Quick and Easy Salmon Cakes

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Quick and Easy Salmon Cakes use leftover salmon, creating a whole new meal that is deliciously simple with just a few ingredients!

Quick and easy salmon cakes are one of my favorite ways to use leftovers. If you’ve been over to Sweetpea in the past ten years, you’ll know I do not like leftovers. I cannot handle eating the same thing twice in a week.

So, creating recipes using leftovers is the name of my game! And, these salmon cakes are just the ticket!

Crispy on the outside, delightfully moist on the inside. These quick and easy salmon cakes are so fun to make! The secret is in the filling that pairs so well with the leftover salmon. 

Use any leftover salmon, I love making this recipe on the regular!

Simply irresistible with a sprinkle of blackened season, french’s onions, a healthy plop of Duke’s mayonnaise, and crushed oyster crackers

Then you get to dip these salmon patties into a homemade tartar sauce that’s just a few pantry staples! Oh yum!!

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE QUICK & EASY SALMON PATTIES

1. leftover salmon or canned salmon
2. French’s onions
3. Mayo
4. Crushed oyster crackers
5. Blackened seasoning

Here’s how to make Salmon Cakes:

In a mixing bowl, flake your leftover salmon. If you’re using canned salmon, be sure to thumb through and see if there are any bones – that would not be good!

 

Next, pour in some french’s onions and a plop of Duke’s mayo.

Y’all know I live by Duke’s… don’t get me riled up about using other mayonnaise. 

Using a fork, combine these items with a flaking motion. No need to pack it down, just fluff it all together. 

Now here is where I was trying to be keto-low carb queen, and fry them up from here. This did not work, way too moist! So, if you’re ambitious add some almond flour to keep it low carb!

I opted to go with the carbs…

I crushed up some oyster crackers and sprinkled in a (hefty) amount of blackened seasoning. Man! This seasoning blend is amazing!! 

WHAT’S IN BLACKENED SEASONING?

• paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• thyme
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• basil
• oregano

It’s a cajun seasoning and you can make it your own with combining these flavors in a way that you like. I like heat, so I often add a little more cayenne than what it calls for.

Now, using the same fluffing fork method, mix the seasoning and crushed oyster crackers together until it looks like this.

Shape the patties using your hands and a measuring cup. Scoop the measuring cup into the ‘business,’ then plop onto your hand to form the patty. The salmon cakes should hold well together. If they don’t, you’ve used too much dry or wet ingredients. Just flip it back in, and add something to make your salmon patties hold up well together. They should end up looking like this:

These patties are about half an inch thick – and about 2 1/2″ across.

Finally, shallow pan fry using a cast iron skillet and olive oil. 

HOW LONG DO SALMON PATTIES TAKE TO COOK?

Each patty depends on the thickness – but, these took 3-4 minutes per side. 

This all depends on your stovetop – mine is a gas range, which conducts heat more evenly.

Let’s chat for a second about homemade tartar sauce.

Y’all. It is literally a few ingredients!

What is in Homemade Tartar Sauce?

• Sweet Relish.
• Lemon Zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Here are some additions to tartar sauce:

• capers
• dijon mustard
• fresh dill
• grated onion
• roasted red peppers

That sauce is so so good — and keeps well in the fridge for a few weeks in an airtight container such as a mason jar. 

I like to serve with lemon wedges, in case anyone needs a bright burst of citrus. 

You could make these into smaller salmon cakes and serve as an appetizer or game-day snack. 

What could you serve with Salmon Cakes?

A simple green salad would be wonderful – even putting the salmon cakes on top!

Here are some salad recipes I love making:

• Mandarin Orange Slaw-lad
• Everyday Salad

In closing, quick and easy salmon cakes are a great way to not only use up leftover cooked salmon but to enjoy a whole new meal together with your family. 

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