Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Salmon Cakes: Crispy, Flavorful Patties You’ll Love Every Time
Salmon cakes are one of those feel-good dishes that strike the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Whether you’re working with fresh fillets or pantry staples like canned salmon, these golden patties come together quickly and taste like something far more complex than their simple ingredients suggest.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to make salmon cakes from scratch, why they sometimes fall apart, what Gordon Ramsay might do differently, and what sides or sauces take them to the next level. If you’re craving a wholesome, protein-rich meal that delivers on flavor, you’re in the right place.
The Story & Intro: From Southern Suppers to Kitchen Staple
My First Salmon Cake Memory
Growing up, salmon cakes were a weeknight special in our home kitchen. My mom always had a can of salmon tucked away in the pantry for nights when dinner needed to be fast, warm, and satisfying. She’d whip them up with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and a splash of hot sauce. They were crispy on the outside, flaky inside, and always served with mashed potatoes and green beans. That combo still hits me with comfort.
Years later, I’ve updated her approach but stayed true to the heart of the recipe. Whether you use fresh or canned salmon, the beauty of salmon cakes is their flexibility. They’re forgiving, flavorful, and easy to pair with just about anything.
Why Salmon Cakes Belong on Every Table
They’re not just a Southern staple. Salmon cakes have found their way into modern kitchens across the country because they’re fast, adaptable, and nutrient-rich. With high-quality protein and healthy fats, they fit into almost every lifestyle. Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for family, or need a crowd-pleaser, salmon cakes work.
They’re also a fantastic way to use up leftover salmon or repurpose ingredients from dishes like chipotle chicken or chicken and gravy. Once you learn the basics, the variations are endless.
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Salmon Cakes: 5 Irresistible Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 small cakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy salmon cakes are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with canned or cooked salmon, they come together quickly with pantry staples and taste amazing with lemon-dill sauce or spicy mayo.
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) skinless, boneless salmon or 1 ½ cups cooked flaked salmon
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup finely chopped onion or green onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for pan-frying
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, mayo, mustard, onion, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mix gently until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Form into 6 even-sized patties and place on a plate.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 6: Cook salmon cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Remove and drain on a paper towel. Serve warm with lemon wedges or sauce.
Notes
For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Canned salmon with bones adds extra calcium. Just mash bones well.
Optional sauces: lemon yogurt sauce, tartar sauce, or sriracha mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
What Are the Ingredients in Salmon Cakes?
The magic of salmon cakes lies in their simplicity. With the right mix of flavor and structure, you can go from ingredients to pan in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re using canned salmon or leftover fillets, the ingredients are easy to find and easy to mix.
Building Blocks of Great Salmon Cakes
A basic salmon cake recipe starts with flaked salmon. From there, it’s all about binders, fillers, flavor, and crispness. Here’s a quick breakdown of what most versions include:
- Salmon: Fresh, canned, or cooked leftovers. Canned works just fine if it’s skinless and boneless.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and texture. You can also use almond flour or crushed crackers.
- Aromatics: Think diced onion, green onions, garlic, or bell pepper.
- Herbs and seasoning: Dill, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper bring the flavor up a notch.
- Moisture: A touch of mayo, mustard, or Greek yogurt adds softness and tang.
You can adjust the mix based on what you have, just like you would with funeral potatoes or huevos rancheros. The key is balance. Too dry and they’ll fall apart. Too wet and they’ll be mushy.
What Keeps Salmon Patties from Falling Apart?
The most common mistake when making salmon cakes is not having enough binder. The egg and breadcrumbs are crucial here. Without enough of either, your cakes will crumble in the pan. Make sure the mixture holds together when pressed. If it’s too loose, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, mix in a spoon of mayo or even mashed sweet potato.
Another trick is chilling the patties for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to flip without breaking.
How to Elevate Salmon Cakes Like a Chef
While salmon cakes are a humble dish at heart, that doesn’t mean they have to look or taste basic. With a few creative additions and plating tips, you can take them from weeknight quick-fix to dinner-party worthy. Let’s see how a chef might upgrade the experience.
What Does Gordon Ramsay Put on His Salmon?
