Delicious Salmon Cakes

Featured in: Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Recipes

Combine flaked salmon with crushed breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated lemon zest and chopped dill. Form into patties, refrigerate briefly to maintain shape. Cook in heated skillet until golden on each side. Pair with lemon slices and herbed dip. Creates a speedy yet fancy-tasting dinner in around 25 minutes.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:25:53 GMT
A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and served with lemon wedges and a creamy sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and served with lemon wedges and a creamy sauce. | cookingkitchn.com

Hunting for a killer salmon cake blueprint? These golden, crunchy medallions bring down-home comfort to your dinner in minutes. With basic pantry salmon, this approach whips up a fast meal that's always a crowd-pleaser.

Straightforward and Fulfilling

Curious how to whip up salmon cakes just like your grandma used to make? This traditional salmon cake approach keeps everything straightforward and tasty. Whether you're watching your wallet or just wanting something that takes you back, these salmon cakes won't let you down.

Your Ingredient List

  • Pantry Salmon: Drain but keep some liquid
  • Bread: Better when it's not stale
  • Green Onions: Gives a nice zip
  • Garlic: Single clove, chopped fine
  • Fresh Dill: For authentic flavor
  • Bell Pepper: Creates great texture
  • Flour: Acts as a binder
  • Egg: Holds everything together
  • Seasonings: Pepper, salt, paprika
  • Lemon: Juice plus zest
  • Olive Oil: To cook them up

Easy Instructions

Combine Everything:
Dump your salmon into a large bowl. Break it apart lightly with your fork, leaving some chunks for better mouthfeel. Toss in your bread, veggies and spices just like the old family way.
Form Patties:
Create eight similar-sized cakes with your hands. Don't squeeze them too much or they'll end up tough. This trick helps make salmon cakes that stick together but stay soft inside.
Refrigerate:
Pop your patties in the fridge for half an hour. This makes them hold up better during cooking, a little secret many home cooks swear by.
Cooking Stage:
Warm your skillet with oil until it's hot but not smoking. Cook each cake around 4 minutes on both sides until they turn golden and crisp. You've nailed it when they match what you'd see in a fancy cookbook picture.

Heritage Story

Each household has their signature salmon cake method. These wallet-friendly discs got countless families through tough economic patches, becoming beloved comfort food along the way. This updated version honors those traditions while adding some contemporary touches.

Crafting Ideal Cakes

Starting with decent canned salmon truly transforms these cakes. Add fresh components and just the right amount of flavoring to showcase the fish. Try to make your patties the same size so they cook evenly.

Ideal Companions

Enjoy your cakes with basic sides that don't steal the spotlight. A dash of lemon juice, some tartar sauce, or a handful of greens works beautifully. Stick with simple accompaniments just like in the past.

Keeping Leftovers

Your cakes will stay good in the fridge for several days. Warm them up slowly to maintain their texture. They're great for quick meals later in your week when you don't feel like cooking.

A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices, accompanied by a side of creamy sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices, accompanied by a side of creamy sauce. | cookingkitchn.com

Picking Quality Fish

Go for good canned salmon for top results. Try to get wild-caught when you can, and don't stress about tiny bones inside the can. They actually add some calcium and will mash up without anyone noticing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Breaking when cooking?

Refrigerate them properly first. Move gently when flipping. Pack them firmly. Coolness really helps. The waiting pays off.

→ Need no wheat kind?

Alternative crumbs work fine. Double-check your ingredients. Rice crumbs perform well too. Still maintains form. You might need extra egg.

→ What goes with em?

A leafy salad works well. Throw in some steamed vegetables. Whip up a dipping sauce. Go for lighter sides. Fresh ingredients complement best.

→ Making em early?

Form and chill thoroughly. Fry just before serving. Store them wrapped in refrigerator. Freshly cooked tastes better though. Don't prepare too far ahead.

→ No fresh herbs?

Dried alternatives can work. Use significantly less amount. Fresh ones taste superior. Results will still be good. Don't skip all herbs completely.

→ Getting too dry?

Adding more egg improves texture. Cook for shorter time. Monitor temperature carefully. Consider making a sauce. Helps maintain moisture.

→ Taking em places?

Transport them chilled. Cook at destination if possible. Bring sauce separately. Pack fresh garnishes. The effort pays off.

→ Need em faster?

Get ingredients prepared beforehand. A swift mix does the job. Single bowl technique works. Still requires brief chilling. The short wait matters.

→ Making big batch?

Doubling amounts works well. You'll need larger cooking area. Cook in separate batches. Keep first ones warm. Avoid overcrowding your pan.

→ Want more flavor?

Toss in additional fresh herbs. Try adding minced garlic. Extra lemon zest enhances taste. Some spices work nicely too. Don't overwhelm the fish flavor though.

→ Not browning good?

Your skillet needs to be warmer. Blot patties dry beforehand. Space them out properly. A bit more oil can help. Allow adequate cooking time.

→ Mixture too wet?

Add extra breadcrumbs. Allow mixture to rest. Drain fish thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water. Mix ingredients carefully.

Conclusion

Enjoyed these? Give seafood potato patties a shot next. Or try larger salmon burgers. They both use the same tasty fish.

Tasty Salmon Cakes

Quick seafood patty meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Seafood Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 patties)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon, saved with 2 tablespoons liquid, broken into flakes.
02 1 big bread slice without crust, torn up (1 cup, 50g).
03 3 tablespoons chopped green onion.
04 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped.
05 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried.
06 3 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper.
07 1 tablespoon flour.
08 1 large egg.
09 1/2 teaspoon mild paprika.
10 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated.
11 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
12 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
13 A few twists of fresh ground black pepper.
14 3 tablespoons olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and gently toss the salmon with its 2 tablespoons liquid, torn bread, green onion, garlic, dill, bell pepper, flour, egg, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until everything's mixed up good.

Step 02

Make 8 patties from the mix, about 1/2 inch thick each, making sure they stick together well.

Step 03

Wrap the patties and stick them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or a few hours if you want. This helps them stay together when you cook them.

Step 04

Pour the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties carefully and cook till they're golden brown on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. They're best served warm with all those tasty flavors coming through.

Notes

  1. If your mix feels too soggy for patties, just add more torn bread until it feels right. Too dry? Splash in a tablespoon of water.
  2. These patties work great for a nice brunch or as the main star in a quick dinner.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl.
  • Large skillet.
  • Fridge.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Gluten.
  • Egg.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 299
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 27 g