Are you tired of bland, boring seafood dishes that leave you uninspired? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with these mouthwatering Salmon Cakes that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavors! This restaurant-quality recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon, cooked and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fresh salmon. If you haven't already cooked it, you can poach or bake it until it is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Allow the salmon to cool slightly, then flake it into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl with the flaked salmon, add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should hold together; if it seems too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form it into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. You should be able to make about 8 patties from the mixture.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet to ensure even frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon cakes in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Fry the salmon cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over to avoid breaking them.
- Once cooked, transfer the salmon cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- While the salmon cakes are frying, you can prepare the lemon dill sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the salmon cakes warm, drizzled with the lemon dill sauce, and garnish with additional dill or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious salmon cakes!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: The key to incredible salmon cakes is using high-quality, fresh salmon. If possible, use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Cakes: Make sure to drain excess moisture from the cooked salmon and use breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. If the mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Perfect Frying Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for even heat distribution and a crispier exterior. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the salmon cakes to prevent them from becoming greasy.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the salmon cakes in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure each cake gets a golden, crispy crust.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the salmon cake mixture and form the patties in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Sauce Variations: While the lemon dill sauce is delicious, feel free to experiment with other complementary sauces like remoulade or tartar sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these salmon cakes with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or as a delightful burger alternative on a soft brioche bun.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
