Incredibly good salmon cakes (salmon patties/salmon croquettes) made from fresh salmon fillets, peppers/onions, and much more. Paired with a tasty garlicky lemon aioli that is super easy to make!

salmon cakes with broccolini on speckled plate with striped linen

I cannot believe we’re already halfway into 2020, y’all! It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year and then boom. And we all know that this year has been quite a doozy already, ha! Many of us are cooking up a storm since we have to #stayhome huh. These “unprecedented times” are no joke.

Even for me, a seasoned home cook, I have to find new ways to keep motivation in the kitchen. Listen, some days I simply cannot and will not be bothered turning on the stove or oven! Haha. However, on other days, it’s like I want to cook literally everything and more. So, I’m excited to talk to you about this new recipe!

salmon cakes with aioli on speckled plate

What Are Salmon Cakes?

Salmon cakes or salmon patties/salmon croquettes are made using chopped salmon, veggies, condiments, spices, and other elements. Commonly found veggies in salmon cakes include peppers, onions, and celery. In addition, condiments like mayonnaise and mustard are often found. Spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc. And binders like breadcrumbs and eggs to help the patties hold their shape.

These salmon cakes are on continuous repeat in my home and for good reason, too! That’s because these cakes are so easy to make, highly customizable, a healthier/lightweight meal, and amazingly tasty!

The Best Salmon Cakes Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

  • fresh skinless salmon fillets: fresh salmon is truly the best for these cakes!
  • white onion: everything is better with some good ole onion.
  • bell pepper: this pepper sautés along with the onion.
  • panko breadcrumbs: acts as a bit of a binder and helps shape the cakes.
  • egg: works with the breadcrumbs to bind as well.
  • old bay seasoning: one of my faves, this spice has nice flavor and is great for seafood.
  • mayonnaise: a big heaping tablespoon for extra oomph- (Duke’s mayo is #bae for me!).
  • garlic paste: feel free to use jarred minced garlic or 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
  • olive oil: to sauté the onions/peppers, you can also use butter.
  • vegetable oil: used to fry the salmon cakes.
salmon cakes with broccolini and black fork on speckled plate

How To Make Salmon Cakes (Video)

This recipe is for sure an easy weeknight (or anytime!) great recipe with no fuss involved 🖤

  1. To begin, take your salmon fillet and cut it with a sharp knife or meat clever until you have fine pieces of salmon left. The goal is to achieve little itty bitty pieces but it doesn’t have to be too fine.
  2. Place chopped salmon into a bowl and then set aside.
  3. Sauté the onions/peppers. Cooking them on their own first helps to release the flavors as opposed to just combining them raw into the salmon mixture. Once veggies are cooked, allow to cool for a few minutes.
  4. In salmon bowl: add in veggies, breadcrumbs, seasoning, egg, mayonnaise, and garlic.
  5. Mix well to combine all ingredients together nicely.
  6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer bowl into refrigerator to let mixture set and marinate for at least 30 minutes. This process also helps the breadcrumbs to hydrate within the mixture too.
  7. Lastly, shape salmon into cakes/patties, and cook on each side.

What Is An Aioli?

Great question! Aioli is a Mediterranean sauce that is comprised of an emulsified mixture of olive oil and mashed garlic with a fluffy texture. The process to do so is typically done with a mortar and pestle, too. To put it in laymen’s terms, aioli is super similar to our good friend, mayonnaise. Aioli can also be infused or seasoned with a variety of things like chiles, spices, and much more. Due to the nature of making aioli from scratch, it can be a bit time consuming, so this quick + easy aioli hack is one you will love! It’s just so delicious. It also acts as a nice contrast in flavor against the salmon and other elements.

Y’all, this quick aioli is so creamy, extra flavorful, and fresh with herbs. This sauce makes the most perfect topping for these salmon cakes! It also has ample lemon flavor and extra garlicky notes, too.

salmon cakes with aioli and broccolini with black fork on speckled plate

Can I Use Canned Salmon?

Yes! Although fresh salmon really makes the best cakes, canned salmon will work just fine in a pinch. And its easily accessible and more cost effective, too! One of my favorite brands of canned salmon is Chicken of the Sea. Their canned pink salmon is around 14.75 ounces and that is plenty to make these salmon cakes. Additionally, canned salmon contains the skin and bones so be sure to remove them prior!

Other Great Recipes You May Enjoy

REMEMBER TO LEAVE A ⭐️STAR RATING⭐️AND TAG ME ON THE ‘GRAM IF YOU MAKE ANY OF MY RECIPES! I ALWAYS LOVE TO SEE IT WHEN YOU DO!

Until Next Time…Love And Butter,

Q.

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salmon cakes with aioli on speckled plate

Salmon Cakes With Quick Aioli

★★★★★ 5 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Quin Liburd
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 salmon cakes 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Incredibly good salmon cakes (salmon patties/salmon croquettes) made from fresh salmon fillets, peppers/onions, and much more. Paired with a tasty garlicky lemon aioli that is super easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh skinless salmon fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 heaping tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste or minced garlic
  • salt/pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • optional: more lemons, to squeeze over finished cakes

Quick Aioli

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place chopped salmon into a large bowl and then set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, sauté onions and peppers until onions become translucent and mixture is lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for at least 15 minutes. Wipe skillet clean.
  3. Add onion/pepper mixture into same bowl with salmon. Then add in all other ingredients from breadcrumbs to salt/pepper. Stir mixture thoroughly to combine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator to let mixture marinate together for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Using an ice cream scooper or large spoon, shape salmon cakes, and set onto a large plate.
  5. In same skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry each salmon cake on both sides, about 2-3 minutes for each side until lightly golden brown.
  6. Serve salmon cakes warm with quick aioli, or as desired. Enjoy!

Quick Aioli

  1. In a small bowl or container: combine all ingredients together and stir very well. Cover bowl/container with lid for ultimate freshness. Aioli will keep in refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: salmon, easy, aioli