These easy Simple Salmon Cakes are a delightful way to transform leftover salmon into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these salmon cakes are packed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, making them a delicious lunch or a light dinner.
Serve these salmon cakes with a dollop of creamy tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a truly satisfying bite.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, with the fresh taste of salmon balanced by herbs and a bright citrus note.
- Textures: Crispy exterior with a soft, flaky interior.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need
To create these Simple Salmon Cakes, you’ll need some cooked salmon, fresh herbs for brightness, binding ingredients, and a touch of lemon for acidity. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful patty.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these Simple Salmon Cakes, you’ll need cooked salmon for the delicious heart of the dish, some breadcrumbs for the perfect texture, fresh herbs and lemon zest for a zesty flavor punch, and oil for nice crisping.
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Salmon This is the star of the show! Feel free to use any type of cooked salmon.
- Breadcrumbs These help bind the salmon mixture and create a nicely crisp exterior. Panko breadcrumbs add even more crispiness!
- Fresh Parsley This adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Lemon Zest Lemon zest brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty aroma. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
- Egg This helps bind the salmon mixture together.
- Mayonnaise This adds moisture and a touch of creaminess.
- Olive Oil For pan-frying to a crispy golden finish.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Herbs: Feel free to get creative with herbs. Dill, chives, or a mix of herbs all work great.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Juice: You can add juice to the mixture with the zest, or even a splash on top after cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
How to Make Simple Salmon Cakes from Leftovers
First, gather all of your ingredients and get ready to create some deliciousness.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked salmon (flaked), breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, egg, and mayonnaise.
- Gently mix all ingredients together until everything is well combined. Do not overmix – you should still have some flakes of salmon.
- Form the mixture into patties, using about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place the salmon cakes into the hot skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook the salmon cakes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the salmon cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Pro Tip: Be Gentle When Mixing
Gently mixing the mixture will keep the salmon cakes tender.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the salmon cakes, as this can make them dry.
- Test for Doneness: The salmon cakes are cooked when they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve these simple salmon cakes soon after cooking.
FAQs
- Can I use canned salmon? Yes, you can. Just make sure to drain the canned salmon well before using it.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can shape the patties and chill them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before cooking.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Adjust as necessary if the flavor is not strong enough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Simple Salmon Cakes with these tasty accompaniments:
- Tartar Sauce: A classic pairing.
- Lemon Wedges: For a fresh burst of citrus.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted Asparagus: A quick side to create an easy meal.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the salmon mixture ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients, shape into patties, place in a freezer-safe bag, and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
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Simple Salmon Cakes from Leftovers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
These easy Simple Salmon Cakes are a delightful way to transform leftover salmon into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these salmon cakes are packed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, making them a delicious lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces cooked leftover salmon
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ onion, finely diced
¼ cup sweet bell peppers, finely diced
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Finely dice the onion and bell peppers. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then saut the onions and peppers until softened, about a few minutes. Let cool.
In a bowl, flake the leftover salmon. Add the beaten egg, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled onions and peppers. Form into patties and set aside.
Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium. Cook the salmon patties for about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve.
Notes
Don’t overcook the salmon cakes, as this can make them dry.
Test for Doneness: The salmon cakes are cooked when they are golden brown and heated through.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve these simple salmon cakes soon after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 20g
