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Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

4.5 from 127 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are a quick and flavorful dish made with canned tuna, creamy cottage cheese, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they make a delicious and protein-packed meal or snack, perfect for lunch or dinner served with a fresh sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 can (about 5 oz / ~140 g) canned tuna, drained
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine tuna and cottage cheese: In a medium bowl, add the drained canned tuna and small-curd cottage cheese. Use a fork to break up the tuna and mix it thoroughly with the cottage cheese until well combined.
  2. Add egg and seasonings: Crack in the egg and add finely chopped green onions, parsley if using, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until evenly incorporated.
  3. Mix in breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and fold them into the mixture. Mix until the batter thickens and holds together well enough to shape into cakes.
  4. Form the tuna cakes: Shape the mixture into approximately six equal-sized patties, each about 2½ inches (6-7 cm) wide, using your hands.
  5. Cook the cakes: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the tuna cakes in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
  6. Serve: Serve the tuna cakes hot, accompanied by your favorite sauce such as lemon-dill yogurt or sriracha mayonnaise, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Use small-curd cottage cheese for best texture and flavor.
  • If you want extra crispiness, you can add a little more panko or let the patties chill in the fridge before cooking.
  • Feel free to substitute parsley with dill or chives for a different herb flavor.
  • These tuna cakes can be served as a main dish or as a protein-packed appetizer.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture.

Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese, quick dinner, pan-fried, protein-packed, easy recipe