Tuna Cakes

A while ago, on one of those typical lazy Sunday afternoons, my channel surfing led me to the Food Network. “Tyler’s Ultimate” was on and crab cakes were on the menu. As I sat on my couch watching Tyler (whose gorgeous kitchen I totally want, by the way), I got hungrier and hungrier. Man, those crab cakes were looking really good. And they looked so easy to make…. Suddenly, it dawned on me: I should make crab cakes! Excited, I headed to the kitchen. But a quick search of my fridge’s contents revealed no fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, a grocery item that, unfortunately, does not really fit into a college student’s budget. I did, however, find two cans of white albacore tuna in my pantry. And, thus, tuna cakes were born. These tuna cakes are a dinner favorite at my house now. They are easy and inexpensive to make, but taste like a million bucks. I use sourdough bread for the breadcrumbs because they add a nice flavor to the cakes. Also, I use freshly made breadcrumbs rather than the dry store bought kind because of the moistness they provide. However, any type of bread or store bought bread crumbs may also be used.

            Tuna Cakes

•             Approx. 5 slices of Sourdough Bread, depending on size
  
•             Fresh Cilantro
  
•             2 Cans of White Albacore Tuna, drained
  
•             1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  
•             1 Egg, beaten
  
•             3 Tbsp.  Diced Green Onions
  
•             1 Tsp. Lemon Juice

            To make breadcrumbs: place bread in a food processor along with a handful of cilantro. Pulse until bread has been broken down into crumbs. If you’re using store bought breadcrumbs, use ½ cup.

            Divide breadcrumbs evenly into two bowls. Set one aside. To the other, add the remaining ingredients, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add enough oil to a large skillet to cover the bottom (about 1 inch in height). Heat over medium heat. Form mixture into patties. Coat patties with the additional breadcrumbs. Place in skillet and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain patties on paper towels before serving. 

Enjoy!