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Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 cakes per serving)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood recipe featuring canned pink salmon combined with fresh vegetables and seasonings, pan-fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for a quick main course, these salmon cakes deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon, drained and flaked (bones removed)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying


Instructions

  1. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, chopped onion, celery, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form patties: Shape the mixture into 8 small, even-sized patties to ensure they cook uniformly.
  3. Heat oil: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to prevent sticking and achieve a golden crust.
  4. Cook salmon cakes: Add the patties to the skillet in batches, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain excess oil: Transfer cooked salmon cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  6. Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges or your preferred dipping sauce for added zest.

Notes

  • You can substitute canned salmon with fresh cooked salmon if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
  • Salmon cakes reheat well in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
  • These cakes freeze beautifully, making them easy to prepare in advance for future meals.