Print

Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes Recipe

4.8 from 125 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed snack or meal. Made with flaky tuna, creamy small-curd cottage cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, these patties are pan-fried to a golden brown perfection. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for serving with a variety of sauces or fresh lemon for added brightness.

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, thoroughly combine the drained tuna and small-curd cottage cheese. Use a fork to break up the tuna, mixing until you achieve a chunky yet creamy texture.
  2. Add egg, green onions, parsley, and seasonings: Crack in the egg, then stir in the finely chopped green onions, chopped parsley (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
  3. Stir in panko breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the mixture and fold them in gently until the mixture holds together well, forming a thick, cohesive batter.
  4. Form the patties: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, each approximately 2½ inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
  5. Cook the cakes: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the tuna cakes warm with your favorite accompaniments such as lemon-dill yogurt, sriracha mayo, or a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta if desired.
  • For a low-carb version, replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
  • Optional add-ins include finely shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Herbs such as dill or chives can be used instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
  • Patties can be formed up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, cooked straight from chilled (add an extra minute per side when cooking).

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Tuna Cakes, Tuna Patties, Healthy Tuna Recipes, Quick Tuna Cakes, Easy Fish Cakes, Low Fat Tuna, Protein Snacks