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Quick & Crispy Canned Salmon Cakes for a Weeknight Dinner

Four perfectly pan-fried salmon cakes stacked and resting on a white plate, showing a crispy golden crust.

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Make these easy salmon cakes using canned salmon for a quick, budget-friendly meal. They fry up golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, perfect for a family favorite dinner idea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  2. Form the mixture into 6 to 8 small patties, about 1 inch thick. If the mixture is too soft, chill for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly before adding the cakes.
  4. Carefully place the salmon cakes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
  5. Pan fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the salmon cakes are golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
  6. Remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve the crispy salmon cakes immediately with lemon wedges or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer a Southern salmon patties flavor, substitute 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for the garlic powder and pepper.
  • These cakes are excellent served atop a fresh salad for a light lunch.

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