Print

Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

5.3 from 11 reviews

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.

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 until evenly combined into a chunky, creamy consistency.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese tuna patties, healthy tuna recipe, quick dinner, protein-packed meals, pan-fried tuna cakes