Spicy Tuna Cakes

Easy Spicy Tuna Cakes are a delightful dish that brings together flavors and textures in just 25 minutes. These cakes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a quick weeknight meal. With sweet potato as the binding agent, they offer a crispy exterior and a tender inside, making them both satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy carbs from sweet potatoes, these cakes are both filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in a salad for a refreshing twist.
• Flavorful Profile: The combination of jalapeño and red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick without overwhelming the palate.
• Diet-Friendly: These Spicy Tuna Cakes are Paleo, Whole30 compliant, and gluten-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Spicy Tuna Cakes efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools that will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Heavy-bottomed skillet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures that your tuna is perfectly drained, preventing soggy cakes.
• Heavy-bottomed skillet: Distributes heat evenly to achieve a golden crust on your cakes.

Ingredients

For the Cakes

• 3 tablespoons melted ghee, divided
• 10 ounces canned albacore tuna in water, drained
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (about ⅓ cup)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
• 1⅓ cups mashed baked sweet potato
• Zest from ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (optional)

• 3 lemons, cut into wedges

How to Make Spicy Tuna Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Bake sweet potatoes ahead of time or start fresh by baking a large sweet potato at 400°F for 45-50 minutes until tender. Cool completely before mashing until smooth; this step is crucial for texture.

Step 2: Drain the Tuna

In a fine-mesh strainer, thoroughly drain your tuna. Press out excess water using paper towels until completely dry. Prepare scallions, cilantro, and jalapeño by slicing and mincing as necessary.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato with two beaten eggs at room temperature and one tablespoon of melted ghee. Mix until smooth; ensure the mixture isn’t overly wet to maintain cake structure.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold in the drained tuna along with sliced scallions, minced cilantro, jalapeño, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cakes.

Step 5: Form Patties

Using clean hands slightly dampened with water, form the mixture into eight patties about three inches wide and three-quarters inch thick. Chill on parchment-lined plates for ten minutes to help maintain shape during cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Cakes

Heat remaining two tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Cook each cake for four to five minutes per side without moving them until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your Spicy Tuna Cakes hot with fresh lemon wedges for brightness or top with creamy avocado for added richness. Enjoy this dynamic dish that combines warmth with zesty flavors!

How to Serve Spicy Tuna Cakes

Spicy Tuna Cakes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions that will make your dish shine.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Brighten the flavors of the tuna cakes by squeezing fresh lemon juice over them just before eating. The acidity complements the spiciness perfectly.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the cakes on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a light and refreshing option. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar for added flavor.

With Creamy Avocado Dressing

• A dollop of creamy avocado dressing adds richness and balances the spice. Simply blend ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a quick sauce.

Accompanied by a Simple Green Salad

• Pair the cakes with a simple salad of cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers tossed in a light vinaigrette. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect Spicy Tuna Cakes

Creating perfect Spicy Tuna Cakes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Dry Tuna: Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy cakes. Press out excess water using paper towels for the best texture.

• Chill Before Cooking: Allowing the formed patties to chill for 10 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better during frying.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes instead of tender ones.

• Watch Your Heat: Cook at medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the outside. A hot but not smoking pan is ideal for achieving that golden crust.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Tuna Cakes

To complement your Spicy Tuna Cakes, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with their flavors. Each option adds its unique touch to your meal.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These are a great match with spicy tuna cakes, providing a sweet contrast and satisfying crunch.

2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with diced vegetables and lemon dressing adds protein and nutrients while balancing flavors.

3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing provides crunch and acidity.

4. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings an elegant touch and pairs excellently with the richness of tuna cakes.

5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar enhances freshness, making it an ideal side dish.

6. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed with garlic creates a delightful base for your tuna cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Tuna Cakes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your cakes turn out perfectly.

• Using wet tuna – It’s important to drain your tuna thoroughly. Excess moisture can lead to soggy cakes. Use a fine-mesh strainer and press out any water with paper towels.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can create tough Spicy Tuna Cakes. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined for a tender texture.

• Not chilling the patties – Chilling the formed patties is crucial for keeping their shape during cooking. Allow them to rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes before frying.

• Cooking at too high of a heat – If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains uncooked. Cook over medium heat to achieve a nice golden brown color without burning.

• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Tastes can vary, so adjust your salt and pepper according to preference. Taste the mixture before forming patties and add seasoning as needed.

• Ignoring cooking time – Each side should cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy. Patience is key; don’t rush this step for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Spicy Tuna Cakes

• Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Spicy Tuna Cakes

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cakes on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking.

• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a bit of oil, and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Spicy Tuna Cakes that might help you along your cooking journey.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh tuna can be used instead of canned. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before mixing it into your cake batter.

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

If you prefer, you can use mashed pumpkin or butternut squash as an alternative binding ingredient in your Spicy Tuna Cakes.

How do I increase spice levels?

For spicier cakes, add more minced jalapeño or incorporate chopped fresh chili peppers into the mix according to taste preferences.

Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and store uncooked patties in advance. Just chill them before cooking or freeze them for later use.

Are Spicy Tuna Cakes gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses sweet potatoes as a binder instead of breadcrumbs or flour.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Tuna Cakes are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or main dish, these cakes promise great flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust spices or add vegetables based on what you love!