These Asian-inspired Sriracha Tuna Cakes are a delicious, quick, and easy way to use canned tuna. They’re packed with flavor and come with a spicy tartar sauce that complements the cakes perfectly. You can cook them in a skillet or air fryer, making them a versatile option for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tuna Cakes:

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained

• 1 egg

• ½ cup rice crumbs or breadcrumbs

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons mayo

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 2 red mini sweet peppers, finely chopped (or ½ red bell pepper)

• 1 tablespoon sliced green onion

• Pinch of umami seasoning (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spicy Tartar Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayo

• ¼ cup dill pickle relish

• 2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)

• Pinch of ground ginger (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the spicy tartar sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. In a medium bowl, flake the tuna with a fork.

3. Whisk in the egg.

4. Add rice crumbs, mayo, sriracha, garlic, umami seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Stir in chopped peppers and green onion.

6. Scoop about ⅓ cup of mixture and shape into balls, then flatten to form patties (wet hands help). Make about 5 patties.

7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through. Flip carefully.

8. Serve tuna cakes with spicy tartar sauce and enjoy!

Air Fryer Method: Spray air fryer basket and arrange patties in a single layer. Brush lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 360°F for 5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Nutrients

• Calories: 250–300 kcal

• Protein: 25–30 g

• Total Fat: 15–18 g

• Saturated Fat: 2–3 g

• Carbohydrates: 8–10 g

• Fiber: 1–2 g

• Sugars: 2–3 g

• Sodium: 500–700 mg

This estimate includes the tuna, mayo, sriracha, breadcrumbs, and oil used for cooking. Exact values can vary depending on brands and ingredient amounts.

The Star Ingredients and Their Contributions

The core ingredient, canned tuna, is a pantry staple known for its lean protein content and convenience. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health, making these cakes not only tasty but also nourishing. Flaking the tuna ensures that the patties have a light texture and evenly distributed protein.

Rice crumbs or traditional breadcrumbs provide essential binding, adding structure and crunch to the patties. Rice crumbs are a great gluten-free alternative, lending a subtle crispiness while keeping the cakes light. The inclusion of an egg further binds the mixture and gives the cakes a soft but firm consistency.

Minced garlic adds a punch of savory aroma and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The addition of finely chopped red mini sweet peppers introduces a mild sweetness and colorful crunch, which contrasts wonderfully with the rich tuna. Sliced green onions contribute a mild sharpness and fresh brightness, balancing the heavier ingredients and lifting the flavor.

Sriracha is the flavor powerhouse in this recipe, offering the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Its distinct chili-garlic flavor injects boldness into the tuna mixture without overpowering the dish, appealing to spice lovers and newcomers alike.

Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, preventing the cakes from drying out while providing a creamy texture that binds ingredients smoothly. A pinch of umami seasoning can be added optionally to deepen the savory notes and bring a subtle complexity reminiscent of Asian cuisine.

Salt and freshly cracked pepper season the mixture to perfection, ensuring every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Creating the Perfect Spicy Tartar Sauce

The accompanying spicy tartar sauce is simple yet packs a flavorful punch. Its creamy base of mayonnaise is enhanced by dill pickle relish, which adds texture and a burst of tangy sweetness. Sriracha adds heat and character, complementing the tuna cakes’ spicy notes.

A pinch of ground ginger introduces a warm, aromatic element that ties in with the Asian-inspired theme and brightens the sauce. Salt and pepper season the sauce to taste, ensuring it is well balanced and flavorful.

Preparing the sauce ahead of time and chilling it allows the ingredients to meld, resulting in a smooth, zesty condiment that enhances the taste of the tuna cakes and provides a cooling contrast to their spicy, crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Preparation and Cooking Methods

The preparation begins by combining the flaked tuna with the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic, peppers, green onion, and seasonings in a medium bowl. This mixture should be handled gently but thoroughly mixed to ensure an even distribution of flavors and texture.

Forming the mixture into uniform patties, about ⅓ cup each, helps with even cooking. Wetting your hands before shaping prevents sticking and makes the process easier.

In a skillet method, heating olive oil over medium-high heat before adding the patties ensures a golden, crispy crust forms quickly without absorbing excess oil. Cooking each side for 3–4 minutes achieves a tender interior with a perfect crust. Careful flipping is necessary to maintain the patties’ shape.

Alternatively, the air fryer method offers a healthier, hands-off approach that still yields crispy results. Spraying the air fryer basket and brushing the patties lightly with olive oil prevents sticking and promotes browning. Cooking at 360°F for a total of 8–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensures even crispness and thorough cooking with minimal oil.

Both methods result in a satisfying texture and rich flavor, allowing flexibility depending on kitchen tools and personal preferences.

Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Considerations

Asian-inspired Sriracha Tuna Cakes provide a balanced nutritional profile with a focus on lean protein and moderate fats. With 25 to 30 grams of protein per serving, these cakes support muscle maintenance, repair, and overall health.

The fat content ranges from 15 to 18 grams, primarily sourced from olive oil and mayonnaise, which provide monounsaturated fats known for cardiovascular benefits. Saturated fats remain low, ensuring the dish remains heart-friendly.

Carbohydrates are kept minimal, making these cakes suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets. The fiber content, while modest, is contributed by the peppers and green onions, supporting digestive health.

Sodium levels can vary based on canned tuna and seasoning but remain moderate and adjustable to suit dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve the tuna cakes hot, accompanied by the spicy tartar sauce for dipping or drizzling. For a complete meal, pair them with fresh, crisp salads, steamed vegetables, or lightly sautéed greens to balance richness with freshness.

These cakes also pair beautifully with grain bowls, quinoa, or rice for heartier meals. For gatherings, offer them alongside an array of dips and sauces, including sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger dipping sauce for added variety.

Garnishing with extra sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro enhances visual appeal and adds layers of flavor.

Conclusion

Asian-inspired Sriracha Tuna Cakes are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious way to transform canned tuna into a gourmet-quality dish. Combining the heat of sriracha, the richness of cheeses, the freshness of vegetables, and the creaminess of mayonnaise, these cakes deliver bold, satisfying flavors with every bite.

Their ease of preparation, flexibility in cooking methods, and balanced nutritional profile make them ideal for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or entertaining guests. Paired with a zesty, spicy tartar sauce, these tuna cakes promise to become a favorite recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, bringing a vibrant, Asian-inspired twist to your dining table.