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A plate of golden brown salmon cakes with fresh dill garnish

Classic Weeknight Salmon Cakes

Quick and easy to prepare, these Classic Weeknight Salmon Cakes are perfect for a delicious and healthy meal. Featuring flaky salmon combined with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, they can be pan-fried or baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 patties
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Non-stick skillet (for pan-frying)
  • Baking sheet (for baking)

Ingredients
  

Salmon Cakes

  • 12-14 ounces cooked salmon, flaked (canned, leftover baked, or pan-seared)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispness, or regular Italian breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray for frying/baking

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Flake the cooled cooked salmon into a bowl, removing skin and bones, or drain and flake canned salmon.
  • Add breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, green onions, salt, and pepper to the salmon.
  • Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent tough cakes.

Cooking

  • Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions and form them into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick patties.
  • To pan-fry, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook salmon cakes for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Alternatively, to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place patties on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Serving

  • Remove the salmon cakes from heat and serve immediately with your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

For best results, use good quality salmon. Adjust seasoning to your preference.