Quick 20-Minute Crispy Tuna Cakes Recipe Is Easy on the Wallet Seafood Dinner Budget-friendly

Instead of salmon patties, why not try this easy tuna cakes recipe? You can have it on the table for your family in about 20 minutes. It's a budget recipe that is not lacking in the flavor department. The crispy tuna patties will be a hit with the family. Get ready for recipe requests!

The tuna cakes are made with tuna packed in water (drain it well!), garlic, onion, lemon juice, lemon zest, an egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese. The mixture is shaped into patties and then breaded in breadcrumbs and Parmesan before being pan-fried to golden perfection. 

Serve this budget-friendly crispy tuna cakes recipe with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce. Add a vegetable or grain and a salad, and you're all set for a wholesome, comforting family dinner. You could even use the tuna cakes to make sandwiches! 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Tuna Cakes

• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup minced white onion or green onions
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Breading

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

• olive oil, for frying

Here's how to make them: 

1. Combine all the tuna cake ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well. Form into patties.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the breading ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 
3. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet. Coat the tuna cakes with the breadcrumbs. Fry the patties in the hot oil until browned on both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. 

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