Smoked Salmon Cakes

These easy smoked salmon cakes are crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes! What makes our recipe special is how we use convenient smoked salmon (no cooking required!) combined with fresh herbs and a kick of Creole seasoning to create restaurant-quality flavor at home. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner alongside your favorite sides.

As someone who’s developed over 50 main dish recipes for this website, including more than 20 that are “30-minute meals,” I understand the need to make something fun and fresh while also getting dinner on the table quickly. These salmon cakes hit that sweet spot of being impressive enough for company but simple enough for busy weeknights when you want something more exciting than your usual rotation.

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to get the texture just right. They’re not too wet and not too dry, with the ideal balance of smoky salmon flavor and fresh herbs. The key is using the right ratio of breadcrumbs to egg for binding, plus that touch of Creole seasoning that really takes them to the next level. Once you try our version, you’ll see why these have become a go-to recipe in our house for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions.

Ingredients Needed

• Smoked salmon. The main ingredient that gives these cakes their delicious smoky flavor. Since it’s already cooked, it’s convenient and easy to work with.
• Fresh chives. Add a mild onion flavor and fresh green color without being too strong.
• Fresh parsley. Brings freshness and bright color to balance the rich salmon. You can use both curly or flat leaf parsley for this recipe.
• Garlic. Adds savory flavor that pairs nicely with the smoky salmon.
• Creole seasoning. Gives the cakes a spicy kick and extra flavor. Cajun seasoning by Tony Chachere is our family’s favorite!
• Large egg. Acts as a binder to help hold the ingredients together so the cakes don’t fall apart when cooking.
• Bread crumbs. Also helps to bind everything together and soak up moisture to get the right texture.
• Neutral oil for frying. Creates a golden, crispy outside while cooking the cakes evenly without adding extra flavor. We like to use either grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for this.
• Dipping sauce + lemon wedges for serving. The lemon adds brightness that cuts through the richness, while sauces provide extra flavor and moisture. See the “what to serve with salmon patties” section below for recommendations!

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Add veggies to your patties. Want to add some veggies into your smoked salmon cakes? Try adding half of a bell pepper that is finely chopped into your salmon cakes mixture. I would recommend using a red, yellow, or orange bell pepper.
• Swap out the bread crumbs. You could try using panko bread crumbs in lieu of standard bread crumbs. Crushed croutons or saltine crackers are other substitutions you could try if you do not have them on hand.
• Try a different spice blend. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning (aka Creole seasoning), you can try Old Bay Seasoning in a one-to-one ratio. You could also try another seafood seasoning that you like. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended.

Form the mixture into 4, equal-sized patties.

In a skillet over medium heat, pan-fry patties with a neutral oil for ~3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve with dipping sauce of choice and a lemon wedge, and enjoy!

When to Serve Smoked Salmon Cakes

Salmon patties are a great option for brunch, lunch, dinner, or served as an appetizer!

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

Wondering what goes with salmon patties? Well you’re in luck! Smoked salmon cakes are delicious with a wide variety of foods.

Enjoy with a Dipping Sauce

My favorite way to enjoy smoked salmon cakes is with a dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Some of my favorite sauces for salmon patties include sriracha aioli, Thousand Island dressing, or remoulade sauce. Tartar sauce or plain Greek yogurt are other great options to try.

Pair with a Lightly Dressed Side Salad

If you’re enjoying your smoked salmon cakes as a main dish, a lightly dressed side salad is a great choice! Greens tossed with a light vinaigrette is my go-to. Add in some cherry tomatoes, raw onion (if that’s your thing), and croutons for a little fancier yet simple salad.

Serve with your Favorite Cooked or Roasted Vegetable

If you’re wanting something other than a salad, try serving with the cooked vegetable of your choice. I personally like blanched fresh green beans or green peas.

Expert Tips

If your salmon cakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If your cakes are browning too quickly or are getting too dark, reduce the heat of your stove before cooking the next batch of your salmon patties.

For doubling the recipe, use three eggs instead of two. We’ve found that adding a third egg to the salmon cake mixture when doubling this recipe is helpful! You want to have a moist mixture that sticks together easily because that helps you to form your patties. If your mixture is too dry, your patties will fall apart.