Salmon Cakes: A Budget-Friendly Dinner Option With Endless Possibilities

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Are you looking for a budget-friendly dinner option that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than salmon cakes, a versatile dish that can be made with canned salmon and a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salmon cakes are a great way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon without breaking the bank. They’re also incredibly versatile, and can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a brunch option.

Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

One of the best things about salmon cakes is that they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add a variety of ingredients, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to give them extra flavor and texture.

You can also serve them with a range of sauces, from tangy tartar sauce to creamy dill sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make salmon cakes from scratch:

1 (14.75 oz) can of salmon , look for wild-caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon for the best flavor and nutrition

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs , these will help bind the cakes together and give them a crispy exterior

1/4 cup finely chopped onion , you can use either yellow or white onion, depending on your preference

1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper , any color bell pepper will work, but red or orange will add a pop of color to the dish

2 cloves garlic, minced , make sure to mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the cakes

1 tablespoon lemon juice , fresh or bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh is always best

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , this will add a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the cakes

1/2 teaspoon salt , use plain old table salt or sea salt, whichever you prefer

1/4 teaspoon black pepper , freshly ground black pepper is always best, but pre-ground will work in a pinch

2 tablespoons olive oil , you can use any neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed, if you prefer

2 eggs, lightly beaten , these will help bind the cakes together and add moisture

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley , this will add a bright, fresh flavor to the cakes

Why These Ingredients

Salmon

Salmon is the star of the show in this recipe, and for good reason. It’s an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Look for wild-caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon for the best flavor and nutrition.

When using canned salmon, make sure to drain the liquid and flake the fish into small pieces. You can also use fresh salmon if you prefer, but canned is a more budget-friendly option.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that’s lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. They’re perfect for adding texture to the salmon cakes without making them too dense.

You can also use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer, but panko is a better choice for this recipe.

Onion and Bell Pepper

Onion and bell pepper add a sweet, crunchy texture to the salmon cakes. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red or orange will add a pop of color to the dish.

Make sure to finely chop the onion and bell pepper so they distribute evenly throughout the cakes.

Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s talk about how to make the salmon cakes. It’s a relatively simple process, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon , Drain the liquid from the canned salmon and flake the fish into small pieces. If using fresh salmon, make sure to cook it according to your preference before flaking it.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients , In a large bowl, combine the salmon, panko breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Parsley , Add the lightly beaten eggs and chopped parsley to the bowl and mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cakes , Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches thick and 3-4 inches wide. You should end up with around 8-10 cakes.

Step 5: Heat the Oil , Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy , Serve the salmon cakes hot with your favorite sauce or side dish. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

How To Serve

Salmon cakes are incredibly versatile, and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Serve them with a tangy tartar sauce, made with mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and lemon juice. This is a classic combination that’s sure to please.

Try serving them with a creamy dill sauce, made with sour cream, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. This is a great option for a lighter, fresher take on the dish.

For a more substantial meal, serve the salmon cakes with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. This is a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to the dish.

You can also serve the salmon cakes on a bed of mixed greens, with a light vinaigrette dressing. This is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

You can store the salmon cakes at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight.

After 2 hours, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze the cakes to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator

You can store the salmon cakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container and away from strong-smelling foods.

To reheat, simply cook the cakes in a skillet with a little oil until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Freezer

You can store the salmon cakes in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and label them with the date.

To reheat, simply thaw the cakes overnight in the refrigerator and cook them in a skillet with a little oil until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

Make sure to use fresh ingredients, such as fresh parsley and lemon juice, to get the best flavor out of your salmon cakes.

Avoid using frozen or canned ingredients, as they can affect the texture and flavor of the cakes.

Don’t Overmix

Make sure not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make the cakes dense and heavy.

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are fully incorporated, and avoid over-working the mixture.

Use the Right Oil

Make sure to use a neutral-tasting oil, such as olive or canola oil, to cook the salmon cakes.

Avoid using strong-smelling oils, such as coconut or sesame oil, as they can overpower the flavor of the cakes.

Don’t Overcook

Make sure not to overcook the salmon cakes, as this can make them dry and crispy.

Cook the cakes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside.

Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the salmon cakes your own.

Try adding different herbs or spices, such as dill or paprika, to give the cakes a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts

Salmon cakes are a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and moist interior, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

So why not give them a try and see what you think?”