Salmon Cakes Recipe - inezrecipes

Salmon cakes are a delightful dish that brings together the tender, flaky texture of salmon with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or leftover salmon, this recipe is versatile and packed with flavor. Salmon cakes can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even packed into sandwiches.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect salmon cakes. From selecting the right type of salmon to cooking techniques and serving suggestions, we’ve got all the details covered. Along the way, we’ll answer frequently asked questions and offer tips on how to customize the recipe to your liking.

Why Salmon Cakes are a Popular Dish

Salmon cakes have been a staple in many households for generations. One of the reasons for their enduring popularity is their versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a way to repurpose leftovers, salmon cakes offer a simple yet delicious solution.

Additionally, salmon is an ingredient that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sides, making it easy to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand. You can also experiment with different sauces and flavor profiles, from a classic tartar sauce to a spicy aioli.

Types of Salmon for Salmon Cakes Recipe

Choosing the right type of salmon is key to getting the perfect texture and flavor in your salmon cakes. Depending on your preference or what’s available, you can opt for fresh, canned, or leftover salmon. Let’s break down each option:

1. Fresh Salmon

Using fresh salmon gives you the most control over the texture and flavor of your cakes. Fresh salmon fillets tend to be more tender and flavorful compared to canned options. Opt for wild-caught salmon, such as sockeye or coho, if you want a richer flavor, or farm-raised salmon if you’re looking for something milder.

How to prepare fresh salmon: Bake, grill, or poach your salmon fillet before flaking it for use in the mixture. If using skin-on fillets, be sure to remove the skin and any bones before mixing.

2. Canned Salmon

Canned salmon is a more convenient option and works perfectly for making quick salmon cakes. Just be sure to drain the liquid and remove any skin or bones before using it. If you want an even quicker option, look for boneless and skinless canned salmon.

Benefits of using canned salmon: It’s affordable, easy to store, and doesn’t require any pre-cooking. The flavor can be slightly more intense, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.

3. Leftover Cooked Salmon

If you’ve made salmon the night before and have leftovers, this is the perfect opportunity to make salmon cakes. Leftover salmon has already been seasoned and cooked, saving you time.

How to prepare leftover salmon: Simply flake the leftover salmon and remove any bones. You can adjust the seasonings in the cake mixture to complement the seasoning already on the salmon.

Essential Ingredients for Salmon Cakes Recipe

Once you’ve chosen your salmon, it’s time to gather the other ingredients that will help you build your cakes. The combination of ingredients adds flavor, texture, and helps bind the cakes together. Below are the essentials:

Key Ingredients:

Salmon: This is the main ingredient. You can use fresh, canned, or leftover salmon.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are the preferred option because they give a light, crispy texture. You can also substitute regular breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the cakes hold their shape.
Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a savory kick to the flavor.
Garlic Salt: A simple seasoning that enhances the flavor of the salmon.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat to balance the richness of the salmon.
Fresh Parsley: This herb brings a bright, fresh flavor to the cakes.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Sautéed onion and bell pepper add a mild sweetness and texture. They’re key in creating a well-rounded flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

Dill: For a more herbal flavor, adding fresh or dried dill is a great option.
Cayenne Pepper: If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne will do the trick.
Capers: For a briny, tangy bite, you can mix in capers.

Ingredient Substitutions:

If you’re making gluten-free salmon cakes, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
For a dairy-free option, simply omit the butter and use oil for frying.

These ingredients ensure that your salmon cakes have the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture.

Step-by-Step Process for Making Salmon Cakes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble and cook your salmon cakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Preparing the Salmon

For Fresh Salmon: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the salmon filet skin-side down on a lined baking sheet, brush it with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until just cooked through. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before flaking it with a fork.
For Canned or Leftover Salmon: Drain canned salmon and remove any bones or skin. Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your flaked salmon, sautéed onion and bell pepper, Panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.
Mix everything gently until combined. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet. If it feels too moist, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a little extra mayonnaise.
Form the mixture into patties, about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. You can use an ice cream scoop to portion them evenly. Place the formed patties on a lined baking sheet.

Chilling the Patties (Optional but Recommended)

For the best results, chill the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.

Cooking Methods for Salmon Cakes Recipe

Once your patties are formed, you have a few different options for cooking them. Each method yields slightly different results, so choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is the most popular method for cooking salmon cakes, as it gives them a golden, crispy crust.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the salmon cakes in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
If the cakes brown too quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Baking

If you prefer a healthier option, baking is an excellent choice. It requires less oil and is hands-off once the patties are in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the patties on the sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.

Air-Frying

Air-frying is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior without using a lot of oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the salmon cakes with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Each of these methods results in delicious salmon cakes. Pan-frying gives you the crispiest finish, while baking and air-frying are healthier options that still offer plenty of flavor.

Serving and Variations

Now that your salmon cakes are perfectly cooked, it’s time to think about how to serve them. There are endless possibilities when it comes to sauces, sides, and variations on the basic recipe.

Best Sauces for Salmon Cakes Recipe

The right sauce can elevate your salmon cakes from good to great. Here are a few classic and creative options:

Classic Tartar Sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice.
Lemon Aioli: A simple mix of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic that complements the richness of the salmon.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who like a bit of heat, mix mayo with sriracha and lime juice.
Herb Yogurt Sauce: A refreshing sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs.

Side Dishes to Serve with Salmon Cakes

Salmon cakes pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the salmon cakes.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or a root vegetable mash work beautifully as a side.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast to the soft salmon cakes.

Variations on the Recipe

Feel free to get creative with your salmon cakes by trying out some of these fun variations:

Mediterranean Salmon Cakes: Add feta cheese, chopped olives, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Asian-Inspired Salmon Cakes: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and scallions into the mixture. Serve with a sesame dipping sauce.
Low-Carb Salmon Cakes: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Salmon Cakes: Simply substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors and tailor the recipe to your taste.

Storage, Reheating, and Leftovers

Salmon cakes are a great make-ahead dish and can be easily stored for later use.

Storing Salmon Cakes

Refrigeration: Store cooked salmon cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place uncooked or cooked salmon cakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Salmon Cakes

Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and reheat the salmon cakes over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Microwave: For a quick option, microwave the salmon cakes for 1-2 minutes, though this may reduce their crispiness.

FAQs about Salmon Cakes Recipe

Here are answers to some common questions about making salmon cakes:

Can I Use Canned Salmon for Salmon Cakes?

Yes, canned salmon works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain it well and remove any skin or bones before using.

How Do I Prevent Salmon Cakes from Falling Apart?

To prevent your salmon cakes from falling apart, make sure the mixture isn’t too wet. If it is, add more breadcrumbs or refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I Bake Salmon Cakes Instead of Frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option that still results in delicious salmon cakes. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What Can I Serve with Salmon Cakes Recipe?

Salmon cakes pair well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, salads, and mashed potatoes. For a sauce, try classic tartar sauce or lemon aioli.

Can I Freeze Salmon Cakes?

Yes, salmon cakes freeze beautifully. Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Salmon cakes are a delicious, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them from fresh salmon, canned salmon, or leftovers, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. With a few simple techniques and ingredient variations, you can tailor the recipe to your preferences and enjoy this dish in countless ways.

Don’t hesitate to try the different methods, variations, and sauces we’ve covered here, and enjoy creating your own perfect salmon cakes. Happy cooking!