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
- leftover salmon or canned salmon
- French’s onions
- Mayo
- Crushed oyster crackers
- 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:
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.
PrintQuick and Easy Salmon Cakes
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan frying
- Cuisine: american
Description
Quick and Easy Salmon Cakes use leftover salmon, creating a whole new meal that is deliciously simple with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients
Salmon Cakes:
- 1/2 pound leftover cooked salmon
- 1/2 cup french onions
- 1/2 cup Duke’s Mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup crushed oyster crackers
- 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning
- 1/2 cup olive oil for frying
- lemon wedges
Tartar Sauce
- 1 cup Duke’s Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet relish
- Juice of one lemon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, flake cooked salmon, making sure there are no bones.
- Add french onions and mayo
- Stir with a fork to combine
- Add crushed oyster crackers and blackened seasoning
- Stir with a fork to combine
- Using a measuring cup and your hands, form into patties that are half an inch thick, and a little over 2 inches wide.
- Pan fry in a cast iron skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Stir all ingredients together for tartar sauce – checking to see if you think you need any salt or pepper.
- Serve salmon cakes with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Keywords: quick and easy salmon cakes
You can save this recipe to your favorite seafood board on Pinterest!
Yum!!! Looks delish. And to anyone afraid of cast iron, it’s the BEST 🙂
Yes!!! I have a skillet that is going on 30 years!
This looks so good! And what a great way to turn leftover salmon into another meal! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Rachael!
I”m with you, I”m not a fan of leftovers! I can tell, that won’t be a problem with this recipe!! Delish!
★★★★★
Ha! Leftover haters unite! 😉
I am also not a fan of leftover fish. Tried these with some leftover salmon and they were delicious! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Yay!! Thanks, Courtney!
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It’s perfect for a gathering or a party.
★★★★★
Definitely great for a party!
We make something very similar. It’s great for baby led weanijg too.
That’s good to know!
These Salmon Cakes look amazing! I’m loving that crust! OMG! Plus, I love how easy and quick they are to make. 3-4 minutes on each side is dynamite!
★★★★★
Super quick supper! 😉
Looks delicious and super easy for busy work nights!
Yes! We all love that, right?!
What a delicious looking appetizer. I love the dipping sauce!
It’s so great, Sandi! It pairs well with any kind of seafood, too!
These were great. From now on I’m going to make extra Salmon just so I make sure I have leftovers for these.
★★★★★
Oh yeah!! The meal that keeps on giving! 😉
This is indeed really quick and yummy. The perfect way to prepare salmon, I think. 🙂
★★★★★
It’s so so good!
These had so much flavor. My whole family loved them!
★★★★★
Yay!!!
Dipping sauce makes everything better! This is a great spin on salmon cakes (which I LOVE) with an ultra simple sauce. Thanks!
★★★★★
Yes – the dipping sauce is a regular in my home!
I’ve never used Salmon this way before but I’m definitely going to. This is super quick , easy and delicious!
★★★★★
Yeah!! Thanks for popping by!