The aroma of freshly cooked salmon cakes fills the kitchen like a delightful hug. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these delectable morsels made from canned salmon awaken your taste buds with every bite. Imagine biting into a golden-brown cake that’s bursting with flavor and paired perfectly with a zesty dipping sauce.

I remember the first time I made these salmon cakes with canned salmon; my family couldn’t believe how simple yet scrumptious they were. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, they quickly became a staple in our household. Get ready to impress everyone at your dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious salmon cakes come together in under 30 minutes, making dinner prep a breeze
- Packed with flavor, they’re sure to please even picky eaters
- Their golden crust and flaky texture look as good as they taste—perfect for impressing guests!
- They’re versatile enough to be served as appetizers or main dishes
I’ll never forget my niece’s reaction when she took her first bite—she declared them “the best fish ever,” and now she requests them for every family gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Salmon: Opt for wild-caught varieties if possible; they offer better flavor and nutrition than farmed options.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs; they give the cakes structure while adding texture.
- Eggs: One large egg acts as the binder here; it keeps everything together without making it too dense.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color; use more if you love that zing!
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors; bottled juice just won’t do it justice.
- Mayonnaise: A dollop adds creaminess while enhancing the overall flavor profile; you can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill create an irresistible flavor combination; don’t skimp on seasoning!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Open those cans of deliciousness and drain the liquid from the canned salmon. Flake it gently into a large bowl using a fork until it’s nice and fluffy.
Add Ingredients Together: Toss in breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped green onions, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and seasonings into your bowl of flaked salmon. Give it all a good mix until well combined but not overworked—it should still be light and fluffy.
Shape Your Cakes: With clean hands (or slightly messy ones if you’re feeling adventurous), form small patties about 2 inches wide from your mixture. Aim for about 8 to 10 cakes depending on how generous you feel!
Heat It Up!: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add some oil until shimmering but not smoking—just like you want your dance moves to be! Cook each cake for around 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Savor the Moment!: As you cook the last batch of those glorious little cakes, prepare your favorite dipping sauce—tartar or ranch work wonders! Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy bite.
These scrumptious homemade salmon cakes made from canned salmon will surely become one of your go-to recipes!
You Must Know
- Salmon cakes with canned salmon make for a quick, delicious meal
- They are versatile and can be served as appetizers or main dishes
- The crispy outside and tender inside will leave you craving more
- Plus, they’re budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by draining the canned salmon well to avoid sogginess. Mix your ingredients and form patties before chilling them briefly in the fridge. This helps maintain their shape while cooking, leading to perfectly crispy salmon cakes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the herbs or add spices like Old Bay for extra flavor. You can also incorporate chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or onions for added texture and taste. It’s all about making these salmon cakes uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently pan-fry them again until heated through, ensuring they keep that delightful crunchiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crispness on your salmon cakes, use a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding the patties
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps maintain even cooking and prevents steaming
- Finally, let them rest for a minute before serving to enhance flavors!
Creating these delicious salmon cakes with canned salmon reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would bring their special dish. The laughter and compliments were always flowing, especially when someone took that first bite and said, “Why didn’t you make these sooner?”
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, fresh salmon works great! Just cook it thoroughly before mixing into the recipe.
How long do I need to cook the salmon cakes?
Cook each cake for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
What can I serve with salmon cakes?
Pair these tasty treats with a fresh salad or creamy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Easy Salmon Cakes with Canned Salmon
Salmon cakes made with canned salmon are a quick, delicious option for any meal. Crispy on the outside and tender within, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Ingredients
- Canned salmon
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Green onions
- Lemon juice
- Mayonnaise
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, dill)
Instructions
- Drain and flake the canned salmon into a large bowl.
- Mix in breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped green onions, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and seasonings until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 8-10 patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each patty for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg