Easy Salmon Cakes Recipe
This page features crispy Salmon Cakes—pan-fried salmon patties made with cooked salmon, sautéed onion and red bell pepper, breadcrumbs, eggs, and fresh parsley. They cook quickly in butter and olive oil until golden, and the recipe is adapted from Costco Connection Magazine (Farm to Table).
Salmon Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked salmon fillet
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup onions, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Remove and discard salmon skin. Flake salmon with a fork and remove any bones.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix salmon, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Form mixture into patties about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium heat. Cook half the patties 3 1/2–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Reduce heat if browning too fast.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter and cook remaining patties.
Yield: Makes about 5 to 7 salmon cakes.
Tip: If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise.
FAQ
Can I use canned salmon instead of cooked salmon fillet?
Yes. Drain it well and remove any skin and bones. The texture will be softer, so you may need extra breadcrumbs.
Why sauté the onion and pepper first?
Sautéing softens the vegetables and adds flavor so the cakes don’t taste raw or watery.
How do I keep salmon cakes from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet, chill patties briefly if needed, and flip gently once the first side is browned.
What sauces go well with salmon cakes?
They’re great with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a simple mayo-based sauce—your page already uses mayonnaise in the mixture.