Go Back
Delicious Italian tuna cakes with Mediterranean vegetables on a plate.

Italian Tuna Cakes

Bright, budget-friendly, and brimming with Mediterranean flavor, these tuna cakes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners and easy meal prep. They are diabetic-friendly when served with non-starchy sides.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cakes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 2 cans Canned Tuna (5 oz each, drained thoroughly)
Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup Red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Zucchini (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Red onion (chopped)
Binders / Grains
  • 1/4 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 large Egg (beaten)
Oils / For cooking
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for skillet browning)
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain both tuna cans very well and finely chop the red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion so they blend easily into the mixture.
Mixing
  1. In a bowl, combine drained tuna, chopped vegetables, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
Forming
  1. Shape the mixture into 6 small patties or 4 larger cakes, pressing firmly so they hold together when cooking.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
  1. Transfer cooked cakes to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain briefly before serving.

Notes

Dry the tuna well to prevent soggy cakes; press in a fine sieve or paper towels. Cook over medium heat so the exterior crisps without burning before the center cooks. If the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of beaten egg. Make ahead: form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking for easy weeknight prep. For a baked version, place on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.