Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe
These Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are a quick, protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining tuna, creamy small-curd cottage cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, these patties are seasoned with fresh green onions and parsley, then pan-fried to golden perfection. They offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that pair wonderfully with tangy lemon-dill yogurt or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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 until evenly combined into a chunky, creamy consistency.
- Add egg, green onions, parsley, and seasonings: Crack the egg into the mixture, then stir in the finely chopped green onions, chopped parsley if using, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to create a well-seasoned base.
- Stir in panko breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and gently fold them into the mixture until it thickens and holds together, forming a cohesive batter for shaping.
- Form the patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties about 2½ inches wide, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the cakes: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tuna patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown, crispy outside, and firm inside.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the tuna cakes warm with your favorite sauce such as lemon-dill yogurt or sriracha mayo, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, swap panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- If you don’t have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a suitable substitute.
- Add finely shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
- Prepare patties ahead of time and store uncooked in the fridge up to 1 day; cook directly from the fridge adding an extra minute per side if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese tuna patties, healthy tuna recipe, quick dinner, protein-packed meals, pan-fried tuna cakes