25 Best & Easy Side Dishes to serve with Tuna Cakes

If you’re searching for an easy, delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, look no further than tuna cakes.

This tasty dish is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect main course for any night of the week.

Moreover, not only are they budget-friendly, but they can also be easily adapted to suit different tastes and flavors. 

But what should you serve alongside your tuna cakes?

Whether you’re looking for something to serve with your tuna cakes, this blog post will give you some tasty ideas!

A Quick solution for what to serve with tuna cakes-

Potatoes, Salad, Vegetables, Breads and Grains, Rice Dishes, Vegetables Roasted, Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Veggies, Rice Pilaf, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Ratatouille, Garlic Bread, Green Beans Almondine, Cornbread Muffins, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Bruschetta, Mango Salsa, Creamy Coleslaw, Crunchy Salad, Quinoa Pilaf, Fruit Salad, Baked Apples, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

What is a tuna cake, and what does a tuna fish cake taste like?

A tuna cake is a simple and flavorful dish made with canned tuna, eggs, onion, mayonnaise, garlic powder and seasonings.

When cooked in the oven or pan-fried in olive oil, it results in an incredibly moist and delicious cake. The flavor of this tasty treat is savory yet light, with a hint of sweetness from the mayo.

It’s perfect as a main course, side dish or even breakfast! 

Serve it up with some fresh greens or sides of your choice for an amazing meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tuna Cakes

1. Potatoes 

A classic accompaniment to any fish dish is potatoes. Whether you mashed, boiled, or roasted, potatoes are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your meal.

They also provide a great contrast against the softness of tuna cakes. For an extra boost of flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to your potato dish.

2. Salad 

When it comes to side dishes for tuna cakes, nothing beats a refreshing salad. Salads are easy to make and can be customized according to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

A light and bright salad made with seasonal fruits and vegetables will bring out the delicate flavors of your tuna cakes while providing some much-needed nutrition as well.

For added crunch, consider topping your salad with croutons or nuts like slivered almonds or pistachios.

3. Vegetables 

No meal is complete without vegetables!

Whether you steamed, sautéed or roasted—veggies are always a great addition when serving up seafood dishes like tuna cakes.

Roasted broccoli goes particularly well with this sort of meal, as does green beans cooked in garlic butter sauce. 

To really take it up a notch try adding some lemon juice or zest for added flavor!

4. Breads and Grains 

If you’re looking for something more substantial than just veggies, then why not try some breads or grains?

breads and grains are good sides to serve with tuna cakes
Breads and Grains

Baguettes or crusty rolls go really well with fish dishes, as do quinoa, couscous or wild rice pilafs.

These options provide you not only add nutrients but also fill out the meal nicely, so there is something for everyone at the table!

5. Rice Dishes 

Rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with tuna cakes. Whether you opt for plain white rice or something a bit fancier like coconut rice or jasmine rice, it’s sure to be a hit.

You could even go for something more exotic, like wild mushroom risotto or Spanish paella. The possibilities are endless!

6. Vegetables Roasted 

Vegetables are always a great option when it comes to side dishes. Try roasting some carrots and parsnips with herbs and spices for an easy yet flavorful accompaniment.

If you want something a bit heartier, try making roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and garlic—a delicious combination! Other great options include mashed potatoes or cauliflower gratin.

7. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, roasted potatoes are a classic accompaniment to tuna cakes.

roasted potatoes are a classic accompaniment to tuna cakes
Roasted Potatoes

You can add some fresh herbs, garlic and lemon juice as they bake in the oven to really bring out their flavor.

8. Grilled Veggies

Nothing says summertime quite like succulent grilled vegetables! Tuna cakes go great served with grilled zucchini, eggplant slices or bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs of your choice.

9. Rice Pilaf

A fragrant rice pilaf provides you an ideal base for your tuna cake entree – try using basmati rice cooked in chicken stock with dried cranberries or currants added for sweetness.

a fragrant rice pilaf provides you an ideal base for your tuna cake
Rice Pilaf

10. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is packed full of fiber and protein, which makes it an excellent side dish choice alongside tasty tuna cakes!

