Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Introduction
These Asian Tuna Cakes are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they pair beautifully with a zesty spicy mayo that adds just the right kick.

Ingredients
- 2 (142 g) cans flaked white tuna, drained
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder (or regular flour)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup gluten-free crumbs or panko crumbs
- Avocado oil, for frying
- Sesame oil, for frying
- For the spicy mayo: ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lime juice, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the tuna mixture by combining the drained tuna, whites of the green onions, egg, soy sauce, arrowroot powder, mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter. Coat each patty evenly in gluten-free crumbs or panko crumbs.
- Step 3: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a mix of avocado oil and sesame oil. Fry the tuna cakes for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: To make the spicy mayo, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 5: Serve the warm tuna cakes topped or dipped in the spicy mayo. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions for added freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free crumbs or substitute with finely crushed rice crackers.
- Add finely chopped cilantro or ginger to the tuna mixture for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or swap for sweet chili sauce.
Storage
Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. The spicy mayo can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna that’s flaked, but canned tuna is more convenient and works well for these cakes.
What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?
You can use regular flour or cornstarch as a substitute for arrowroot powder if needed; they act as binding agents to hold the cakes together.
PrintAsian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe
These Asian Tuna Cakes are crispy, flavorful patties made with flaked white tuna, green onions, and a blend of Asian-inspired ingredients. Served with a spicy mayo dipping sauce, they offer a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, ideal for a quick lunch or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 tuna cakes 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Tuna Cakes
- 2 (142 g) cans flaked white tuna, drained
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder (or regular flour)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup gluten-free crumbs or panko crumbs
- Avocado oil, for frying
- Sesame oil, for frying
Spicy Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, the whites of the green onions, the egg, soy sauce, arrowroot powder, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined to form a cohesive mixture.
- Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter. Coat each cake evenly with gluten-free crumbs or panko crumbs to ensure a crispy exterior when fried.
- Cook the Tuna Cakes: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a mix of avocado oil and sesame oil. Fry the tuna cakes for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels if needed.
- Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. Serve alongside the tuna cakes as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute arrowroot powder with regular flour or cornstarch if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo according to your desired heat level.
- Using both avocado and sesame oil enhances flavor and ensures a high smoke point for frying.
- Serve the tuna cakes immediately for best crispiness.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure panko crumbs are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: Asian Tuna Cakes, Tuna Patties, Spicy Mayo, Gluten Free, Seafood Appetizer, Easy Tuna Recipe

