Print

Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

5.1 from 15 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes made with canned tuna, creamy cottage cheese, and crispy panko, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or snack. These cakes are easy to prepare, pan-fried to golden perfection, and great served with lemon-dill yogurt or sriracha mayo.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained well
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Mix the tuna and cottage cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna and small-curd cottage cheese. Use a fork to break up the tuna and mix evenly with the cottage cheese, creating a chunky and creamy texture.
  2. Add egg, green onions, parsley, and seasonings: Crack in the egg, then stir in chopped green onions, parsley if using, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to flavor the mixture well.
  3. Stir in panko breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and mix until the mixture thickens and sticks together, making it easier to form patties.
  4. Form the patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties approximately 2½ inches wide.
  5. Cook the cakes: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the tuna cakes warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as lemon-dill yogurt or sriracha mayo, plus a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

  • You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred.
  • Use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
  • Optional add-ins include finely shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Fresh herbs like dill or chives can replace parsley for variety.
  • Make ahead by mixing and forming patties, then refrigerate uncooked for up to 1 day. Cook straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute per side if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheat in a pan or oven to retain crispiness.
  • Freezing is possible: freeze patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag and reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  • Baking option: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese tuna cakes, healthy tuna recipe, quick tuna cakes, pan-fried tuna patties, low carb tuna cakes, easy seafood recipe