These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon – YUMM!! It’s mostly salmon which makes every bite such a treat! These salmon cakes always disappear fast and are well loved by the kids and grown ups in our family. I love that there isn’t a hint of fishiness in them.

It’s a smart way to use up leftover cooked salmon, but it’s worth the extra 10 minutes it takes to roast salmon just for this recipe. These salmon patties are THAT GOOD! p.s. You can also use well-drained packaged or canned salmon if that’s what you have on hand.

Make sure to serve with this homemade tartar sauce – it’s the easiest sauce to make, keeps well in the fridge, and once you try homemade, there’s just no going back to the store-bought muck. The same goes for these salmon cakes – they are truly delicious!

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

Ingredients for Salmon Cakes:

1 lb fresh salmon filet*
Garlic Salt – I use Lawry’s brand
Black Pepper
Olive Oil
1 medium onion (1 cup finely diced)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 cup Panko bread crumbs (Japanese Style crumbs)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 Tbsp mayo
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

*Note: Fresh salmon is best, but it can be substituted with leftover cooked salmon, or 14-15 oz of well-drained canned salmon, or three 5 oz salmon packets. If mixture is too moist to hold the patty shape, add more bread crumbs and if it is too dry, add an extra Tablespoon of mayo.

Watch How To Make Salmon Patties:

How To Make Salmon Cakes (Salmon Patties):

1. Preheat Oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat. Place salmon skin-side down, brush with olive oil and season with garlic salt and black pepper.

Bake uncovered for 10-15 min or just until cooked through (my thinner cut wild salmon was closer to 10 minutes). Remove from oven, cover with foil and rest ten minutes. Discard skin, flake salmon with forks, remove any bones, and cool to room temp while prepping remaining ingredients.

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp butter and finely diced onion and bell pepper. Saute until softened and golden (7-9 minutes) then remove from heat.

Two photos of red peppers and onions being sautéed

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled flaked salmon, sautéed onion and pepper, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 3 Tbsp mayo, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Stir to combine then form into 13-14 patties. I find it’s easiest to portion the patties using a flat ice cream scoop then pressing them into 1/3 to 1/2″ thick patties.

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

4. Heat 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat and once butter is done sizzling, add half of the salmon cakes and sauté 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

If salmon cakes brown too quickly, reduce heat. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter and repeat cooking remaining salmon cakes.

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

I can’t get enough of those big flakes of salmon! Major Cravings for salmon cakes with homemade tartar sauce right now. Hands down, these are the best salmon cakes I’ve ever tried and they are so easy!

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

P.S. If you love this recipe and salmon in general, our famous baked salmon is a must try!

Salmon Cakes Recipe (Salmon Patties)

4.98 from 755 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with flavorful bites of flaked salmon and they always disappear fast! Make sure to serve with our homemade tartar sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 13 to 14 salmon cakes

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat. Place salmon skin-side down, brush with olive oil and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Bake uncovered for 10-15 min or just until cooked through (my thinner cut salmon was closer to 10 min). Remove from oven, cover with foil and rest ten minutes. Discard skin, flake salmon with forks, remove any bones, and cool to room temp.
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp butter and finely diced onion and bell pepper. Saute until softened and golden (7-9 minutes) then remove from heat.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled flaked salmon, sautéed onion and pepper, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 3 Tbsp mayo, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Stir to combine then form into 13-14 patties. It's easy to portion patties using a flat ice cream scoop then pressing them into 1/3 to 1/2" thick patties.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat and once butter is done sizzling, add half of the salmon cakes and sauté 3 1/2 to 4 min per side or until golden brown and cooked through. If salmon cakes brown too quickly, reduce heat. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter and repeat cooking remaining salmon cakes.

Notes

*Note: Fresh salmon is best, but it can be substituted with leftover cooked salmon, or 14-15 oz of well-drained canned salmon, or three 5 oz salmon packets. If mixture is too moist to hold the patty shape, add more bread crumbs and if it is too dry, add an extra Tablespoon of mayo.