While Gordon Ramsay hasn’t shared a specific salmon cake recipe, his approach to salmon in general is all about fresh herbs, acid, and bold flavor. If he were dressing up salmon cakes, he’d likely start by mixing in fresh dill, lemon zest, and capers to cut through the richness. Then he’d finish with a crisp sear in a hot pan for that signature golden crust.
For serving, he’d probably skip plain mayo and go for a fresh herb aioli or lemon-caper crème fraîche. He might even layer the cakes on a bed of lightly dressed arugula and top with microgreens or pickled onions for brightness and crunch.
You can bring that flair into your home kitchen too. Add fresh herbs to your mix. Finish with a squeeze of lemon just before serving. And if you really want to wow your guests, present them like you would crab brûlée or any upscale seafood starter.
Small Additions Make a Big Difference
A spoonful of Dijon mustard in the mix adds sharpness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne gives it a little kick. Chopped roasted red peppers add moisture and a pop of color. And don’t underestimate what a drizzle of sriracha mayo can do.
The beauty of salmon cakes is that they’re easy to customize without losing what makes them good. With just a few smart touches, you can take a classic pantry recipe and turn it into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy.
What to Eat with Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes are versatile enough to be the star of the plate or part of a larger meal. They pair well with a wide range of sides and sauces that balance their crispy texture and savory flavor.
Simple Sides That Shine
When planning what to eat with salmon cakes, think about balance. Since the cakes are rich and savory, sides with freshness or acidity work best. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus makes a great match.
Mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting option, especially if you want a nostalgic feel. For a lighter twist, try mashed cauliflower or a wild rice pilaf. Even a grain bowl topped with a salmon cake, pickled onions, and cucumber ribbons can turn a simple recipe into a modern meal.
You could also add a dipping sauce to the plate. Tartar sauce, lemon-dill yogurt sauce, or even a quick sriracha-lime mayo take very little time to make and add a flavor punch. Just like pairing banana pudding after a warm meal or breakfast burritos with salsa, a well-chosen sauce elevates the experience.
Make It a Meal
For a full dinner, consider adding a warm side and a cold side. Try roasted baby potatoes with olive oil and herbs, plus a chopped cucumber salad with lemon juice. Or make mini salmon cakes as sliders and serve with sweet potato fries.
Because salmon cakes are so adaptable, you can go light and fresh or hearty and cozy. Once you find your favorite combination, it will become a go-to dinner in your rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Cakes
Q: What are the ingredients in salmon cakes?
A: The base ingredients are salmon, egg, breadcrumbs or another binder, chopped onion or garlic, seasoning like dill or parsley, and a moisture element such as mayo or yogurt. Some versions add mustard, lemon juice, or hot sauce for flavor.
Q: What keeps salmon patties from falling apart?
A: The key is using enough binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs. If the mix is too wet, add more dry ingredients. Chilling the patties for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape when flipped.
Q: What does Gordon Ramsay put on his salmon?
A: While he has not shared a specific salmon cake recipe, Gordon Ramsay typically enhances salmon dishes with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and bold sauces like crème fraîche or aioli. He focuses on adding brightness and texture to elevate the dish.
Q: What do you eat salmon cakes with?
A: Salmon cakes pair well with green salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. Popular sauces include tartar, lemon-dill yogurt, or spicy mayo. You can also serve them as sliders or on top of a grain bowl for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Salmon cakes are one of those rare dishes that blend comfort with practicality. They are quick to make, easy to customize, and packed with flavor. Whether you use canned salmon or leftover fillets, you get a meal that feels special without requiring a lot of effort.
With the right mix of binders, herbs, and seasoning, these patties hold together beautifully and crisp up just right in the pan. Add a bright dipping sauce or a few simple sides, and you have a balanced dinner that works any night of the week.
They are also versatile enough to fit into any menu. Serve them with rice and vegetables for something hearty, or turn them into sliders with a zesty sauce and slaw for casual gatherings. However you plate them, they never disappoint.
Just like many of the other favorites on Deliciousavors, salmon cakes prove that smart, flavorful food can still be easy to make and even easier to love.
Article updated 23 June 2025.
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