Description
An easy and healthy recipe for delicious crispy salmon cakes made with fresh or canned salmon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 | pound | cooked salmon | (see notes for fresh vs. canned)
- 1 | large | egg | lightly beaten
- 1/4 | cup | mayonnaise
- 2 | tablespoons | finely chopped red onion or shallots
- 1 | tablespoon | chopped fresh dill or parsley | (or a mix!)
- 1 | teaspoon | Dijon mustard
- 1/2 | teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce | (optional)
- 1/4 | cup | panko breadcrumbs
- | – | Salt | to taste
- | – | Freshly ground black pepper | to taste
For Cooking
- 1/4 | cup | all-purpose flour or fine cornmeal | (for coating)
- 2-3 | tablespoons | olive oil or vegetable oil | for frying
For Serving
- | – | Lemon wedges | for serving
- | – | Tartar sauce or other desired sauce | (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Salmon: Flake cooked salmon into a large mixing bowl using a fork.
- Combine Wet & Flavor: To the bowl, add the beaten egg, mayonnaise, chopped onion/shallots, fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Bind: Add the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Mix Gently: Gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form Patties: Lightly flour your hands and form the mixture into 4-6 patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Coat: Place the flour/cornmeal on a plate and gently dredge each patty to coat both sides.
- Heat Oil: Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook: Carefully place the coated patties in the hot skillet. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry: Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and heated through.
- Drain: Remove cooked patties and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.
Notes
Using Canned Salmon: Drain canned salmon thoroughly before flaking. Remove bones/skin if desired.
Tips for Success: Ensure salmon is well-drained. Don’t overmix the mixture. Cook on medium heat to get crispy edges without burning. Chilling formed patties for 15-30 mins can help them hold shape.
Variations: See blog post for variations using different herbs, spices, or cooking methods (baking, air frying).
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American