Smoked Salmon Cakes

This easy salmon patties recipe is a delicious and versatile option that can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish! Packed with protein and omega-3s, these smoked salmon cakes are a great meal.

If you love salmon, these smoked salmon cakes are a must-try! These smoked salmon patties are slightly crispy on the outside, and light and flakey on the inside. 

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love this Smoked Salmon Cakes Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Recipe Variations and Substitutions
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• When to Serve Smoked Salmon Cakes
• What to Serve with Salmon Patties
• Possible Dietary Restrictions?
• Expert Tips
• Helpful Equipment
• Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy
• Smoked Salmon Cakes

Why You’ll Love this Smoked Salmon Cakes Recipe

Level of difficulty: Easy. 

Flavor: Rich smoked salmon is the primary flavor in these homemade salmon patties.

Time: It will take you approximately 20 minutes to make your smoked salmon cakes. This assumes you do two rounds of pan-frying.

Ingredients Needed

• Smoked salmon
• Fresh chives
• Fresh parsley (curly or flat leaf parsley)
• Garlic
• Creole seasoning (this one is my go-to)
• Large egg
• Bread crumbs
• Neutral oil for frying (grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• Dipping sauce + lemon wedges for serving (see “what to serve with salmon patties” section 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

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended.
2. Form the mixture into 4, equal-sized patties.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, pan-fry patties with a neutral oil for ~3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. 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.

Possible Dietary Restrictions?

This smoked salmon cakes recipe is dairy free as written, and can be made gluten free easily with one substitution.  

• To make these into gluten free salmon cakes, substitute the standard bread crumbs with gluten free bread crumbs.

A note for those who are dairy free: be sure to select a sauce or topping (if using) that meets your dietary needs.

Because salmon and eggs are staples to making this recipe, I do not recommend trying to modify this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. 

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.

Helpful Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Large Frying Pan
• Spatula

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