If you’re craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and simple goodness, then you have to try Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe. This delightful classic is a perfect blend of flaky salmon mixed with fresh onion and seasoned just right to create golden, crispy patties that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, bringing a bit of nostalgia to your kitchen while being quick and easy enough for any weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each item plays an essential role, contributing to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes these salmon cakes so special.
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked: The star of the dish, providing that rich, tender seafood flavor with minimal effort.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: These hold everything together, ensuring your cakes stay perfectly formed and moist.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and a hint of sweet bite that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough seasoning to add a gentle kick without overpowering the salmon.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: The secret to that irresistible golden crust by giving the cakes a crisp, beautifully browned finish.
How to Make Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by carefully checking the canned salmon for any bones or large pieces of skin and removing them. This small step makes a huge difference for the texture, ensuring each bite is smooth and delightful without any unexpected crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then fold in the flaked salmon, diced onion, and ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors meld together and the onions get evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Portion the salmon mixture into eight equal parts, about 2 ounces each, and gently shape them into patties. Keeping them uniform helps with even cooking and presents beautifully when served.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties carefully. Cook each side for approximately 5 minutes until they turn crispy, golden brown, and irresistible. This creates the perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior.
How to Serve Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these salmon cakes, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill works wonders, adding a pop of green color and herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish. A dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice brings zesty notes that complement the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Side Dishes
Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe pairs delightfully with a variety of sides. Consider a crisp green salad for a refreshing balance or buttery mashed potatoes for comforting fullness. For a lighter twist, steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables add great texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Serve these salmon cakes atop a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette for an elegant lunch. Alternatively, turn them into sliders by adding pickles and a slather of homemade aioli on soft buns—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover salmon cakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal later on.
Freezing
Want to keep them around longer? You can freeze cooked salmon cakes by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready whenever you need a convenient, delicious bite.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon cakes in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side. This method helps restore their crispiness better than a microwave, keeping that delightful golden crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! While canned salmon is convenient and flavorful, fresh cooked salmon works great too. Just be sure to flake it well and remove any skin or bones before mixing.
Are these salmon cakes gluten-free?
The basic recipe is gluten-free since it does not include any breadcrumbs, but always check ingredient labels on canned salmon and seasonings to be sure.
What can I add to make the salmon cakes more moist?
If you prefer a moister texture, a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk mixed into the batter can help keep the cakes tender and juicy.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F (200°C) on a greased sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, yields tasty results with less oil. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.
How do I make these salmon cakes kid-friendly?
Kids often love these as-is, but you can reduce the black pepper or serve with a favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch to make them even more appealing.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe is a timeless, heartwarming dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these salmon cakes bring comfort and joy to the table in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own new favorite!
Print
Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 patties)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Famous Salmon Cakes are a delightful and easy-to-make seafood dish, combining tender canned salmon with eggs, onion, and seasoning. Pan-fried to crispy golden perfection, these salmon cakes make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s quick to prepare and full of comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Salmon Cakes
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Remove any bones or large pieces of skin from the canned salmon to ensure a smooth texture in the cakes.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly, then add the flaked salmon, diced onion, and ground black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Form the patties: Shape the mixture into eight equal patties, each weighing about 2 ounces for uniform cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown all over.
Notes
- Removing the bones from canned salmon improves the texture and eating experience.
- You can add herbs like dill or parsley for additional flavor.
- Serve with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for enhanced taste.
- If you prefer, substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier option.
- Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding patties to avoid sticking.
