Salmon Patties (Salmon Cakes)

How to quickly make the most delicious salmon patties!

Whether you call them salmon patties or salmon cakes, they’re perfect for a quick and delicious family meal. The roasted salmon is already rich and juicy, so combining it with fresh veggies, herbs, and some panko breadcrumbs takes it to an even happier place. The salmon patties get super crispy on the outside while staying soft, tender, juicy, and full of flavor on the inside. I love serving them with my easy, creamy, cool coleslaw.

I had salmon on hand, so it gave me the perfect opportunity to show you just how easy it is to roast. However, you could use leftover or canned salmon to make these patties even quicker. If you don’t have as much salmon on hand, cut the recipe in half for a smaller batch. Your family will love these!

Why will I make these regularly?

Crispy, tender, flavor-packed patties filled with

Succulent, rich salmon

Tender, juicy peppers

Fresh, cool herbs topped with

Cool, creamy, lemony

Tangy coleslaw.

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What do I need to roast salmon?

Salmon filets -I like getting big packs of fresh salmon from Costco, but salmon is available in most supermarkets. If you live near a fish market… you’re so lucky!

Olive oil –I don’t skimp on flavor in recipes with few ingredients, so I use great-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Salt and pepper -all the seasoning salmon needs to taste amazing.

What are the ingredients for the salmon patties?

Flaked roasted salmon -it flakes right off the skin when freshly roasted, but you can take a shortcut here and use canned flaked salmon or tuna for these patties.

Scallions -thinly sliced for mild oniony flavor.

Bell peppers -use your favorite color combination for a little juicy, sweet, peppery bite.

Panko breadcrumbs -I use unseasoned so I can add the seasoning myself.

Eggs -beaten to help bind the patties together.

Mustard -adds a hint of sharpness to round out all the seasoning.

Mayonnaise -works with the egg to help hold everything together and keep the cooked patties moist.

Dried dill -brightens the patties with a cool herb flavor.

Salt -to season the breadcrumbs and help the herbs shine.

Crushed red pepper flakes -optional for the little kick of heat my family loves!

Garlic powder -adds the perfect amount of garlicky flavor to the breadcrumbs.

Parsley -finely chopped for extra fresh herbiness.

What do I need to make slaw?

Cabbage slaw -any slaw mix will work with this recipe. In my video, I had a broccoli and cabbage slaw blend. Use what your family likes.

Greek yogurt -adds tanginess to the slaw with thick, creaminess.

Mayonnaise -balances the tanginess with a neutral creamy flavor.

Lemon juice -lemon goes so well with fish in general that adding it to the coleslaw was a no-brainer. However, you can use wine or balsamic vinegar, too.

Olive oil -I just use a little to enrich the texture and flavor of the dressing.

Salt & freshly cracked black pepper -seasons all the ingredients to make the coleslaw unforgettable.

How do I roast salmon?

Preheat the oven to 425 °F, 220 °C. Place the salmon in a baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast on the center rack for about 18 minutes or until cooked and flaky. Squeeze some lemon juice over the fish and set aside to cool.

How do I make the salmon patties?

Add the scallions, 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, and diced bell peppers to a pan. Cook over medium heat until softened. Then, flake the salmon and add it to a bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix together.

How do I cook the salmon patties?

Shape the patties with about 1/3 cup of the salmon mixture per patty. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties 3-4 minutes per side until they’re a deep golden brown.

Can I cook the patties in the oven?

Instead of pan-frying, brush the salmon patties with olive oil and bake in a preheated 400 °F, 200 °C oven for about 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking.

What about cooking them in the air fryer?

Brush the salmon patties with olive oil and air fry at 400 °F for about 12 minutes. Flip over halfway through cooking.

How do I make the coleslaw?

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl. Then, mix in the cabbage until well combined.

How do I serve salmon patties?

You can serve the patties over the coleslaw or put the two in a sandwich or wrap. You could even put them over a salad or alongside rice. The patties are so versatile and will go great with many summer sides. Try them with my Lemony Orzo with Feta & Pesto, Spanakopita Salad, or Greek-style Potato & Green Bean Salad. Kali Orexi!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! The uncooked patties can be shaped and frozen for up to 3 months. Place the patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place them into the freezer until they are completely frozen. Remove the tray and put the patties in a freezer-safe bag or storage container.

Do you have more patties and cakes?

Yes! It’s a delicious way to use leftover meats and vegetables. This recipe isn’t too far from my Tuna Patties. I also have vegetarian cakes and patties. Try my Cauliflower Cakes/Patties, Couscous Veggie Patties, Santorini Style Tomato Fritters: Domatokeftedes, Greek-Style Bean Fritters: Fasoulokeftedes, or Revithokeftedes: Greek-Style Chickpea Patties.

Watch the Video: