Transform your dinner routine with our incredible Baked Salmon Cakes – a truly delicious way to enjoy a healthy yet remarkably flavorful meal. Unlike their fried counterparts, these perfectly portioned salmon cakes are oven-baked to golden perfection, ensuring a lighter, guilt-free indulgence. Each patty is generously packed with succulent fresh salmon, vibrant roasted red pepper, aromatic fresh herbs, and a zesty kick of Worcestershire sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes have always been a personal favorite, but the experience of ordering them in restaurants often leaves much to be desired. Too frequently, they arrive as greasy, breading-heavy patties with minimal salmon content, fried in excessive oil. This recipe, however, is a game-changer. It redefines what a salmon cake can be, prioritizing generous amounts of fresh, flaky salmon over filler ingredients.
Our recipe celebrates the natural richness of fresh salmon, complemented by a subtle, sweet smokiness from roasted red peppers and the bright aroma of garden-fresh herbs. The result is a tender, moist, and incredibly satisfying salmon cake that truly lets the primary ingredient shine. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare meal that stands head and shoulders above typical restaurant offerings.
The Secret to Superior Salmon Cakes: Fresh Ingredients
The foundation of these exceptional salmon cakes lies in using fresh salmon, not canned. While canned salmon can be convenient, fresh salmon provides an unparalleled texture and depth of flavor that elevates these patties from good to truly gourmet. The rich, buttery notes of fresh salmon are what make these cakes so tender and delicious.
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility and efficiency. It’s an excellent way to re-purpose leftover baked salmon, transforming it into a brand new, exciting meal. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple and helps reduce food waste. If you happen to be starting without leftover salmon, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Getting Your Salmon Ready
- TIP: If you don’t have leftover cooked salmon, you can easily prepare a 12oz salmon fillet. Simply bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Alternatively, an Instant Pot can also cook salmon quickly and perfectly. For a detailed guide on baking salmon from scratch, you can reference a good baked salmon recipe, omitting any additional sauces like pesto, as our cakes will bring their own robust flavor.
Beyond the salmon, the unexpected star ingredient is jarred roasted red pepper. This humble pantry staple is the main secret to the incredible burst of flavor found in these quick and easy salmon cakes. It adds a nuanced sweetness and a delightful savory depth that perfectly complements the salmon and herbs, making this a true cook-once, eat-twice meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
If you’re seeking a delightful change from routine meals like plain baked chicken, or searching for an impressive yet effortless dish to serve at your next summer barbecue, these Baked Salmon Cakes are your answer. This simple and utterly delicious recipe is guaranteed to please even the most discerning palates.
These versatile patties can be served as a sophisticated main entree alongside a light salad or your favorite simple side dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving them on sweet buns, much like salmon burger sliders, making them a fantastic option for a casual lunch or a more filling dinner.
Mastering the Art of Baked Salmon Cakes: Step-by-Step
Creating these flavorful salmon cakes is surprisingly straightforward. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the minimal effort required for such impressive results.
Key Ingredients Explained
- Fresh Cooked Salmon: The star! Provides the rich flavor and flaky texture. Using fresh salmon ensures a superior taste and mouthfeel compared to canned varieties.
- Jarred Roasted Red Pepper: This ingredient is crucial for adding a sweet, smoky depth and a beautiful color, boosting the overall flavor profile without overpowering the salmon.
- Eggs: Act as a primary binder, holding the patties together so they don’t crumble during baking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy texture and also help bind the ingredients while maintaining moisture.
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes, brightening the overall flavor.
- Grated Garlic: Infuses the mixture with a subtle savory aroma. Grating ensures it disperses evenly throughout the cakes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami flavor, adding a tangy, savory depth that perfectly complements seafood.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Simple Steps for Flavorful Results:
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop your roasted red peppers and flake your cooked salmon in a large bowl.
- Combine: Gently mix all ingredients – salmon, roasted red pepper, eggs, Panko, fresh herbs, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt – until just combined. Overmixing can make the cakes tough.
- Form Patties: Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture and gently form it into a patty. For perfectly uniform salmon cakes, a large cookie scoop is incredibly helpful and ensures even cooking!
- Bake: Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Baking Without Breadcrumbs? A Clever Alternative
Breadcrumbs play a vital role in recipes like these salmon cakes, meatballs, and hamburgers, primarily serving as a binder. They not only help hold the mixture together but also contribute to a tender and moist final product. If you find yourself without breadcrumbs, or prefer an alternative, there’s a simple and effective solution: a panade.
