These yummy Tuna Cakes with Jalapeño and Cilantro are low carb, low calorie, and big on flavor! This tuna cake recipe is a budget-friendly protein-packed entrée that requires a handful of ingredients and canned tuna. You're gonna love these tuna patties!
Jump to:
- Why these Tuna Cakes made from Canned Tuna are so Popular?
- Why you’ll love these Tuna Cakes
- These Tuna Patties are low-carb, low-calorie and gluten-free!
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Sriracha Aioli
- How to make Tuna Cakes?
- How to make Sriracha Aioli
- Tips and Tricks for the best Tuna Cakes
- Storing, Reheating and Freezing
- FAQ's
- What to Serve with Tuna Patties:
- The Greatest of all Canned Tuna Recipes!
- Other Seafood Recipes You'll Love:
- Tuna Cakes with Jalapenos and Cilantro Recipe
- Sriracha Aioli Recipe
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This post has been updated since it was originally posted but the recipe is still the same.
I’ve been making these crispy fried tuna patties for over 20 years and we never get tired of them. I’ve shared this recipe with so many friends and loved ones and they always get fantastic reviews. I make a Sriracha Aioli sauce to drizzle on them but they are delicious all by themselves.
Why these Tuna Cakes made from Canned Tuna are so Popular?
The combination of jalapeno, cilantro, and lemon gives these tuna croquettes the most delicious flavor, they are herbaceous and citrusy with just a little kick… they are sooo good my friend!
Why you’ll love these Tuna Cakes
- Super affordable – made with pantry staples and canned tuna! Canned tuna recipes are a great way to enjoy budget-friendly protein.
- Quick & Easy – on the table in about 40 minutes.
- Packed with flavor and crispy on the outside.
- High in protein - low in carbs, calories and they're gluten-free.
- Great for meal prep - and freezer-friendly because this canned tuna recipe makes 14 patties.
- Family-friendly - these tuna patties are picky-eater approved!
These Tuna Patties are low-carb, low-calorie and gluten-free!
This tuna patties recipe is low-calorie - 112 calories per serving, which is 1 cake. They are also full of protein – 11 grams per tuna patty.
AND they are low-carb with just 3g of carbs per cake.
Plus, they're gluten free because I use almond meal or almond flour in place of bread crumbs. (You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs but they will not be low-carb unless specified.)
Ingredients you’ll need
Tuna cakes
- Canned tuna (in water): The star of the show – protein-packed and budget-friendly.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together.
- Almond Meal/Almond Flour/Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps create a crispy outer layer.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness. (Greek yogurt can be used instead)
- Jalapeno peppers: Adds a fresh earthiness and brings a nice crunch and contrast to the softer ingredients.
- Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and savory depth when sautéed.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herby brightness that pairs well with the jalapeno and lemon.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and cuts through any fishiness.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Savory seasoning must-haves.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning, of course!
- Olive oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection.
Sriracha Aioli
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together. It gives the aioli a rich, smooth texture and helps balance out the heat from the sriracha.
- Garlic, minced: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and adds acidity, which cuts through the richness of the mayo and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Enhances the flavor and balances all the other ingredients.
- Sriracha: Adds that signature spicy kick and a hint of garlic flavor. You can adjust the amount to make it as mild or as hot as you like.
- Cayenne pepper: A warm, slightly smoky heat that rounds out the spice profile.
How to make Tuna Cakes?
These Tuna Cakes with Jalapeño and Cilantro couldn’t be easier to make. (The full recipe is below at the bottom of this post.)
You strain the water from your tuna. Press the tuna against the bottom of the strainer to get most of the water out.
I like to use solid tuna in water because it has a low amount of liquid and too much liquid will make these tuna cakes too moist and they will fall apart when you’re cooking them.
Next, prep the rest of your ingredients and add them all to a large mixing bowl.
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together for the tuna patties.
Use a ⅓ measuring cup, scoop, and press the tuna mixture into the cup so it’s packed in well.
Turn the tuna cake out into the palm of your hand, keeping its shape from the measuring cup.
Press it together so it’s compact and solid and stays together while cooking. (If the mixture is too loose add a tablespoon at a time of almond flour/almond meal until it holds together when you form them.)
Heat a teaspoon or two of olive oil in a medium-sized non-stick pan. Add three tuna patties and fry them for about 3 minutes per side or until golden. Transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet as they are finished cooking.
How to make Sriracha Aioli
I love to pair this tuna cake recipe with my creamy Sriracha sauce. It's just Sriracha, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. (You can find the full recipe below at the bottom of this post.)
Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Then make a salad or a veggie side dish and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the best Tuna Cakes
- Drain the tuna well to avoid soggy cakes.
- Don’t skip the almond meal/breadcrumbs – they give structure and crunch.
- Use a ⅓ measuring cup to make evenly sized cakes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Don't move them around while they're pan-frying - only when you flip them.
Storing, Reheating and Freezing
How to Store Tuna Cakes
Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat Tuna Cakes
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
- Oven: Warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes (but they won't be crispy).
Freezing Tuna Patties
Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, Then wrap each cake in plastic wrap, add them to freezer bags or an airtight freezer-safe container, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
You can defrost the patties in the microwave or place them in the refrigerator the night before you want to enjoy them and they will defrost naturally.
It’s so handy to grab one or two out of the freezer for a quick lunch or on a busy weeknight when you don’t have the energy to cook.
FAQ's
Try Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter version.
And that would be another big–YES!
Another great thing about this tuna cake recipe is that it creates around 13-14 patties, so they are perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch and enjoy them for lunches or dinner during the week, or freeze them for meals at a later time.
Chill Before Cooking
After forming the tuna cakes, refrigerate them for 15–30 minutes. This helps firm them up so they’re less likely to fall apart in the pan. and
Be Gentle When Flipping
Use a thin spatula and flip them carefully—only once if possible. Let the cakes develop a golden crust on the first side before turning (about 3–4 minutes).
Preheat the Pan and Oil
Make sure your pan is hot and the oil is shimmering before adding the cakes. A hot pan helps create a crispy crust that holds everything together.
Yes! Use almond meal, or almond flour as the recipe suggests, or if you prefer use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
If you’re wondering what to serve with these yummy discs of protein – I have a few ideas. Of course!
What to Serve with Tuna Patties:
Any of these sides would be a delicious pairing for a family-friendly meal.
- My tasty and crazy popular Roasted Parmesan Broccoli.
- One of my Brussels Sprout recipes… Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Asiago Cheese Brussels Sprouts, and Spicy and Sweet Brussels Sprouts.
- A simple Arugula Salad.
- Or some Garlic Green Beans… mmm!
The Greatest of all Canned Tuna Recipes!
So to recap… these Tuna Cakes with Jalapeno and Cilantro are delicious, inexpensive, quick and easy to make, good for us, great for meal prepping and freezing, AND everyone loves them because they remind us of growing up eating mom’s (or dad’s) tasty tuna salad sandwiches! Aww, the sweet memories.
I can’t wait for you to give these tuna patties a try!
PS: If you love them as much as I do (which you will – of course) you should also give my Easy Crab Cakes, Salmon Patties, and Mini Salmon Cakes a try.
Please enjoy my friend!
Other Delicious Seafood Recipes You’ll Love:Other Seafood Recipes You'll Love:
- Easy Salmon Patties
- Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli
- Easy Homemade Carb Cakes
- Boiled Lobster with Drawn Butter
- Pan Seared Halibut with White Beans and Gremolata
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If you’ve made this Tuna Cake Recipe, tap the stars below to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Tuna Cakes with Jalapenos and Cilantro Recipe
These yummy Tuna Cakes with Jalapeño and Cilantro are low on carbs and calories and big on flavor!
Ingredients
- 25 ounces canned solid white tuna in water, (five 5-ounce cans)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped, plus a few sprigs saved for garnish
- ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons, almond flour, almond meal (or breadcrumbs if you're not concerned about carbs or being gluten-free.)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, (Greek yogurt can be used instead)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, (about 1 to 1 ½ lemons)
- 3 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped, ribs and seeds removed (unless you like it a little spicy)
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large strainer, in the sink over a large bowl, add the 5 cans of tuna and let them drain, press the tuna into the strainer to remove as much liquid as you can. Then prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Sauté the onions in a little olive oil for about 8 minutes in a sauté pan over medium, until translucent. Set aside and let cool.
- While the onions are cooking, in a large mixing bowl, add the mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and whisk till combined. Then add cilantro and jalapeno peppers to the mixture.
- Add the tuna, beaten eggs, cooked onions, and almond flour (almond meal or breadcrumbs), and mix until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and hold together.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat about a teaspoon of olive oil on high for about a minute, then turn it down to medium to medium-high depending on how hot your stovetop gets.
- Working in batches, use a packed one-third cup measure of tuna mixture per cake. Turn the tuna cake out into the palm of your hand, firmly keeping the original shape of the measuring cup.
- Cook the tuna patties until just golden brown and a bit crisp on the outside, about 3 minutes per side. You may need to adjust your heat as you cook them so they don't burn and you may need to add a teaspoon of oil to the pan between batches. Serve hot, or warm over simple arugula or with your favorite veggie side dish. The recipe makes 13-14 patties.
Notes
- Scoop the tuna mixture with a one third measuring cup, pat it a little to make sure it's formed tightly, then place it in the sauté pan.
- Use a grease screen to cut down on the oil splatter while cooking the cakes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the cakes. They will take longer and flipping them over will be more difficult. I use a 10inch Calphalon pan and cook 4 patties at a time.
- There is not much filler in these cakes, which makes them a little loose. Be sure to gently flip them over when cooking.
Nutrition Information
Yield
14Serving Size
1 tuna cakeAmount Per Serving Calories 112Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 42mgSodium 349mgCarbohydrates 3gProtein 11g
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If you’ve made this Tuna Cake Recipe, tap the stars below to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Sriracha Aioli Recipe
These yummy Tuna Cakes with Jalapeño and Cilantro and sriracha sauce are big on flavor and still low carb, low calorie, and gluten-free. They are a budget-friendly protein-packed entrée that requires a handful of ingredients and canned tuna. #TasteAndSee
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light mayonnaise
- 2 cloves small garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of Sriracha
- About 3 shakes of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1 tablespoonAmount Per Serving Calories 42Total Fat 3gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 2mgSodium 310mgCarbohydrates 2g
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If you’ve made this Tuna Cake Recipe, tap the stars below to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Advanced Adventure Nepal
“Absolutely loved this recipe! The combo of jalapeño + cilantro + fresh lemon is a flavor bomb 💥—a crisp, savory tuna cake that’s budget-friendly but definitely doesn’t feel basic. I made a batch yesterday, used almond flour and pan-fried them to a golden tinge, and they were perfect with a side salad. Bonus points for being low-carb, gluten-free, and freezer-ready—totally meal-prep friendly (I got 14 patties!). Can’t wait to drizzle on that Sriracha aioli next time. Thanks for sharing such a delicious and wholesome weeknight winner!”
Holly Sander
Thanks so much! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tuna cakes so much. And that you appreciated all the nuances of the recipe... low-carb, gluten-free, and freezer-ready, and meal-prep friendly. Thanks again!
Laurie
Delicious! I wish I could post a pic- I did low fat Mayo and trimmed it to three cans using 1 egg. Perfect. Thank you!
Holly Sander
Awesome to hear! I love that you made it your own, Laurie! Thanks so much!
Brenda
Would this recipe work with halibut?
Holly Sander
Hi Brenda, I would not recommend using halibut because it is so expensive and such a delicacy. You could use canned salmon or even fresh cooked salmon. If you do try it please let me know how it turns out. Good luck!
Arya
delicious! i added some old bay seasoning and had to add alot more breadcrumbs but it was yummy!!
Holly Sander
Hi Arya I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe! So happy to hear when people add to recipes, I love getting creative in the kitchen!
Nancy
These were really tasty but I think I used the wrong size tuna cans...it was very flaky and did not stick much together so added more egg and flour...that seemed to have helped. I'm assuming when you say 5oz cans those are the small one? 🙂
Holly Sander
Hello Nancy I'm glad you thought the recipe was tasty! Yes the 5 oz cans are the small ones, the larger cans would cause the recipe to change which is why the tuna didn't stick together as much!
Amber
Is there an air fryer method? I stink at frying things, but mine turn out dry.
Holly Sander
Hi Amber, I haven't tried these in the air fryer. If I did I would use a parchment liner for sure.
Maria
Hi, I am going to make these, do they freeze well?
Bryan
Hi Maria, absolutely! There are two ways to freeze the patties:
Option 1: Freeze before sauteeing. To do this, leave the patties on a baking sheet, cover the entire sheet with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for several hours. Once they’ve frozen enough to hold their shape, wrap each tuna cake individually with plastic wrap. Place them all in a freezer bag together, and save for another day. (Note: Defrost the cakes in the fridge before cooking.
Option 2: Freeze after sauteeing. To do this, allow them to cool fully after you have pan sauteed them. Then wrap each cake individually with plastic wrap. Place them all in a freezer bag together, and defrost whenever you are ready to eat one. You can defrost them in the fridge the day before eating.
Jesika
I have made these so many times and they are the best! So delicious! I was wondering if this same recipe would be good if using crab?
Bryan
Thank you Jesika! Yes if you used the same quantity of meat I think crab would work quite nicely!
Christine
Do you think basil would pair well instead of cilantro?
Holly Sander
Hi Christine swapping cilantro for basil works well! In some cases it would alter the flavor but this recipe shouldn't have any major changes due to the basil!