These easy salmon cakes are the perfect way to use up leftover salmon fillets. Simple to prepare and cook, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These savory patties are made with flaked salmon, panko breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings, pan-fried until golden brown. They’re a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or as a delightful snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pre-cooked salmon filet

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (¼ cup for the mixture, ½ cup for coating)

• 2 eggs (divided)

• ¼ cup finely chopped onions and peppers

• Butter or oil for pan-frying

Directions

1. Shred the Salmon:
   Flake the cooked salmon into small pieces in a large bowl.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
   Add chopped onions, peppers, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, and one egg to the bowl with the salmon. Mix until well combined.

3. Shape the Patties:
   Scoop out about 3 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a patty.

4. Coat the Patties:
   Whisk the second egg in a small bowl. Dip each patty into the egg mixture, then coat it with the remaining breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Pan-Fry the Patties:
   Heat a medium frying pan with butter or oil. Fry the patties for a few minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.

6. Serve:
   Serve the salmon cakes hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 87 per salmon cake

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 75mg

• Potassium: 190mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0.4g

Why You’ll Love Easy Salmon Cakes

Easy to make and packed with flavor, these salmon cakes are a go-to recipe for using up leftover salmon. The crispy exterior, thanks to the panko breadcrumbs, contrasts beautifully with the moist, tender interior made from flaky salmon. The addition of finely chopped onions and peppers brings a subtle sweetness and crunch that complements the fish perfectly.

These salmon cakes are also a healthier alternative to fried fish cakes, as they’re pan-fried with just a small amount of butter or oil. Plus, they are rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, and filled with healthy fats from the salmon. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, these salmon cakes are both delicious and nutritious.

The Ingredients That Make Easy Salmon Cakes Special

• Pre-Cooked Salmon Fillet: The base of these cakes, flaked salmon adds rich flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, crispy breadcrumbs help create the perfect coating for the salmon cakes. They give the outside a golden crunch while keeping the inside tender.

• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, ensuring that the salmon cakes hold their shape while cooking.

• Onions and Peppers: Finely chopped onions and peppers bring additional flavor and texture to the salmon cakes, making them even more satisfying.

• Butter or Oil: A small amount of butter or oil is used for pan-frying, giving the cakes a crispy exterior without excessive fat.

How to Make Easy Salmon Cakes

Making these salmon cakes is a breeze. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Shred the Salmon

• Flake the cooked salmon into small pieces using a fork or your hands. Be sure to remove any bones or skin, if necessary.

2. Mix the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, chopped onions, chopped peppers, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, and one egg. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Shape the Patties

• Scoop out about 3 tablespoons of the salmon mixture and form it into a patty shape. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, making about 6 patties.

4. Coat the Patties

• In a small bowl, whisk the second egg.

• Dip each patty into the egg mixture, then coat it with the remaining ½ cup of breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the patties to make sure they stick.

5. Pan-Fry the Patties

• Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat and add butter or oil for frying.

• Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the patties to keep them intact.

6. Serve

• Once the salmon cakes are crispy and golden, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly.

• Serve the salmon cakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple squeeze of lemon.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy Salmon Cakes

These Easy Salmon Cakes are not only delicious but also offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients:

• Calories: Each salmon cake contains approximately 87 calories, making it a light yet filling meal or snack.

• Protein: With 8 grams of protein per salmon cake, they provide a healthy dose of lean protein, important for muscle growth and repair.

• Fat: Each patty contains 4 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat. Most of the fat comes from the healthy oils in the salmon, which are beneficial for heart health.

• Carbohydrates: Each salmon cake contains 5 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from the panko breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish low in carbs while still providing energy.

• Fiber: The cakes provide 1 gram of fiber per serving, which helps with digestion and adds to the feeling of fullness.

• Cholesterol: With 70 mg of cholesterol per serving, these cakes provide a moderate amount of cholesterol, mostly from the eggs and salmon. If you’re looking to lower cholesterol, you can opt for egg whites or a cholesterol-free alternative.

• Sodium: The sodium content is 75 mg per salmon cake, which is relatively low. However, if you’re watching your salt intake, be mindful of the seasoning and dipping sauces.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Salmon Cakes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a Meal: Serve the salmon cakes with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete, balanced meal.

• In a Sandwich: Place the salmon cakes on a bun with some fresh lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a delicious seafood sandwich.

• As a Snack: These salmon cakes make a great snack on their own, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a creamy dill sauce for extra flavor. You can also try them with a zesty cocktail sauce for a fun twist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Salmon Cakes are the perfect way to enjoy leftover salmon in a fresh, flavorful way. They’re quick to prepare, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making them a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, snack, or lunch. Packed with protein and healthy fats, they’re also a nutritious choice. Customize them with your favorite seasonings and dipping sauces for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try these salmon cakes today for a tasty, satisfying dish that everyone will love!