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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.
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These crispy salmon cakes are tasty and filling and incredibly easy to make. They're ready in just 30 minutes!
As long as you have canned salmon and eggs, you can whip them up anytime. The remaining ingredients are flexible.
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (1) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/salmon-cakes-1-2022.jpg)
Canned fish is one of the easiest ways to incorporate more seafood into my family's diet. It's accessible, affordable, and can be kept in the pantry for a long time.
I make these delicious patties about once a week. They are easy to make, taste great, and - just as important - I always have the essential ingredients on hand and can improvise on the rest.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Variations
- Instructions
- Expert Tip
- Recipe FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing Leftovers
- More Seafood Recipes
- Foodie Newsletter
- Recipe Card
- Reviews
Ingredients
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (2) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Salmon-cakes-ingredients.jpg)
The only ingredients absolutely needed for this recipe are canned salmon and eggs. The remaining ingredients are flexible. Here's an overview of what you'll need. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
- Canned salmon: Make sure to use boneless, skinless salmon and drain it well.
- Eggs: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.
- Mayonnaise: I prefer mayonnaise made with avocado oil.
- Mustard: I use Dijon mustard.
- Minced garlic: Mince it yourself, or use the stuff that comes in a jar. Both work in this recipe.
- To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Chopped parsley: Cilantro is also excellent in this recipe.
- Olive oil: Used for frying the patties.
Variations
- If you don't have fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Sometimes, I use ghee instead of olive oil for frying these patties.
- Like your food spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne to the mixture.
- In my experience, cilantro works well as a substitution for parsley.
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here's an overview of the steps for making this recipe:
Drain the salmon cans thoroughly. Place the salmon in a large bowl. Flake it well with a fork into tiny pieces. Thorough drying and mixing will help prevent the patties from falling apart. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the oil) and mix everything well.
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (3) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Salmon-Cakes-mix.jpg)
Cook the patties in hot olive oil. I use a 4-tablespoon ice cream scoop to scoop the mixture out of the bowl. You should pack the mixture into the scoop - I press on it with a fork. It helps the cakes retain their shape. Cook the patties until well-browned and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side.
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (4) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/measure-with-ice-cream-scoop.jpg)
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (5) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (5)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Salmon-Cakes-flip.jpg)
This is what they look like on the inside when done:
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (6) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (6)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Salmon-Cakes-bitten.jpg)
Expert Tip
There are a few steps you can take to make sure the cakes don’t fall apart:
- Drain the salmon thoroughly.
- Flake it well with a fork. You want it in small pieces.
- Use large eggs.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Recipe FAQs
How do you keep the patties from falling apart?
As mentioned above, you should drain the canned salmon thoroughly, flake it well, use large eggs, and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Should I add flour or breadcrumbs?
No. In my experience, you don't need a binder (such as flour, breadcrumbs, or almond flour) to hold these patties together.
Can I make this recipe with canned tuna?
Yes, you can. I also have a slightly different recipe for tuna patties if you'd like to try that.
Serving Suggestions
These salmon cakes make a quick and easy meatless entree. I serve them for dinner with a dollop of homemade tartar sauce, keeping the sides simple.
I like serving them with caprese salad, microwave cauliflower drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, or broiled tomatoes. They are also excellent with a side of microwave asparagus.
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power, or enjoy them cold straight out of the fridge.
I like them with Dijon mustard or sriracha mayo. The leftovers are excellent - in fact, I often make extra patties to ensure I have some for the next day's lunch!
![Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (7) Easy Salmon Cakes - Healthy Recipes Blog (7)](https://i0.wp.com/healthyrecipesblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/salmon-cakes-2-2023.jpg)
More Seafood Recipes
- Keto Crab Cakes
- Easy Salmon Salad
- Tuna Patties
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Recipe Card
4.98 from 658 votes
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Easy Salmon Cakes
These delicious salmon cakes are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 226kcal
Author: Vered DeLeeuw
Ingredients
- 2 6-ounce cans salmon skinless and boneless
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preheat your oven to the "keep warm" setting (170℉).
Drain the salmon cans thoroughly. Place the salmon in a large bowl. Flake it well with a fork into tiny pieces.
Add the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
Mix in the chopped parsley.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet for about 3 minutes.
Using a 4-tablespoon ice cream scoop, transfer four mounds of the mixture to the skillet. Pack the mixture into the scoop, then release it into the skillet and gently flatten.
Cook the patties until well-browned and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side. Place the cooked patties in the oven to keep them warm while you cook the second batch.
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Notes
- To ensure the salmon cakes don’t fall apart, drain the salmon thoroughly, flake it well, use large eggs, and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- About half the olive oil will remain in the skillet; the nutrition info reflects that. But you need all of it to fry the patties properly.
- You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power, or enjoy them cold straight out of the fridge.
Nutrition per Serving
Serving: 2 patties | Calories: 226 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 17 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 317 mg
About the Author
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Linda
This recipe came up when I searched for non-breaded salmon cakes. We all loved these for a quick and easy meal. That they were gluten free was even better. They are definitely on our meal rotation list. I did not have any fresh garlic so used my own dried garlic 3/4t was more than enough. I am sure they will be even better next time when I do have fresh garlic.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Linda! Many thanks for the detailed review.
Reply
Janelle
Can you cook these in the air fryer?
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Janelle,
I'm sorry - I don't own an air fryer, so I never tested that.
Nancy Giddings-Cude
Is mustard, in lieu of mayonnaise, an acceptable change?
Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Nancy,
I think that would be a lot of mustard and overpowering. Perhaps try sour cream or softened cream cheese.Reply
Kirsty
Hi! What can I use instead of Dijon mustard? Can I use English mustard or just an extra tsp mayo?
Thank you.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
Hi Kirsty,
English mustard is fine! 🙂Reply
David
Good but it is not meatless.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm glad you liked them, David. If you consider fish and seafood meat, then you are correct that they are not meatless.
Reply
Frank G.
Excellent quick meal. I used spinach instead of parsley. Came out well but I think i had issues with frying the spinach which burns easily. Still came out well.Reply
Vered DeLeeuw
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Frank! Thanks for the detailed review.
Reply
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