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Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are a delightful blend of creamy cottage cheese and savory tuna, pan-fried to a crispy golden exterior with a soft, cheesy inside. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make a budget-friendly, high-protein meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack. The recipe is easy to customize with herbs and veggies, and the cakes can also be baked as a healthier alternative.

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 it evenly with the cottage cheese to form a creamy and chunky texture.
  2. Add egg, green onions, parsley, and seasonings: Crack in the egg, then stir in the finely chopped green onions, parsley if using, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Stir in panko breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and fold them into the mixture until it becomes thick and sticky enough to hold its shape.
  4. Form the patties: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, approximately 2½ inches wide each.
  5. Cook the cakes: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and feel firm to the touch.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the warm tuna cakes with your favorite sauce such as lemon-dill yogurt or sriracha mayo, and a squeeze of fresh lemon for added brightness.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly to prevent soggy cakes.
  • Use small-curd cottage cheese for the best texture and blending.
  • Do not use high heat when frying to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
  • Allow the patties to brown well on one side before flipping to maintain their shape.
  • You can bake the cakes at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, as a healthier option.
  • Store uncooked patties in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or oven for crispiness.
  • Freeze the cooked cakes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or bag for up to 3 months.

Keywords: tuna cakes, cottage cheese recipe, high protein snack, quick dinner, pan-fried tuna cakes, healthy tuna recipe, budget-friendly meals

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/cottage-cheese-tuna-cakes-recipe/