retain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Cakes With Dill Tartar Sauce contains roughly 152 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 996mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna! Just cook it thoroughly before flaking it into the mixture. This will give your tuna cakes a fresher taste and a different texture. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I serve with the tuna cakes?
Tuna cakes are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal. You can also enjoy them in a bun with lettuce and tomato for a yummy sandwich option. They complement dishes like Deluxe Fruit Salad perfectly as a refreshing side.
How can I make these tuna cakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free tuna cakes, simply replace the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor without the gluten.
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).