You can try cooking quinoa in veggie broth or coconut milk for extra flavor, then mix in vegetables such as corn kernels, diced onions or shredded carrots for a nutritious combination that’s sure to please your taste buds!

quinoa salad makes it an excellent side dish choice alongside tasty tuna cakes
Quinoa Salad

11. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Who doesn’t love a good helping of french fries? Treat yourself to a healthier version by making baked sweet potato fries – just slice up some sweet potatoes into thin sticks, then sprinkle with olive oil before baking until golden brown at 375°F (190°C).

12. Ratatouille

One of my favorites, this classic French dish contains all sorts of healthy veggies like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onion and tomatoes – perfectly served alongside some grilled tuna cakes!

ratatouille makes it an good side dish choice alongside tasty tuna cakes
Ratatouille

You just simply sauté the ingredients together in some olive oil before adding herbs like oregano or thyme if desired, then simmer until everything is tender yet crisp-tender when pierced with a fork prior to serving up with your favorite seafood dish!

13. Garlic Bread

Add some garlic bread to your feast.

You just simply brush thick slices of crusty Italian loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle over plenty of freshly minced garlic before popping it into a preheated oven until golden brown (around 20 minutes).

garlic bread makes it an excellent side choice alongside tasty tuna cakes
Garlic Bread

Enjoy the warmth from the oven – delicious!

14.Green Beans Almondine

Give green beans an upgrade by adding slivered almonds which gives them an amazing nutty flavor – perfectly served hot from the stovetop alongside tasty tuna patties!

15. Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins are always popular whether you serve them at lunchtime or dinner time – try making your own batch using cornmeal plus honey for sweetness, then top off each muffin with a generous pat of butter before baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

Serve warm from the oven for maximum enjoyment!

16. Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Comfort food at its finest!

All you need to combine elbow macaroni noodles cooked according to package instructions in a creamy cheese sauce made using cheddar cheese plus grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then bake until bubbly hot on top before serving next to savory tuna patties – yum!

17. Bruschetta 

Bruschetta is another classic Italian appetizer that pairs well with heartier entrees such as tuna cake creations.

You just simply toast thick slices of baguette-style bread before topping each slice off with chopped tomatoes mixed together with fresh basil leaves.

Plus, garlic cloves are crushed with extra virgin olive oil for a delicious starter course prior to eating main course items like seafood patties!

18. Mango Salsa 

For something light yet flavorful, consider making mango salsa by combining chopped mangoes along with red onion diced fine after being soaked briefly in vinegar.

Plus, jalapeños are de-seeded if desired, all mixed together in lime juice combined lightly prior to piling onto plates ready for scooping up alongside tasty salmon burgers!

19. Creamy Coleslaw 

Coleslaw is always great served next to hearty dishes like steak burgers or seafood patties due to its cool creaminess providing your dish balance against rich flavors.

Make yours using shredded cabbage mixed together with mayonnaise plus sour cream combined lightly after adding grated carrot plus finely diced white onion prior to eating cold chilled!

20. Crunchy Salad 

To add some crunch to your meal, whip up a simple salad of mixed greens combined lightly with bell pepper, cucumber and radish slices before drizzling over vinaigrette dressing for a delicious side dish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

21. Quinoa Pilaf

Instead of traditional rice, why not try quinoa instead for a healthier alternative?

quinoa pilaf makes it an good side dish choice alongside tasty tuna cakes
Quinoa Pilaf

Cook up this high-protein grain according to package instructions, then mix in sautéed veggies like mushrooms plus diced onion along with herbs and spices prior to serving warm as an accompaniment next to your tuna patties.

Delicious!

22. Fruit Salad

For dessert why not make a simple fruit salad by combining chopped pineapple, strawberries plus raspberries in a big bowl then you can sweeten it to taste with honey or sugar plus some freshly squeezed lemon juice – scrumptious!

23. Baked Apples

Another easy dessert is baked apples.

You just simply core out the centers of the fruit before filling each one with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon plus raisins if desired, then bake until golden brown before serving warm topped off with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

24. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Add some fun to your meal by setting up an ice cream sundae bar complete with all the toppings like nuts, sprinkles and hot fudge sauce!

