There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked salmon cake, especially when it’s paired with a zesty lemon-dill sauce. I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when takeout was tempting, but my craving for home-cooked goodness was stronger. In just 20 minutes, I was able to whip up these crispy salmon cakes, delighting my senses with their savory flavors and the bright citrus notes that dance on your palate.
These patties are not only a budget-friendly option but also a meal prep dream, perfect for those days when you need something quick without compromising on flavor. With the versatility to adapt, feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices—every batch can be unique! Whether you serve them as a main course or an appetizer, prepare to impress your family and friends with this delicious home-cooked recipe that proves you don’t need to settle for fast food. Let’s get cooking!
Why are Crispy Salmon Cakes so irresistible?
Crispy texture: The satisfying crunch of these salmon cakes will have you hooked at first bite.
Flavor explosion: Paired with zesty lemon-dill sauce, each mouthful bursts with savory goodness.
Quick and easy: Whip them up in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Budget-friendly: Utilizes canned salmon, keeping your grocery bill low while delivering a hearty meal.
Meal prep star: Perfectly adaptable for individual tastes—mix in your favorite herbs for a unique twist! Prepare to wow your loved ones with these delightful cakes that bring comfort to home cooking!
Crispy Salmon Cakes Ingredients
For the Cakes
• Canned Salmon – The star of the dish; this budget-friendly ingredient is easy to use and retains great flavor.
• Breadcrumbs – Provides structure and crunch; try using gluten-free options if needed.
• Eggs – Binds everything together; for a vegan option, consider using flax eggs.
• Red Onion – Adds aromatic flavor; green onions can be a milder substitute.
• Parsley – Offers a fresh touch; feel free to swap with dill or cilantro for a different flair.
• Dijon Mustard – Delivers a tangy kick; yellow mustard works in a pinch.
• Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can make it lighter and healthier.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances umami flavor; soy sauce is a suitable alternative.
• Garlic Powder – Provides a subtle garlic essence; fresh minced garlic can be used for a bolder flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
• Olive Oil – For frying to achieve that irresistible crispiness; avocado oil is also a good substitute.
For the Lemon-Dill Sauce
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for zesty brightness; bottled lemon juice can be used if fresh isn’t available.
• Fresh Dill – Pairs beautifully with the salmon; feel free to use dried dill if that’s what you have on hand.
• Greek Yogurt – A creamy base for the sauce; sour cream can be a good alternative.
• Garlic Powder – Adds an aromatic note; fresh minced garlic offers a more intense flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste, ensuring your sauce complements the crispy salmon cakes perfectly.
These Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Sauce are a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor and comfort to any meal. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
How to Make Crispy Salmon Cakes
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently blend the canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, ensuring the cakes remain light and fluffy.
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Shape the Patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties, gently flattening them to ensure even cooking. This is where you can visualize the delightful cakes you’re about to enjoy!
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want it hot enough to create that oh-so-satisfying crispy texture on your salmon cakes.
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Fry the Patties: Carefully add the formed patties to the skillet, cooking each for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as you’ll want to flip them when they’re perfectly golden.
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Serve Warm: Once crispy and gorgeous, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to lightly drain any excess oil and serve them hot with lemon wedges or the zesty lemon-dill sauce you’ve just prepared.
Optional: Garnish with extra fresh dill or serve with a refreshing side salad for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Salmon Cakes
Fridge: Store leftover crispy salmon cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze cooked salmon cakes individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: For best results, reheat thawed salmon cakes in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Serving Freshness: Refresh the flavor by serving your reheated crispy salmon cakes with a new batch of zesty lemon-dill sauce for an extra pop!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Salmon Cakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mixture for the salmon cakes up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just combine the canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings as per the recipe, then cover and let it chill to enhance the flavors. Additionally, you can form the patties ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their quality, be sure to refrigerate them on a flat surface, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply fry them up in a hot skillet for that perfect crispy finish. With these tips, you’ll savor homemade goodness with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that bring out the best in these savory salmon cakes.
- Light Green Salad: A fresh mix of arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes adds a crisp texture, balancing the richness of the cakes.
- Roasted Asparagus: Slightly charred and seasoned with lemon zest, this side complements the zesty lemon-dill sauce beautifully.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty and wholesome, quinoa serves as a hearty base, enhancing the meal’s nutritional value and flavor profile.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy slaw brings a crunchy contrast with a touch of sweetness, cutting through the savory goodness of the cakes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, the potatoes create a rich foundation that pairs marvelously with the lemon-dill flavor.
- Crisp Sweet Potato Fries: They add a sweet contrast to the savory salmon cakes and are always a favorite with both kids and adults.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the fresh flavors of the salmon cakes, making the meal feel extra special.
Create a vibrant and satisfying dining experience that your loved ones will adore!
Crispy Salmon Cakes Variations
Feel free to explore your culinary creativity and make these salmon cakes your own!
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Herb Swap: Substitute parsley with dill, thyme, or cilantro for unique flavors that brighten each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a delightful heat that elevates the dish.
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Flavor Burst: Incorporate diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and a burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Smoky Twist: Mix in smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness that enhances the savory depth of the salmon cakes.
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Whole Grain: Use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for added fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the salmon.
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Cheesy Goodness: Fold in crumbled feta or shredded cheese for extra creaminess and a savory punch; an irresistible addition to these patties!
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Mini Delights: Shape the mixture into small bites for easy appetizers, perfect for parties or gatherings that everyone will love.
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Savory Sauces: Try various dipping sauces like tartar sauce, chipotle aioli, or a creamy avocado dressing to give these cakes a whole new delicious dimension!
Expert Tips for Crispy Salmon Cakes
- Keep it Light: Mixing just until combined ensures light and fluffy cakes. Overmixing can lead to dense patties you’ll want to avoid.
- Chill Before Frying: Refrigerate shaped patties for about 15 minutes before cooking to help maintain their form while frying.
- Fry in Batches: To achieve maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches so the heat circulates evenly.
- Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is properly heated before adding the patties. A hot skillet creates that gorgeous crisp you desire in crispy salmon cakes.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, allow cakes to rest on paper towels to absorb any extra oil for a healthier bite.
Enjoy these tips as you create your delicious Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Sauce!
Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best canned salmon for these cakes?
Absolutely! Look for canned salmon that comes in BPA-free packaging and ideally in water or olive oil. A good quality canned salmon should have a bright pink color and a firm texture. Avoid cans with dark spots or excessive liquid, as that could indicate a less fresh product.
What’s the best way to store leftover crispy salmon cakes?
Leftover crispy salmon cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they have cooled completely before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup, which could make them soggy.
Can I freeze crispy salmon cakes?
Yes, certainly! To freeze, first, let your cooked salmon cakes cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! To reheat, thaw and pan-fry until crispy again.
What should I do if my salmon cakes are falling apart while frying?
Very often, it’s a matter of balance in ingredients! If you find your salmon cakes are not holding together, it may be due to too much moisture. Ensure your breadcrumbs are adequate, and consider adding an extra egg as a binder. Also, chilling the patties for 10-15 minutes before cooking can help them firm up.
Are crispy salmon cakes gluten-free?
Yes, they can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, and double-check that all condiments used (like Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free. This simple swap makes them suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals while still delivering incredible flavor.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh salmon, I recommend cooking it first—either baking or pan-searing—then flaking it into the mixture. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh salmon to replace the canned version. Cooked fresh salmon will give you a delightful texture and allow you to enjoy the freshness even more.
Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently blend the canned salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties, gently flattening them.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the patties to the skillet, cooking each for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges or lemon-dill sauce.