Name: Asian-Inspired Tuna Patties with Spicy Mayo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
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

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These Asian-inspired tuna patties are everything I love in a quick meal—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. The creamy, spicy mayo adds just the right amount of heat and richness, making these perfect for an easy dinner, a savory snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Asian-Inspired Tuna Patties with Spicy Mayo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how fast and fuss-free this recipe is. I can pull it together with pantry staples like canned tuna and eggs, yet it still feels special thanks to the Asian flavors and that addictive spicy mayo. Whether I’m low on time or just craving something crispy and savory, this recipe hits the spot. Plus, it’s gluten-free if I use the right ingredients, and it reheats beautifully—so leftovers never go to waste.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

directions

I combine the drained tuna, the white part of the green onions, egg, soy sauce, arrowroot (or flour), mayo, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and stir until everything is well mixed.
I form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches wide, and coat each one with crumbs or panko. Wetting my hands helps keep things tidy.
I heat a nonstick pan over medium heat with avocado oil and a splash of sesame oil, then fry the patties for around 2 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy.
While the patties cook, I whisk together mayo, lime juice, sriracha, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the spicy mayo. I always taste and adjust it as needed.
I serve the patties hot with the spicy mayo drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a few drops of fish sauce or grated ginger to the mixture for extra depth.
When I’m out of sriracha, I swap it with sambal oelek or even chili garlic sauce in the mayo.
For a low-carb version, I use almond flour instead of crumbs.
I’ve also made mini versions of these patties for party appetizers—just cook them a bit less per side.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover tuna patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes—this helps bring back that crispy exterior. I avoid microwaving them because it softens the crust too much.

FAQs

How can I keep the patties from falling apart?

I chill the mixture for 15–30 minutes before forming the patties. This helps everything bind better and makes shaping easier.

Can I make these tuna patties ahead of time?

Yes, I often mix the ingredients and form the patties in advance. I just store them in the fridge (covered) and fry them when I’m ready.

What kind of tuna works best?

I prefer high-quality, sustainably sourced flaked white tuna in water. It has a firmer texture that holds up well in the patties.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. I cook a batch, let them cool, and then refrigerate. They make great leftovers and reheat well in a skillet or oven.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I sometimes bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They don’t get quite as crispy, but they’re still delicious.

Conclusion

These Asian-inspired tuna patties are one of my go-to recipes when I want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or prepping an easy appetizer, they never disappoint. The crispy crust, savory tuna blend, and spicy mayo are a winning combination that I keep coming back to.

Asian-Inspired Tuna Patties with Spicy Mayo