Simple & Easy Salmon Cakes Recipe — Be Greedy Eats

A simple and easy appetizer or light meal that is sure to please! Made with simple ingredients, these salmon cakes are flaky and tender with just the right amount of spice. Make sure to get one while you can because they will go fast!

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FAST & Delicious

Growing up, my father would make some of the best salmon cakes! They were an easy meal that did not take too long to make. Plus, when he used canned salmon, he was able to make a lot of them without spending a lot of money. It’s meals like this that make life a little easier, especially when you’re extra busy.

While fiddling around with a few ingredients, I was able to make a slightly different recipe that is just as good! My Simple & Easy Salmon Cake Recipe will be a fan-favorite appetizer at your next function. The good thing about this recipe is that it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether it is fresh baked salmon or canned salmon, they will be delicious!

What is a Salmon Cake?

I can’t assume that everyone knows what a salmon cake is. For me, it was a common dish. But, for those who do not know, a standard salmon cake is a mixture of flaked salmon mixed with breadcrumbs (or some sort of binder), eggs, mayo, flavorings, and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into small patties. The patties are then pan-fried, deep-fried, baked, or even air-fried depending on your preference.

You can pretty much compare it to how a crab cake is made. I added in some sauteed peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture. I grew up eating them deep-fried or baked. They are really simple to make but full of flavor! They can also be seasoned to taste based on your dietary needs.

Salmon Cake Ingredients

Let’s walk through each ingredient so you understand its importance. The real star of this recipe is, of course, the salmon! The other flavorings, binders, and seasonings are added to enhance the taste of the salmon.

Salmon: You can’t have salmon cakes without the main ingredient. I suggest using fresh salmon if you have the time to make it. But, canned salmon will work just fine.
Onion & Garlic: I added these two for additional flavor and texture in the cakes.
Bell Peppers: The peppers add texture to the cakes. I suggest getting a mixture of different colored bell peppers to enhance their overall look.
Cooking Oil: I suggest a simple vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. You will saute the cakes in the oil. Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs act as the filler to the cakes. They are also a binding ingredient.
Eggs: Eggs are the main binding ingredient in salmon cakes.
Mayonnaise: This acts as another binder. You cannot taste the mayonnaise at all though.

Lemon Juice: Acid always goes well with seafood. It brings out the seafood’s natural flavors. Fresh is always better as well.

Old Bay Seasoning: I’m from Maryland and Old Bay is a must in pretty much every seafood dessert. It is bold and adds the right amount of spice.
Paprika: The paprika adds a dash of smokiness. If you have smoked paprika, that will make the cakes even better.
Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard adds tanginess to the cakes. Do not add too much. You do not want to overpower the salmon.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce is tangy and bold. You do not need a lot at all!
Parsley: I love fresh herbs in almost every recipe. The parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
Salt & Black Pepper: The salt and black pepper act as seasonings for the cakes. They help to balance out the flavors of the overall dish.

How to Make Salmon Cakes

These salmon cakes are a wonderful appetizer, simple dinner, or snack! They even make an amazing sandwich. Be assured that with this recipe, you will always have a go-to recipe in your arsenal! Your guests will taste this and look at you as a chef. Get one while you can, because they will go fast! Did I mention that they are just as good the next day?

The full written recipe is below, but here’s an overview.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon. If using fresh salmon, pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle salmon with oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bake until the salmon reaches 145 degrees (about 10 - 15 minutes).
Step 2: Allow Salmon to Rest. Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes. Flake the salmon with a fork and transfer to a bowl.
Step 3: Canned Salmon. If using canned salmon, fully drain and roughly chop
Step 4: Saute Vegetables. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat with 2 tbsp of oil. Sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic until softened and slightly browned (about 8 minutes).
Step 5: Mix Vegetables & Salmon. Remove the pan from the heat and put the mixture into the same bowl as the salmon. Add the breadcrumbs to the bowl as well.

Step 6: Mix Wet Ingredients & Seasonings. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7: Make Salmon Mixture. Add the egg mixture to the bowl of salmon, vegetables, and breadcrumbs. Mix until fully combined.
Step 8: Make a Tester. Heat a clean skillet with 2 tbsp of oil on medium-high. Make a small patty and sauté until golden brown on both sides. Taste the patty and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
Step 9: Mold Salmon Cakes & Saute. Mold the rest of the mixture into small patties (about 2" wide). Sauté the patties until golden brown on both sides (about 2 - 4 minutes on each side) Add more oil to the pan if necessary. Transfer the cakes to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels.
Step 10: Serve 7 Enjoy! Serve salmon cakes with Tartar Sauce or Cajun Remoulade Sauce and enjoy!

I’d love to hear your feedback about these Simple & Easy Salmon Cakes! Leave me a message in the comments section below. Remember to share and enjoy! Follow Be Greedy Eats on Pinterest and Instagram as well!