Nutrition Per Serving

157kcal Calories5g Carbs9g Protein11g Fat3g Saturated Fat53mg Cholesterol175mg Sodium221mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar373IU Vitamin A8mg Vitamin C21mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Salmon Cakes Recipe (Salmon Patties)
Amount per Serving
Calories
157
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
53
mg
18
%
Sodium
 
175
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
221
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
 
5
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
373
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
21
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salmon cakes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 157
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com

Love Salmon?! Me too!! Check out all of our Salmon Recipes Here :).

These salmon cakes are crisp on the outside with tasty bites of flaked salmon. They always disappear fast! SUPER EASY and truly delicious salmon cakes! | natashaskitchen.com
4.98 from 755 votes (361 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Monice Kaczorowski
    June 3, 2022

    Best salmon patty recipe I have found and the Tatar sauce rocks as well.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 3, 2022

      So glad to hear that! I appreciate the review.

      Reply

  • Samantha Vallo
    May 21, 2022

    Best recipe ever!! We use it all the time. With Wild Alaskan Salmon!!
    #wildalaskan #wac

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 21, 2022

      So glad you enjoy this recipe, Samantha! 🙂

      Reply

  • lizv
    May 21, 2022

    Tried this for the first time last night. Made these additions: added more worcestershire sauce, some lemon juice and since I have a ton of kale and chives I chopped them finely and added it the patties.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 21, 2022

      Sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing these additions with us.

      Reply

  • Mary Beth
    May 19, 2022

    Natasha! I love, love, love these. I’ve made them many times and they never disappoint. I may even be known to have leftovers for breakfast!
    I know it’s not nice to say I love your recipe but I changed it – but… I had to swap out the mayo and swapped in Greek yogurt (I just can’t do mayo) and it works just fine.
    And – here’s a twist – the other night I had a couple left and was planning on finishing them up but I also wanted some tomato soup – guess what: dipping bites of the salmon cakes in tomato soup is excellent! So good that I’m making more tonight. (And it may be a little more calorie friendly than tartar sauce).
    Last comment – I would love to see your husband make “how I make our videos” videos – I would be the first to subscribe.
    Thanks for the recipes and best wishes for continued success.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 19, 2022

      Hello Mary Beth, great to hear from you and thanks for sharing! Nice to know that you enjoyed it that way too, thanks for the review and suggestion!

      Reply

  • Andi
    May 13, 2022

    I can’t wait to make these with leftover salmon i have from dinner last night. I’ve made so many of your recipes. Everything always delicious. One of my favorite food blogs!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 13, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Andi!

      Reply

  • Liz
    April 28, 2022

    I made these burger size and served for lunch on a bun with the tartar sauce and shredded iceberg lettuce. Fantastic! Thank you for the recipe!!!!
    I lovvvve celery and will add some next time.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 29, 2022

      You’re welcome, Liz! I’m so glad you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    April 25, 2022

    Just made these, and they are delicious! Served them with a sriracha aoili sauce. Yum, thank you Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Lisa!

      Reply

  • Tish
    April 24, 2022

    This recipe was perfect! My family loved them! I usually improvise while following a recipe but this one I followed to a T and I am so glad I did. I don’t even like salmon cakes, but I really liked these a lot. I cooked them in an iron skillet and they came out crispy on the outside and didn’t fall apart. Thank you for this awesome recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 24, 2022

      Hi Tish, thanks for sharing that with us! I’m glad you followed the recipe as it is and loed the result!

      Reply

  • Grace Manka
    April 20, 2022

    We had to improvise when cooking, and found that adding some mashed up hard boiled eggs with the salmon added a nice flavor.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 20, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Grace! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Mary Ann
    April 15, 2022

    Oh my goodness! Really good recipe! I didn’t even have all of the ingredients (bell pepper) and they were so delicious. Definitely will make this recipe again. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 15, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mary Ann!

