Tuna Cakes with Jalapenos and Cilantro

Prep time
15 mins

Cook time
25 mins

Total time
40 mins


Author: Holly Sander
Recipe type: Inspired by Martha Stewart
Serves: 10 Servings

Ingredients

5 cans (5 ounces each) solid white tuna in water 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten 

1 bunch of fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped, plus a few sprigs saved for garnish 

One-third cup, plus 2 tablespoons, plain dry breadcrumbs (or almond meal for a gluten free option)4 tablespoons Canola mayonnaise (greek yogurt can be used instead) 

1 -1½ whole lemons juiced 

3 jalapeno chile peppers (ribs and seeds removed unless you like it a little spicy), finely chopped 

1 large onion finely chopped 

3-4 tablespoons extra light, olive oil 

1 teaspoon salt 

½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

 In a large strainer, in the sink over a large bowl, add the 5 cans of tuna and let them drain while you prepare the following ingredients.

Sauté the onions for about 8 minutes in a sauté pan, until translucent. Set aside and let cool.

While the onions are cooking, in a large mixing bowl, add the mayo, lemon juice, salt and pepper and whisk till combined. Then add cilantro and peppers to the mixture.Add the tuna, beaten eggs, cooked onions and breadcrumbs, and mix gently until ingredients just hold together.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil on high for about a minute, then turn it down to medium high.Working in batches, using a packed one-third cup measure of tuna mixture per cake, cook cakes until golden brown and crisp on the outside, about 3 minutes per side. 

You may need to add a tablespoon of oil to the pan between batches. Serve hot, or warm over a simple arugula or kale salad. Recipe makes 14-16 patties.

 
Notes
Scoop the tuna mixture with a one third measuring cup, pat it a little to make sure it's formed tightly, then place it in the sauté pan.

Use a grease screen to cut down on the oil splatter while cooking the cakes.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the cakes. They will take longer and flipping them over will be more difficult. I use a 10inch Calphalon pan and cook 4 patties at a time. 

There is not much filler in these cakes, which makes them a little loose. Be sure to gently flip them over when cooking.