How to Make Salmon Cakes (3 Ways)

Sneak good fats and veggies into your diet when you learn how to make salmon cakes, cooked 3 ways! Eaten with a fork or held in your hand, these easy salmon patties come together in no time at all for a low carb appetizer or healthy addition to any meal. Make them in the air fryer, oven, or on the stove! Gluten and Dairy Free. 

Part 1 of our full week of omega-rich recipes, these salmon cakes are part of our Restorative Health Series, meaning they’re made with nutrient-dense ingredients to help nourish your body! 

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too….Salmon Cake, That Is! 

Are you tired of ham and turkey? Me too. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Leftover Turkey Nachos Salad Bowls or Ham and Vegetable Soup. However, after the holidays, I’m ready for something different and super nourishing, especially after all the holiday desserts and beverages. That’s where salmon comes into play! Not only is it delicious and full of flavor, but it’s also packed with healthy fats, making it the perfect option to kick off our omega week! 

However, I know cooking (and eating) salmon can be a bit intimidating, especially for those who don’t particularly love fish. So, before we jump into recipes like Baked Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce or Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon (both of which I highly recommend), I thought I’d ease us into things by teaching you all how to make salmon cakes! In my humble opinion, they’re the perfect kid-friendly option for appetizers, dinners, and more. The best part is, they’re so tasty you won’t even remember they’re good for you, and the kids will be excited to eat them! Score! 

Unlike frozen varieties, these easy salmon patties are made with whole food ingredients, are high in fiber, and ready in minutes. Plus, the omega fatty acids will help fight inflammation and leave you feeling energized. We’ll get into that later, though. For now, keep reading to learn how to make salmon cakes! 

Are Gluten Free Salmon Cakes Good for You? 

The short answer is yes, but let’s dig a little deeper than that. Shall we? Made with simple ingredients, these salmon cakes are full of healthy fats, vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the inclusion of fresh vegetables, salmon, coconut flour, eggs, and spices. However, the real star of the show is the salmon as it’s full of omega 3 fatty acids!

Salmon – The King of Omega 3 Fatty Acids 

Crucial for optimal health, omega 3’s are a type of polyunsaturated fat and cannot be produced by the body. This means that we must get them from food sources such as salmon, leafy greens, chia seeds, eggs, and more. They exist in 4 different forms which you can read more about here and have many health benefits. For example, consuming adequate omega 3’s can help lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels, fight depression and anxiety, reduce inflammation, reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, support bone health, and more! 

How to Make Salmon Cakes (Cooked 3 Ways)

These salmon cakes come together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought varieties! Keep reading to find the ingredients you’ll need and step-by-step instructions to make easy salmon patties. 

Ingredients

Salmon – Use either cooked salmon that has been removed of its skin and flaked. Or, opt for canned varieties instead, and make sure they are well-drained. Both options will provide you with healthy fats and delicious flavor. 

• Shredded or Riced Vegetables – Peeled cauliflower, carrot, or sweet potatoes work best and pair well with chopped onions! Just be sure NOT TO USE vegetables that have a high water content. 

• Herbs and Spices – I used garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for a slightly smoky, savory flavor somewhat reminiscent of curry. Feel free to experiment with your own flavor combinations if you’re feeling adventurous!
  
• Eggs – Eggs act as a binder, helping hold the rest of the ingredients together while also adding protein, healthy fats, and flavor to these gluten free salmon cakes.
  
• Coconut Flour – Made from the fruit of the palm tree, coconut flour is a great low-carb, gluten free alternative to regular flours that adds medium-chain triglycerides and a slightly sweet flavor to any recipe. 

Instructions

Patty Preparation:

No matter which cooking method you choose, the first step is to form your salmon cakes. To do so follow the steps below.

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Combine. To begin, combine the salmon, vegetables, onion, spices, and coconut flour in a large bowl. Once mixed, add in the egg, and combine the ingredients again. 

2. Fold. Add the fresh parsley (or herbs of choice) to the bowl, and gently fold it into the salmon mixture. 

3. Form. Using your hands, form 6-7 patties that are about ½ inch to 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide. 

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Then, follow the directions for whichever cooking method best fits your needs! 

Stove Top Method

1. Heat. Place 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat, and add 3-4 patties. 
   
2. Fry. Let the patties cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden-brown and cooked through. 
   
3. Repeat. Remove the cooked salmon cakes from the pan, and place them on a paper towel or plate. Repeat the frying process, adding 1-2 teaspoons of oil or butter as needed until all of the mixture has been used.

Air Fryer Method

1. Chill. Once formed, chill the cakes in the fridge for 10 minutes, so just the patties can hold their shape better before air frying.
   
2. Air Fry. In the last few minutes of chilling, spray the air fryer with cooking oil, and preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook the patties in batches for 10-12 minutes, making sure to flip them over halfway through cooking.

Oven Method

1. Preheat. To start, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper before setting it aside.
   
2. Bake. Add the salmon cakes to the prepared baking sheet, and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking. 

Tips for Easy Salmon Patties

Learning how to make salmon cakes is a pretty easy process. However, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the best flavor and prettiest patties every time! 

Use Fresh Ingredients. Fresh salmon and herbs will result in the most robust flavors, making your salmon cakes even more delicious. 

Use a Big Spatula. Using a large spatula to flip the patties ensures that they stay intact. Make sure it can easily slide underneath the entire pattie to flip with ease! 

Be Sure to Flake the Salmon. The key to creating gluten free salmon cakes that don’t fall apart is in flaking the salmon. For the best results, use a fork to create pea-sized salmon pieces before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. 

Serving Suggestions

What I love about these easy salmon patties is how versatile they can be to serve! For example, they make great appetizers when paired with dips like tartar sauce, roasted red pepper sauce, or aioli. 

Or, serve them as part of a complete meal with sides such as rice, salad, roasted veggies such as asparagus, fries, sweet potato tots, and more!  

Storage

These easy salmon patties are best served right away. However, they can also be stored for easy meal prep using the following methods! 

Fridge: Place leftover gluten free salmon cakes in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Freezer: Store your salmon cakes in the freezer either cooked or uncooked by wrapping them individually, and placing them in an airtight container. Then, they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before frying or reheating. 

To Reheat: For the best results, reheat your gluten free salmon cakes in a pan over medium heat until the desired temperature is reached. You can heat them in the oven or microwave, but the patties may become slightly soggy. 

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Did you already know how to make salmon cakes? Either way, I would love it if you give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments below! 

Cheers,

LC