Low carb tuna cakes with lemon and dill
Low carb tuna cakes are your answer to quick, satisfying meals without the carb overload. Craving crispy, golden patties bursting with fresh dill and zesty lemon? These keto tuna patties deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute seafood lunch low carb option, they’re budget-friendly and foolproof. The best part? Each cake has just 3g net carbs while packing 18g of protein.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (10 oz) tuna, drained well (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)
Substitution tips: Swap almond flour with coconut flour (use 3 tablespoons only). Use parsley instead of dill for milder flavor.
Timing
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 22 min | Serves: 4 (8 cakes)
How to Make Low Carb Tuna Cakes
Mix the Base
Combine drained tuna, eggs, almond flour, onion, dill, lemon juice, zest, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use a fork to break up tuna chunks while mixing until just combined. Pro tip: Don’t overmix—the texture should stay slightly chunky for better bite.
Shape the Patties
Form mixture into 8 equal patties (about 1/3 cup each). Press each patty firmly between your palms to compact it, then flatten to 1/2-inch thickness. Pro tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while shaping.
Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat (test readiness by dropping a tiny bit of mixture—it should sizzle immediately). Cook patties 5-6 minutes per side without moving them, until deep golden brown with crispy edges. Pro tip: Resist flipping early—wait for the crust to release naturally from the pan.
Rest and Serve
Transfer cooked keto tuna patties to a paper towel-lined plate for 2 minutes. This drains excess oil while keeping them crispy. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh dill.
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Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 cakes): Calories: 215 | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Net Carbs: 3g | Fiber: 2g
Variations & Tips
Variations: Add 2 tablespoons capers for briny punch, or mix in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for heat. Try Italian-style by swapping dill for basil and adding sun-dried tomatoes.
Common mistakes: Don’t skip draining tuna thoroughly—excess moisture makes patties fall apart. Avoid high heat; it burns the exterior before cooking through. Never crowd the pan—cook in batches for even browning.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked cakes in airtight containers for 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months between parchment paper layers. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these seafood lunch low carb patties over mixed greens with avocado slices and a drizzle of garlic aioli. Pair with roasted asparagus or cauliflower rice. For easy meal prep, pack with cucumber salad and cherry tomatoes.
More Low-Carb Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for another quick low-carb meal? Try these Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken Lettuce Wraps for an equally satisfying lunch option.
Conclusion
These low carb tuna cakes prove healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. With pantry staples and 22 minutes, you’ll have crispy, protein-packed patties perfect for any meal. Make a double batch this weekend—your future self will thank you!
FAQs
Can I bake low carb tuna cakes instead of frying?
Yes! Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes (flip halfway). They’ll be less crispy but still delicious and lower in fat.
Why do my tuna cakes fall apart?
Excess moisture is the culprit. Drain tuna completely and squeeze out liquid with paper towels. Also ensure you’re using enough almond flour to bind the mixture properly.
What’s the best canned tuna for this recipe?
Choose tuna packed in water rather than oil for better texture. Albacore has firmer chunks that hold together well, while chunk light works fine for budget-friendly options.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely—this recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure your chosen oil is dairy-free, which most plant-based oils like avocado or olive oil are.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the pan?
Use enough oil to coat the pan bottom and wait until it’s properly heated. Don’t flip until the bottom develops a golden crust that releases easily when you test with a spatula.
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