Are you tired of boring, bland seafood dishes that leave you wanting more? Get ready to transform your dinner game with these incredible Pepita Crusted Tuna Cakes that combine crispy texture, rich flavor, and gourmet appeal in just 25 minutes! These golden, crunchy delights are not just a meal—they're a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of drained tuna, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of pepitas, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 egg, salt, and pepper. Make sure you have olive oil ready for frying.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, pepitas, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and the egg. Use a fork to break up the tuna and mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Once the mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a patty, about 1 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two.
- Carefully place the tuna patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently flip the patties using a spatula and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Once cooked, transfer the tuna cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the pepita crusted tuna cakes warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
Tips
- Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent soggy patties
- Use fresh pepitas for maximum crunch and nutty flavor
- Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding patties to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust
- Don't flip the tuna cakes too early—wait until they're nicely crisp on one side
- If mixture seems too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise; if too wet, sprinkle in extra breadcrumbs
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan for best results
- Let patties rest for a minute after cooking to help them set and maintain their shape
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
