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Homemade Salmon Cakes

Homemade Salmon Cakes

Homemade salmon cakes are crispy, flavorful patties made with tender salmon, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, these versatile cakes are perfect for quick lunches, hearty dinners, or satisfying snacks. Packed with omega-3s and easy to customize, they offer a healthy, kid-friendly option that works well with a variety of sides and sauces.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 patties 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 1 lb fresh wild-caught salmon (or 2 cans of salmon, drained and skin/bones removed)

Binders and Texture

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg

Fresh Flavorings

  • 2 green onions or shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Moisture and Richness

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Seasonings

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: If using fresh salmon, cook it until just done and allow it to cool slightly before flaking with a fork. For canned salmon, drain any excess liquid and remove any skin or bones for a smooth mixture.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, fresh herbs, egg, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated but not overworked.
  3. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into even portions and shape each into firm patties, about the size of your palm. This helps them hold together during cooking without falling apart.
  4. Cook Until Golden: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook each salmon cake for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and heated through.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade salmon cakes hot off the skillet with your favorite accompaniments such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Avoid overworking the mixture to maintain a tender texture and prevent dense patties.
  • Chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.
  • Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking and create a nice crust.
  • If the mixture feels dry, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to improve binding and juiciness.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice— it brightens the salmon and balances the savory flavors.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon cake (approx. 100g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: salmon cakes, homemade salmon patties, quick salmon recipe, healthy fish cakes, kid-friendly salmon, gluten free salmon cakes, omega-3 rich seafood