Let everyone choose their own favorite mix-ins for a delicious end to your seafood dinner. Enjoy!

25. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

And lastly, you can’t go wrong with a classic like an upside-down pineapple cake.

Bake up a simple yellow cake mix according to package instructions, then turn it out of the pan before serving warm, topped off with deliciously cool vanilla ice cream and perhaps some freshly whipped cream for those who like something extra special!

pineapple upside down cake makes it an good dish choice alongside tasty tuna cakes
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Enjoy your tuna patties along with any one of these delicious sides and desserts for a meal that everyone will remember. Bon Appetit!

Happy cooking :)!

What are the best flavors to go with tuna cakes?

One of the best flavors to pair with tuna cakes is lemon. You can add a little bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice or zest for added flavor.

Other great options include capers, red onion, pickles, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and even cornichons. 

A creamy mayonnaise or yogurt-based sauce such as tzatziki or tartar sauce also makes an excellent accompaniment to tuna cakes.

Finally, don’t forget about adding some hot sauce for a little bit of extra kick! All these flavors will complement each other perfectly and make your tuna cakes truly unique. Enjoy!

How do you jazz up tuna cakes?

You can jazz up tuna cakes with a variety of ingredients. Start by adding some herbs and spices such as fresh parsley, dill, oregano or cumin.

You could also add some finely chopped bell peppers or celery for a crunchy texture. For additional flavor, consider stirring in some capers or olives. 

If you prefer a creamier tuna cake, try adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture before frying them.

Finally, top your tuna cakes with a flavorful sauce such as tartar sauce or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick! Enjoy!

How should tuna cakes be served?

Tuna cakes are very versatile and can be served in many different ways. For a light lunch, they can be served with a simple green salad or on whole-grain toast spread with a zesty mayonnaise.

For dinner, they can be paired with roasted vegetables and quinoa or crisp steamed broccoli. They also make a great appetizer when served with a creamy dip such as tzatziki or tartar sauce.

They can even be enjoyed cold straight out of the fridge as an easy snack! However you choose to serve them, tuna cakes will make a delicious addition to your plate. Enjoy!

The bottom line on what to serve with tuna cakes

As you can see, there’s no shortage of delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with tuna cakes.

From simple rice dishes to more elaborate salads and vegetable creations, there is something here for everyone!

Next time you make tuna cakes for dinner, don’t forget about the sides—they can really elevate the meal from good to great!

With these ideas in mind, now all that’s left is deciding what type of side dish will accompany your tuna cakes tonight! Enjoy!

FAQs on what to serve with tuna cakes

Q1. How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart?

The key to keeping tuna patties from falling apart is to use the right ingredients and the proper technique. When making the mixture, you should use a binding agent such as eggs or breadcrumbs to help hold everything together.

When forming the patties, make sure they are firmly packed and don’t leave any gaps in them.

Additionally, be sure not to over-mix when combining the ingredients since this can lead to a crumbly consistency.
Finally, when cooking the patties, use medium heat and flip them carefully in order to avoid breaking them apart. This will ensure that your tuna patties stay intact and taste great!

Q2. What to add to tuna to make it taste better?

Adding different types of herbs and spices can be a great way to give tuna a delicious boost in flavor. You can add garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, paprika, curry powder or chili powder for a spicy kick. You can also add some lemon juice for an extra tangy bite or diced tomatoes and onions for a more savory flavor.

Additionally, adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley will bring out the natural flavor of the tuna. If you want something a bit sweeter, try adding some honey mustard sauce or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Finally, don’t forget the classic combination of mayonnaise and relish! No matter what your choice is when it comes to flavoring tuna, there are countless ways to make it taste even better. Enjoy!

Q3. How long do tuna patties last in the fridge?

Tuna patties can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure you store them properly, either sealed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To ensure maximum freshness, consume any leftovers within 1-2 days of cooking.

When reheating leftover tuna patties, be sure to heat them thoroughly before eating. This will help prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses. Enjoy your tuna patties!

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