Itβs a bright, sunny day, and the aroma of fresh salmon cakes wafts through the kitchen. Imagine golden-brown patties sizzling in a pan, their crispy edges whispering promises of delightful flavor. With each bite, you experience a burst of savory goodness that dances on your taste buds.
These salmon cakes are not just food; they are memories waiting to be made. Picture this: a family gathering where everyone gathers around the table, laughter fills the air, and these delicious bites take center stage. Theyβre perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, always ready to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These salmon cakes are incredibly easy to prepare and loaded with flavor
- Theyβre visually appealing with their golden crust and can be served with various sauces or sides
- Perfect for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner option that everyone will love
I once made these salmon cakes for a potluck, and letβs just say my friends were practically licking their plates clean.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Salmon Fillets: Opt for wild-caught if possible; it enhances flavor and texture significantly.
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Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a softer texture.
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Eggs: One large egg binds the ingredients together perfectly without making it too dense.
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Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances beautifully with the richness of the salmon.
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Green Onions: Fresh and zesty; they provide a nice crunch and burst of flavor.
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Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the dish and enhances all those delightful flavors.
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Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seasoning that pairs wonderfully with seafood; donβt skip this!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; season to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Dice green onions finely, ensuring they add bursts of flavor in every bite.
Cook the Salmon: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook salmon fillets for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. You want them flaky but not dry.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, flake the cooked salmon using two forks. Add breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined.
Scoop and Shape Patties: Use your hands to form mixture into small patties about 2 inches wide. Donβt make them too thick; you want them to cook evenly!
Fry Them Up!: Heat oil in your skillet again over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. They should smell heavenly!
Serve Hot!: Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or atop fresh greens for a light meal that feels decadent.
Enjoy these delightful salmon cakes fresh off the stove! Theyβre bound to become a favorite in your householdβjust donβt blame me if they disappear faster than you can say βsalmon cakesβ!
You Must Know
- Salmon cakes are a delightful way to elevate your dinner game
- With crispy exteriors and tender insides, theyβll please even the pickiest eaters
- Pair them with a tangy sauce for a flavor explosion that leaves everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing all ingredients thoroughly before forming patties. Heat oil in a skillet, then cook the salmon cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute canned tuna or crab for salmon if youβre feeling adventurous. Experiment with spices like Old Bay or add diced vegetables for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results, ensuring they stay crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect salmon cakes, ensure your mixture isnβt too wet; it should hold together well
- Donβt overcrowd the pan while cooking; this helps achieve that coveted crispiness
- Lastly, allow them to rest briefly after cooking to enhance their texture and flavor
Sharing my first attempt at making salmon cakes is always a funny story because I mistook baking powder for baking soda! The kitchen was filled with puffs of flour, but the final product still earned rave reviews from friends.
FAQ
How can I make salmon cakes gluten-free?
Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a delicious alternative.
Can I freeze cooked salmon cakes?
Yes, place cooled salmon cakes in an airtight container and freeze them for up to two months.
Whatβs the best sauce to serve with salmon cakes?
A zesty lemon-dill aioli pairs perfectly with salmon cakes, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
Salmon Cakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Salmon cakes are a delightful, savory dish that combines fresh salmon with zesty flavors for a meal everyone will love. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these flavorful patties make an ideal choice for family gatherings, summer barbecues, or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or atop fresh greens for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by finely dicing the green onions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook salmon fillets for 5-7 minutes per side until flaky.
- Flake the cooked salmon into a bowl and mix in breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Shape the mixture into small patties (about 2 inches wide).
- Fry each patty in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or on greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free option, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Experiment by adding diced vegetables or swapping salmon for crab or tuna.