Tuna-Potato Pancakes

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crispy tuna-potato pancakes combine flaky tuna with tender potatoes, scallions, and herbs, offering savory bites perfect for brunch or light dinners, served with cool cucumber mayonnaise.

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Ingredients

  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks
  • 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can chunk style tuna in water or oil
  • 6 scallions, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely minced parsley
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • salt to taste
  • cayenne pepper to taste
  • vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Cover potatoes with salted water and cook until fork-tender but still firm.
  2. Drain potatoes and let cool; drain and discard water or oil from tuna.
  3. Grate potatoes coarsely using a grater or food processor.
  4. Gently mix grated potatoes, tuna, scallions, parsley, egg, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Form the mixture into 8 pancakes, shaping loosely and flattening slightly.
  6. Heat enough vegetable oil in a large skillet for shallow frying.
  7. Add pancakes to the skillet; do not overcrowd.
  8. Brown pancakes well on one side, then turn with a slotted turner.
  9. Drain the second side and remove pancakes from oil.
  10. Drain pancakes on paper towels.
  11. Serve with Cucumber Mayonnaise.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier texture, ensure the potatoes are well-drained and try using a mix of russet and Yukon gold for flavor. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. For a healthier option, you can bake the pancakes instead of frying them. Just spray with a little oil and bake at 400°F until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

These Tuna-Potato Pancakes are best served warm and can be accompanied by a dollop of Cucumber Mayonnaise for a refreshing contrast. They pair beautifully with a side salad, like the Very Quick Macaroni Salad, or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna-Potato Pancakes contains roughly 360 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

360 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 12.8g 16% DV
Carbs 56.2g 20% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 573.3mg 25% DV
Potassium 1127.3mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 65.2mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 17.6mg 20% DV
Calcium 80.9mg 6% DV
Iron 2.1mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg 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 and flake it before mixing it with the other ingredients. It will provide a fresher taste, but make sure it is well-seasoned since canned tuna is typically already flavored.

What can I substitute for scallions?

If you don't have scallions, you can use finely chopped onions or shallots. Green bell peppers or even herbs like dill can also add a nice flavor if you prefer a different taste profile.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these pancakes gluten-free, ensure that your ingredients, particularly any seasonings, are gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour to help bind the mixture if needed.

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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