Name: Healthy Tuna Cakes
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 (5-ounce) cans Solid White Albacore in water; ⅓ cup panko crumbs; 1 large egg; ½ medium yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves; 1 tablespoon minced pickled jalapeño slices; 1 medium lime (juiced); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 5 leaves romaine lettuce; 1 cup pico de gallo salsa

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Learn how to make easy and healthy tuna cakes in under 20 minutes, plus tips to ensure they hold together. Albacore canned tuna with cilantro, lime, jalapeño, onion, and pico de gallo salsa. Served protein style over lettuce for a light and healthy snack or meal.

It’s back to school time and that means new food routines. For many, it’s a big time of year. Especially for parents, where packing quality meals for their children is a top priority. We can’t forget tasty, easy weeknight meals as well. These Healthy Tuna Cakes would be perfect for either of these.

You can make these Healthy Tuna Cakes in about 20 minutes total, and it stores well for easy leftovers or school lunches. Made with clean, whole ingredients and packs a punch of flavor in the form of tender tuna cakes. These are a fun variation of traditional seafood-based cakes and an easy way to eat more tuna.

Ingredients for making Healthy Tuna Cakes

Canned Tuna: Use wild-caught Solid White Albacore Tuna for the best quality, flavor, and texture
Panko crumbs: I used whole grain for added fiber
Egg: helps bind everything together
Yellow onions and garlic cloves: adds bold flavor to the fish cakes
Jalapeño: adds a subtle spicy kick
Cilantro and lime: gives a rich and tangy Mexican-style flavor
Romaine lettuce: to serve the patties in (a good low carb alternative)
Salsa: for added flavor and freshness

For this recipe, I used Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna. It’s great for enhancing many recipes with a variety of nutrients – including lean protein, healthy fat and important vitamins and minerals. Bumble Bee offers responsibly wild caught Albacore; a delicious, healthy ingredient for your back to school meals.

How to make tuna cakes (or tuna patties)

Place drained tuna and all remaining ingredients except lettuce and pico de gallo in a large bowl. Stir together until well combined.
Pack and form 4 or 5 tuna cake patties. Lightly grease and heat a large nonstick pan to medium-high heat. Add cakes to pan and cook until bottom is lightly browned and a crust is formed. Carefully flip and cook other sides until browned.
Removed and place one on each washed lettuce leave. Top with pico de gallo and garnish with extra cilantro before serving.

Assembling the healthy tuna cakes is a bit messy, but think of it as a fun excuse to play with your food. A little whole-wheat panko crumbs and egg helps hold everything together. Onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime give it a rich and tangy Mexican-style flavor. Top it off with pico de gallo salsa and serve over lettuce for a complete package.

How to prevent tuna cakes from falling apart

If your tuna patties fall apart it could a number of reasons, here are a few key tips:

There is too much moisture in them and you haven’t drained the tuna well enough. Make sure to drain the tuna by pressing it into a sieve, ensuring all the water has drained.
You also need to use a large egg to bind the mixture well. If you use a small or medium-sized egg it may not be enough
You haven’t packed them tightly enough. Use hands to form into even, round shapes
Carefully handling them. Use a flat, large spatula to transfer to the pan, flip and remove cooked tuna cakes

Tips for making Healthy Tuna Cakes

Use the highest quality tuna possible (responsibly wild caught)
Don’t like cilantro? Swap it for fresh parsley or basil
Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño
Use a half cup measuring spoon to create equal sized patties
You can prep the tuna cakes in advance and keep them in the fridge (covered)
Use a non-stick pan (lightly greased) so you can flip the tuna cakes easily
Have leftovers? store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in a suitable container

Ways to serve these tuna patties

These tuna cakes or patties are a great low carb lunch or dinner just as they are but you could swap the romaine lettuce for a whole wheat bun if you’re not on a low carb diet.

Here are some other serving suggestions you might like:

Top with homemade mayo, hot sauce or pesto
Serve with some homemade coleslaw
Serve with homemade potato wedges
A fresh salad would go perfectly (leave out the romaine lettuce wrap)

Healthy Tuna Cakes recipe at-a-glance:

Flavor profiles: Flavorful tuna with citrusy tang and a bit of spice.
Texture: Tender, moist and fluffy tuna cakes with a crisp, browned outside.
Dietary Options/Substitutions: For gluten-free us GF breadcrumbs.

More healthy lunch recipes you might like: