Zesty Lemon Tuna Cakes

Brighten up your mealtime with these irresistible Zesty Lemon Tuna Cakes, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches. Packed with protein-rich canned tuna, a zesty burst of fresh lemon juice and zest, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, these golden-brown patties offer a delightful balance of crispy texture and tender, flaky goodness. Fresh parsley and minced garlic add a vibrant, herbaceous note, while plain or panko breadcrumbs ensure just the right amount of structure. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tuna cakes are pan-fried in olive oil to achieve a beautifully crisp exterior. Serve them warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a dollop of tartar sauce, or over a bed of greens for a healthy, crave-worthy meal. Perfect for anyone seeking a savory, citrusy twist on classic seafood patties!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna (drained)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, large egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs.

Step 3

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 2.5 inches in diameter.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6

Cook the tuna cakes for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and heated through.

Step 7

Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve hot with a wedge of lemon, a dollop of tartar sauce, or a small salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	344.5 grams (344.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1084

Total Fat 65.50g	84%
Saturated Fat 9.40g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 270mg	90%
Sodium 2675mg	116%
Total Carbohydrate 91.00g	33%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 9.10g
Protein 33.90g	68%

Vitamin D 99IU	496%
Calcium 143mg	11%
Iron 6mg	35%
Potassium 511mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 33.4%