Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe
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.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Category: Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in panko breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and mix until the mixture thickens and sticks together, making it easier to form patties.
- Form the patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties approximately 2½ inches wide.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 cakes
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese tuna cakes, healthy tuna recipe, quick tuna cakes, pan-fried tuna patties, low carb tuna cakes, easy seafood recipe