The aroma of freshly cooked salmon cakes wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful inside, these salmon cakes are pure comfort food that can turn any mundane day into a delightful feast.
Imagine serving these golden-brown beauties at your next family gathering, where laughter fills the air, and everyone is clamoring for just one more bite. Salmon cakes are not just delicious; they embody warmth and togetherness, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These salmon cakes are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Their savory flavor profile combines fresh herbs and spices to create mouthwatering bites
- Visually appealing with a golden crust, they look as good as they taste
- They are versatile too—serve them as appetizers or alongside salads for a complete meal
My kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning when I first served these salmon cakes at a family dinner. It was a hit! Even my picky eater asked for seconds—now that’s saying something!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Canned Salmon: Look for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor; it’s also more sustainable.
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Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer texture.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; feel free to substitute with dill for a different flavor.
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Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together; use large eggs for consistent results.
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Mayonnaise: Adds richness; choose full-fat mayo for creaminess or Greek yogurt for lighter options.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; bottled juice can work in a pinch.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your salmon cakes.
For the Sauce:
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Tartar Sauce: A tangy condiment that pairs perfectly; store-bought is fine but homemade is even better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the countertop. This makes it easier to follow along without scrambling around later.
Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a large bowl, flake the canned salmon with a fork until finely shredded. Add breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix Until Combined: Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix everything together until well combined but avoid overworking it—this keeps them light and fluffy.
Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into patties about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cook on Medium Heat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add salmon cakes carefully and cook until golden brown on each side—about 4-5 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked through and crispy on both sides, remove from skillet and let them rest briefly before serving with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!
With these simple steps and some love sprinkled in along the way, you’ll have scrumptious salmon cakes ready to impress family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- Salmon cakes are a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table
- They make for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer
- With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they are sure to impress friends and family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly and letting them chill for 30 minutes. Form into patties before heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can even throw in some diced veggies for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through to maintain their crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid dry salmon cakes, don’t overmix the ingredients; keep it light and fluffy
- For extra flavor, incorporate lemon zest into your mixture for a refreshing twist
- Always use fresh salmon when possible; it makes all the difference in taste!
Sometimes I look back on that one dinner party where my friends devoured these salmon cakes, leaving me with nothing but crumbs and laughter!
FAQ
Can I use canned salmon for salmon cakes?
Absolutely! Canned salmon works well; just be sure to drain it properly.
What sauce pairs well with salmon cakes?
A creamy dill sauce or tangy tartar sauce complements salmon cakes beautifully.
How do I know when the salmon cakes are done cooking?
They should be golden brown on both sides, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
Delicious Salmon Cakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting taste of homemade salmon cakes! With a crispy exterior and tender inside, these savory delights are perfect for any occasion—from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are quick to prepare and sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.75 oz) wild-caught salmon, drained
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, flake the drained salmon with a fork until finely shredded.
- Add in panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Form the mixture into patties about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add salmon cakes and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and serve warm with tartar sauce or your favorite dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