      Reply

    • Jenny from the north
      June 17, 2022

      I found “salmon trimmings” at the store today at a fraction of the price of the whole filets (1lb/$4). I spread the small pieces out on parchment and cooked for 8min and carried on with the recipe. I meant to follow the recipe exactly the first time but realized at home that I was missing red pepper and parsley so I used dill and some carrot I grated very finely with a rasp. Not sure what difference that made but they were delicious. I’ve tried other recipies in the past and they tasted ok but always fell apart. This is the perfect consistency and they look photo worthy. Can the extras be frozen? I’m solo and made 9 generous patties but 3/meal is plenty for me. I’d rather freeze the extras for 2 other meals instead of eating them several meals in a row before they go “off”.

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        June 17, 2022

        Hi Jenny, yes, these can be made ahead, and frozen until ready to cook. I would cook the salmon to form the patties and then freeze them before cooking the patties. We keep them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper.
        Here is what one of my other readers said, “I always freeze them after cooking (initially frying them to a golden color so when I defrost and reheat in the frying pan they do not get too brown). I wrap each patty individually in saran wrap and then put into a freezer bag. I usually take them out of the freezer in the morning of the day I intend on cooking them.” I hope that helps.

        Reply

  • B.G.
    April 6, 2022

    WOW!!! This is the BEST recipe for leftover salmon ever!!!! My husband said these were the best “seafood” cakes he’s ever had! No overpowering fishy/salmon flavor at all. Made the tartar sauce too, but they were so good on their own! Thanks for another outstanding recipe Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 6, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, B.G.!

      Reply

  • Jessica
    April 2, 2022

    I used canned salmon instead of making it fresh and they still turned out great! Even my toddler will eat these and I feel good giving him something nutritious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 3, 2022

      Nice to know that your toddler loves this recipe too!

      Reply

  • Steven
    March 24, 2022

    Not sure how this recipe is making 13-14 cakes… I got 7. Make if you make them super small as apps… but for a dinner portion… you’ll get about 6-8. I love this recipe though.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 24, 2022

      Hi Steven, maybe you were able to make bigger patties but glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Kristin
    March 22, 2022

    Wow! This is a keeper! Flavors were amazing!

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 22, 2022

      You’re very welcome!

      Reply

  • Julie pickerel
    March 16, 2022

    Awesome, I used leftover salmon from day before. Instead of Mayo I used the leftover remoulade. I also coated in panko and fried like chicken. Super crispy, moist, and delicious!
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 16, 2022

      Sounds so good! Thank you for your review, good to know that the substitution that you used worked well.

      Reply

  • Gloria
    March 15, 2022

    Simple, fast, easy and absolutely DELICIOUS!! Definitely a keeper. Thank you so much for sharing Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 16, 2022

      You’re welcome, Gloria. I’m happy to hear that you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Jonathan
    March 14, 2022

    I just finished making these with the leftover salmon I had from last nights cook. They came out nice, and tasty. I substituted the half raw pepper for a already roasted pepper from a jar. Also, I didn’t have panko so I used regular bread crumb. After pan searing them I through in the toaster oven at 350 convection for 20 min. It really crisped them up. We ate them with fresh lemon.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 14, 2022

      Thank you for sharing, Jonathan. So happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for the excellent review.

      Reply

  • Rashida
    March 6, 2022

    Delish! And best of all my 2 year olds like them. Quick and easy. I had some pre Cooked Salmon from Trader Joe’s which made this extra quick.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2022

      Thanks for your good comments and feedback, glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Chris Hall
    February 9, 2022

    I made these for dinner tonight. I didn’t have red pepper. I substituted banana pepper. No fresh parsley so I used half the amount of dried and added it while cooking the onions. In our house garlic is a must so I added 4 cloves to the pan halfway through cooking the onion and pepper. I cooked some of the cakes in cast iron as the recipe called for and half in the air fryer at 400° for 12 minutes. We can’t decide which ones we liked better. There was a subtle difference in taste. They were both delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2022

      I’m glad you liked the recipe with the substitutions that you used. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Diane
    February 9, 2022

    These are delicious! I made them for dinner along with rice pilaf and a salad. They are also good for breakfast with grits. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Diane!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.