Love seafood but tired of the same old grilled salmon or tuna sandwiches? Say hello to your new favorite: the salmon cake recipe that’s crispy on the outside, moist and flaky inside, and bursting with flavor. This guide is your one-stop shop for making delicious salmon patties right in your kitchen — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from the best ingredients to use, cooking tips, tasty variations, sauces, and even how to keep them from falling apart. And don’t worry, we’ve included answers to the most common questions people have about making salmon cakes. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Cake Recipe
What Makes These Salmon Cakes So Special?
There’s something seriously satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden salmon patty that’s loaded with flavor. Unlike complicated seafood dishes, this one’s super simple to whip up — no fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients. You can use either canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon, which makes this recipe budget-friendly and ideal for weeknight dinners.
Plus, it’s versatile. Want it spicy? Add some jalapeños. Prefer gluten-free? Swap out the breadcrumbs. These salmon cakes can be tweaked to suit just about any taste or diet. Oh, and did we mention they’re great for meal prep? Yep — cook a batch, store ’em in the fridge or freezer, and you’ve got quick meals ready to go.
Benefits of Cooking with Salmon
Not only is salmon packed with protein and healthy fats, especially omega-3s, it’s also one of the easiest fish to cook. Whether it’s fresh or canned, salmon delivers a rich, savory flavor that holds up well to frying, baking, or even air frying.
In addition, it’s a smart way to get more nutrients without spending a fortune. Salmon is full of vitamin D, B12, and selenium, making these cakes not just tasty but seriously good for you.
So if you’re craving a comfort food that’s quick, nutritious, and totally satisfying, this salmon cake recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients for the Salmon Cake Recipe
Easy Salmon Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 14–15 oz salmon
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
Instructions
- Flake salmon into a mixing bowl.
- Add onion, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and seasoning. Mix gently.
- Shape into 6–8 equal patties.
- Pan-fry in oil over medium heat until golden (3–4 minutes per side).
- Serve with your choice of sauce.
Notes
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To start, the magic of this salmon cake recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can make something truly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (14–15 oz) of salmon, drained and flaked (fresh cooked salmon also works)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying (olive or vegetable oil)
These ingredients come together to form patties that are moist inside and crisp outside. You can also find great complementary recipes like this easy lemon aioli dip to serve with your salmon cakes.
Fresh vs. Canned Salmon – Which to Choose?
Canned salmon is super convenient and works beautifully in this recipe. It’s budget-friendly and already cooked, which saves time. However, if you’ve got leftover baked or grilled salmon, go ahead and use that instead — it adds a fresh, rich flavor.
Keep in mind, canned salmon may contain bones. They’re edible and soft, but you can remove them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Feel like leveling things up? Try these tasty mix-ins:
- Finely diced red bell pepper for sweetness
- Chopped jalapeños for heat
- Fresh dill or chives for a herby kick
- Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika for extra depth
Customizing this salmon cake recipe is easy — just don’t overload the mix or it might fall apart!
How to Make Salmon Cakes – Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Salmon Base
First things first: drain your canned salmon and flake it with a fork. If you’re using fresh salmon, make sure it’s cooked and cooled before breaking it into chunks. Remove any skin and bones if needed. Place it in a large bowl.
Now, add the chopped onion, parsley, breadcrumbs, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and beaten egg. Give everything a good mix, but don’t overwork it. The texture should be moist but not runny. If it feels too wet, toss in a few more breadcrumbs.
Mix and Form the Cakes
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape your patties. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each cake and gently shape it into a round patty — kind of like a small burger. You should get about 6 to 8 patties from one batch.
Make sure they’re all about the same size so they cook evenly. If the mix is sticking to your hands, dampen them with a little water to make shaping easier.
Cook Until Golden – Pan-Frying or Baking
To fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once it’s hot, gently place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side. They should turn a lovely golden brown and be hot all the way through.
To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a parchment-lined tray, spray or brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For air fryer fans, check out this air fryer salmon patties variation for a crispier, low-oil version.
This salmon cake recipe adapts easily to your favorite cooking method — and they all taste great!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Salmon Cakes
How to Keep Salmon Cakes from Falling Apart
This is the most common struggle, but thankfully it’s easy to fix. The key is balance — too much moisture, and the cakes won’t hold their shape. On the other hand, too dry and they’ll crack or crumble.
To avoid this, always include a good binder. In this recipe, it’s the egg and mayo that help things stick. The breadcrumbs soak up extra moisture while adding structure. If the mix feels too loose, add more breadcrumbs a little at a time.
Chilling the patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking also helps them hold together better during frying or baking.
Getting That Crispy Crust Every Time
For the ultimate crispy exterior, don’t skip the pan-fry. Heat your skillet before adding the oil, and don’t crowd the pan — give each patty some room. Once they’re in the pan, resist the urge to move them around too much.
Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for best results. And remember, medium heat is key — too hot and the outside burns before the inside is done.
Can You Make Them Ahead or Freeze Them?
Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Shaped patties can also be frozen raw — just place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
These tips ensure your salmon cake recipe turns out perfect every time — crunchy outside, tender inside, and full of flavor.
Flavorful Variations of the Classic Salmon Cake Recipe
Spicy Cajun Salmon Cakes
If you’re craving bold flavor, try this fiery twist on the classic salmon cake recipe. Just add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to your mix, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. You can also toss in diced green onions and bell peppers to round things out.
This version pairs beautifully with a creamy sriracha mayo or remoulade sauce. In addition, it makes a fantastic meal for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat without overdoing it.
Keto and Low-Carb Salmon Cake Options
On a low-carb or keto diet? Don’t worry — you can still enjoy salmon cakes without the breadcrumbs. Instead, use crushed beef rinds, almond flour, or coconut flour as a binder. These options help hold the cakes together while keeping the carb count low.
Also, try using avocado oil for frying since it holds up better at higher heat and adds a rich taste. This keeps your salmon cake recipe both healthy and satisfying.
For more keto-style dishes, check out other low-carb recipes on our site. They make great meal companions!
Kid-Friendly Salmon Patties with a Mild Twist
Kids can be picky, but salmon cakes are easy to adapt. For a milder flavor, skip strong spices like mustard or onions. Add mashed potatoes to the mix for a softer texture and a more familiar taste.
You could even shape them into fun mini cakes or bites, perfect for little hands. Serve them with ketchup or ranch dressing to keep the young ones happy and full.
Therefore, no matter your dietary needs or preferences, there’s a salmon cake recipe variation to match your style.
Serving Ideas and Delicious Pairings
Best Sauces for Salmon Cakes – Tartar, Dill, and More
A great sauce takes your salmon cake recipe from tasty to unforgettable. The most popular choice is classic tartar sauce — creamy, tangy, and just the right touch of acidity. However, dill sauce is another favorite, especially when made with yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
You might also enjoy garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a fresh salsa on the side. Each adds something unique. Thus, you can easily change the whole flavor profile by switching up your dip!
If you’re into dips, try this lemon dill yogurt dip recipe — it’s light, herby, and made for seafood pairings.
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly – Salads, Rice, Veggies
Salmon cake recipe go well with so many side dishes, it’s almost hard to choose. For a light option, try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. Want something more filling? Serve your salmon cake recipe with brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Coleslaw is another go-to — crunchy, cool, and refreshing. On the other hand, grilled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad make excellent low-calorie sides.
In addition, you can even turn your salmon cake recipe into a sandwich by serving them on buns with lettuce, tomato, and sauce. However you plate it, there are plenty of tasty options to match the mood.
FAQs About Salmon Cake Recipes
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Salmon?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked salmon works wonderfully in this recipe. In fact, it often adds even more flavor. Just flake it with a fork and follow the same steps. However, make sure it’s fully chilled before mixing, so your cakes hold together.
If you’ve got grilled or baked salmon from dinner, it’s a perfect way to reduce waste and save time. That’s a win-win!
How Long Do Salmon Cakes Last in the Fridge?
Once cooked, your salmon cake recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
If you’ve got extra mix you haven’t cooked yet, that’s okay too. Keep it refrigerated and cook it within 24 hours.
Can I Bake Salmon Cake recipe Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, baking is a great alternative! It’s cleaner and uses less oil, which some folks prefer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They won’t get quite as crispy as pan-fried versions, but they’ll still be golden and delicious.
Are Salmon Cakes Healthy?
They sure can be. Salmon is packed with omega-3s, lean protein, and essential vitamins. By baking or air frying instead of pan-frying, you cut down on oil. In addition, swapping breadcrumbs for almond flour or oat flour makes them even more nutritious.
For more delicious recipes, check out our full seafood recipe collection on the site. You’re bound to find something new to love.
Conclusion: Try This Salmon Cake Recipe Today!
There you have it — a salmon cake recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re using canned salmon for a quick dinner or turning leftover grilled fillets into something new, these cakes are a smart, satisfying choice. From crispy Cajun-style patties to low-carb, kid-friendly versions, the options are as open as your appetite.
In addition, they’re a great way to get more omega-3s and protein into your meals without a lot of fuss. Pair them with your favorite sides, dress them up with a zesty sauce, or prep a batch for the week — this dish fits into just about any lifestyle.
So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, quick, and healthy, give this salmon cake recipe a try. It might just become a regular on your dinner table.
And if you’re still hungry for ideas, don’t miss our other seafood favorites and meal prep-friendly recipes over at Promptly Recipes. Happy cooking!
