Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (2024)

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Katerina

4.82 from 11 votes

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These Salmon Patties are made with just a handful of ingredients and are such a delicious dinner idea! This is an easy salmon cakes recipe that makes crunchy yet tender and juicy patties.

Looking for more salmon recipes? Try my popular recipe for garlic butter baked salmon!

Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (2)

Easy Homemade Salmon Patties

Crispy on the outside, flaky and juicy on the inside, Salmon Patties are the most delicious way to upgrade canned salmon. Prepared with fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and lemon juice, Salmon Patties or Salmon Cakes, are straightforward and require minimal prep time.

Thus, let’s saddle up for a culinary journey with these downright delightful Salmon Patties. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It packs a wallop of flavor, whether using fresh, cooked salmon or reaching for a can of salmon from your pantry. And while these patties are the perfect way to repurpose any leftover salmon, trust me, they’re so good you’ll find yourself cooking salmon just to make this recipe!

Also worth mentioning; using the same cooking method as I did here for my Baked Batter “Fried” Shrimp recipe, our salmon patties are baked, not fried, and very easy to make.

Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (3)

How To Make Salmon Patties

This quick salmon recipe blows me away every time; even my kids request it!

  1. Start by roughly chopping up the salmon. You’ll need about 14 ounces canned salmon or oven baked salmon.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with grated onions, chopped green onions, fresh dill, panko crumbs, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and seasonings.
  3. Scoop out the mixture and shape into 12 patties. You’ll need about 1/4 cup mixture for each patty.
  4. In the meantime, preheat the oven and pour oil on a rimmed baking sheet; place in preheated oven for 2 minutes.
  5. Remove baking sheet from oven, arrange the patties on top of the hot oil, and bake for 13 minutes; turn the patties over and continue to bake for 6 minutes, or until golden brown.
Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (4)

What To Serve With Salmon Patties

  • Packed with great flavors, this seafood dish is perfect for your next dinner party but even better for a busy weeknight. Keep it light by pairing the Salmon Cakes with thisCilantro Vinaigrette Coleslaw and a side of Taratur for dipping. ?
Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (5)

Salmon Cakes FAQs

Can I Use Canned Tuna Instead Of Salmon?

Certainly, follow the recipe as-is – no need to change anything else. However, the patties won’t be as juicy since tuna is leaner.

What Can I Use In Place Of Breadcrumbs?

I would leave out the breadcrumbs and add one more egg, or you can also use chopped pork rinds. Pork rinds are perfect for those on a Keto diet because they are high in fat and have zero carbs.

How To Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze, I suggest freezing the salmon patties before cooking them for up to 3 months. Wrap the patties individually in plastic wrap and then combine them into a freezer bag. Thaw and cook as directed in the recipe.

Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (6)

      More Easy Salmon Recipes

      • Teriyaki Pineapple and Salmon Burgers
      • Tomato Pesto Salmon and Rice in Foil
      • Salmon Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
      • Salmon Cobb Salad
      • Crab Stuffed Salmon

      ENJOY!

      Salmon Patties

      Katerina | Diethood

      Made with just a handful of ingredients, these crunchy, yet tender and juicy salmon patties are the best idea for a quick and delicious dinner recipe.

      4.82 from 11 votes

      Rate this Recipe!

      Servings : 4 serves

      Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Cook Time 20 minutes mins

      Resting Time 5 minutes mins

      Total Time 30 minutes mins

      Ingredients

      • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
      • 1 can (14.75 ounces) canned salmon, drained and roughly chopped (you can also use leftover cooked salmon)
      • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
      • 1 small yellow onion, grated
      • 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts included)
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
      • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
      • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
      • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
      • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
      • ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven to 425˚F.

      • Add 3 tablespoons vegetable oil to a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

      • In a large mixing bowl combine prepared salmon, panko crumbs, onions, garlic, eggs, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix until thoroughly combined.

      • Form mixture into 10 to 12 patties; you’ll need about 1/4 cup of mixture per patty.

      • Place previously prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven for 2 minutes.

      • Carefully remove from oven and add the patties to the hot oil.

      • Bake for 12 to 13 minutes; flip over and continue to bake for 5 to 6 more minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

      • Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.

      • Serve.

      Notes

      • Salmon Choices: As I mentioned earlier, you can use fresh, cooked salmon or canned salmon. If you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well.
      • Use Vegetable Oil because it has a higher smoking point. Do not use olive oil, please.
      • Breadcrumb Options: While panko breadcrumbs lend a great texture to the patties, you could also use traditional breadcrumbs or even crushed saltine crackers if you’re in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, use almond meal; for a low-carb option, use pork rind crumbs.
      • Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Add some chopped bell pepper for extra crunch, or a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
      • Cooking Methods: These patties are great baked, but also delicious when pan-fried for a crispier exterior. If you’re grilling, you can cook them on a piece of aluminum foil to prevent them from falling apart.
      • Serving Suggestions: These patties make for a fantastic sandwich filler, especially with a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon. They’re also great served on a bed of fresh salad for a lighter meal.
      • Make Ahead: You can prep these patties and keep them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking or freeze them for longer storage. Please just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid any problems.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 305 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 164 mg | Sodium: 812 mg | Potassium: 447 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 365 IU | Vitamin C: 5.3 mg | Calcium: 334 mg | Iron: 2.1 mg

      Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

      Course: Appetizer, Dinner

      Cuisine: American, American/Southern

      Keyword: appetizer recipes, canned salmon, easy salmon recipe, fish, gluten free, healthy dinner recipes, how to make salmon patties, keto friendly recipes, low carb recipe, salmon burgers, salmon cakes, salmon patties, seafood

      Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

      Categories:

      • Appetizers
      • Dinner Recipes
      • Quick Dinner Ideas
      • Salmon
      • Seafood
      Salmon Patties Recipe | How to Make the Best Salmon Cakes! (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you make salmon patties not fall apart? ›

      1) Use the right amount of binding agent: Too few eggs or breadcrumbs can cause the patties to fall apart, while too much can make them dense and heavy. Use just enough to where the salmon will hold together once squeezed in your hands.

      What's the ingredients in salmon patties? ›

      In a large bowl, gently mix together the salmon (including 2 tablespoons of the can liquid), bread, green onion, garlic, dill, bell pepper, flour, egg, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Form the patties: Form 8 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

      Why do my salmon patties fall apart? ›

      If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

      What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in salmon patties? ›

      In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, finely chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), fresh herbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Instead of adding breadcrumbs, add flour gradually to the mixture, a tablespoon at a time.

      Why won't my salmon patties stay together? ›

      If they fall apart, they're not of the right consistency. Being either too dry or too wet will cause it. If they are too dry, adding a touch of water will help and if they are too wet, dredge them in flour or add a little flour to the mix.

      How do you get the fishy taste out of salmon patties? ›

      Apparently, the proteins present in milk can bind to the fatty acids that have been exposed to air and give salmon its fishy odor or taste and mitigate them to be more neutral. (Fishiness is caused by the oxidation of fatty acids.)

      Why are my salmon patties dry? ›

      If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

      What is the white stuff coming out of my salmon patty? ›

      That white gunk seeping from your salmon is called albumin. It's a protein—not fat—that pushes to the surface of the fish when you heat it. "Once this protein reaches temperatures between 140 and 150 degrees, its moisture is squeezed out, and it congeals and turns white," according to America's Test Kitchen.

      What is the main ingredient in salmon? ›

      Raw wild salmon is 70% water, 20% protein, 6% fat, and contains no carbohydrates (table). In a 100 gram reference amount, raw salmon supplies 142 calories, and is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of several B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 at 133% DV, selenium (52% DV), and phosphorus (29% DV).

      Should you drain canned salmon? ›

      Canned salmon also contains high concentrations of sodium, particularly when the fish is packed in salt water. That's why it's recommended that you drain the salmon before eating it. A can of salmon can contain over 400 milligrams of sodium, which is about 17% of a person's recommended daily sodium intake, per the FDA.

      Why are my salmon cakes mushy? ›

      Cooking the salmon patties at too high a temperature or for too short a time can result in a mushy interior. Is canned salmon good for you? Canned salmon has great health benefits! It's high in protein, rich in omega-3 heart healthy fats, high in potassium and B vitamins…just to name a few.

      How do you get fish cakes to stick together? ›

      Egg – Next, dip the fish cake into the beaten eggs and let the excess drip off. Panko breadcrumbs – And finally, place it in a bowl of panko breadcrumbs. Spoon some breadcrumbs over then use your hands to pat it on to adhere as best you can. Pick the fish cake up and let the excess breadcrumbs fall off.

      What should I use if I don't have breadcrumbs? ›

      For ¼ cup fine, dry bread crumbs, substitute any of these items:
      • ¾ cup soft bread crumbs.
      • ¼ cup panko.
      • ¼ cup cracker or pretzel crumbs.
      • ¼ cup crushed cornflakes or other unsweetened cereals.
      • ⅔ cup regular rolled oats (Use this only as a substitute for bread crumbs in meat loaf and other meat mixtures, such as burgers.
      May 24, 2023

      Can I use butter instead of oil for salmon? ›

      Pan-frying salmon produces crisp skin and succulent flesh. Use a good, heavy-based frying pan, ideally non-stick, and butter or oil with a high burning point. Heat butter or oil over medium high heat and cook salmon, skin-side down, for 4-5 minutes.

      Why do my patties fall apart? ›

      If you flip it more than one time, it may fall apart on the grill. One flip! eggs and breadcrumbs are for meat loaf. you want a good 80/20 lean to fat beef ratio, you want to have a good skillet or griddle temp going—a good temp—and you want to have a good spatula for flipping the patty when it's time to flip it.

      Why do my homemade fish cakes fall apart? ›

      Too much sugar, fat or liquid or not enough flour. Or you could be opening your oven before the cake is set and the cake is falling at that point. What can I do to stop my Thai fish cakes falling apart in the frying pan? You need to work the mixture more.

      Why are my salmon patties mushy? ›

      Cooking the salmon patties at too high a temperature or for too short a time can result in a mushy interior. Is canned salmon good for you? Canned salmon has great health benefits! It's high in protein, rich in omega-3 heart healthy fats, high in potassium and B vitamins…just to name a few.

      Why is my raw salmon breaking apart? ›

      Texture: Good-quality salmon should have a firm, flaky texture. If the flesh feels mushy or breaks apart easily, it may be spoiled.

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