A panade is essentially fresh bread soaked in a small amount of water or milk until it turns soft, tacky, and sticky. This consistency allows it to act as an excellent binder, mimicking the function of Panko breadcrumbs by absorbing moisture and ensuring your salmon cakes remain tender and hold their shape beautifully. It’s an age-old chef’s trick for adding moisture and structure without relying on dry breadcrumbs.
The Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Salmon Cakes
These versatile salmon cakes pair wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal occasion. For a light and healthy option, we love serving them with a crisp green salad or over a bed of fluffy brown rice. But the possibilities are truly endless, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Delicious Side Dish Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal:
- Broccoli Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad that adds texture and a vibrant boost of vegetables.
- Classic Spring Cobb Salad: A hearty and colorful salad packed with protein and fresh greens, offering a complete meal.
- Cucumber Edamame Salad: Light, crisp, and full of Asian-inspired flavors, this salad provides a cool contrast.
- Rainbow Vegetable Pasta Salad: A colorful and satisfying pasta salad that brings a delightful medley of vegetables and textures.
- Cucumber Mango Salad: A sweet and tangy salad that offers a tropical twist and a refreshing bite.
- Crispy Fries or Roasted Potatoes: For a more comforting and classic pairing, a side of golden fries or perfectly roasted potatoes always hits the spot.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Simple, elegant, and healthy vegetable sides that complement the richness of salmon.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a lovely contrast to the tender salmon cakes.
Make Ahead & Freezing Tips
These Baked Salmon Cakes are fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily prepare a larger batch and store them for future meals, making healthy eating convenient throughout the week.
To freeze salmon patties for later enjoyment, begin by forming the patties as instructed in the recipe. Place the unbaked patties onto a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch, and place the sheet in the freezer until the patties are completely firm. Once frozen solid, transfer the individual salmon cakes to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until they are heated through and golden.
Recipe Card: Baked Salmon Cakes
Baked Salmon Cakes
Shinee Davaakhuu
Baked, not fried, these perfectly portioned salmon cakes are packed with fresh salmon, roasted red pepper, fresh herbs and zesty Worcestershire sauce!
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
14
3-inch round cakes
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Ingredients
-
1 cup
~7oz jarred roasted red pepper (Note 1) -
12 oz
leftover cooked salmon Note 2 -
2
eggs -
½ cup
Panko Japanese bread crumbs -
¼ cup
chopped fresh cilantro or parsley -
2
garlic cloves grated (Note 3) -
1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce -
½ teaspoon
salt - Tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Chop roasted red peppers into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, add salmon and flake with a fork.
- Add chopped roasted red pepper, eggs, panko, cilantro, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Mix well until just combined.
- Scoop ¼ cup of mixture and form into a patty. Continue with the remaining mixture. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets 1-2 inches apart. (TIP: A large cookie scoop makes this step super quick and easy, ensuring uniform patties!)
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon cakes are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve immediately with tartar sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
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Tips & Notes
Note 2: If you don’t have leftover salmon, you can bake a 12 oz salmon fillet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or cook it in an Instant Pot.
Note 3: I prefer grated garlic versus minced or pressed, because the super fine texture of grated garlic mixes into the mixture better, infusing the entire batter evenly.
To freeze these salmon patties, place the unbaked patties onto a baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm. Then, place the frozen salmon cakes in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
55kcal
2g
6g
2g
1g
260mg
Main Course
American
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Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is renowned as a superfood, and incorporating it into your diet through recipes like these baked salmon cakes offers numerous health benefits. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. More importantly, salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. These healthy fats are known to lower the risk of heart disease, improve cognitive function, and support overall well-being. Additionally, salmon provides vital vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, B vitamins (B3, B6, B12), and selenium, all contributing to a robust immune system and energy metabolism. Opting for baked salmon cakes means you’re enjoying these benefits without the added unhealthy fats often associated with fried dishes.
Conclusion
These Baked Salmon Cakes offer the perfect blend of health, flavor, and convenience, making them an indispensable addition to your recipe collection. They are a testament to how healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a sophisticated appetizer, or a creative way to use up leftover salmon, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try tonight, and prepare to be amazed by the rich flavors and tender texture of these oven-baked delights. We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this recipe as much as we do!