Chef John's Salmon Cakes Recipe

Recipe Pin

This Chef John Salmon Cake recipe is so simple and quick to make and required only a handful of ingredients. One of the best thing about these salmon cakes is that they are so soft that they will just melt in my mouth

As per Chef John, I have also used canned salmon to make these delicious cakes. They are easily available at any supermarket. However, you can also use fresh salmon if you prefer.

They are crispy on the outside and moist and savory inside, with delicious salmon flakes. With every bite, you will have a satisfying and delightful experience.

Equipments Required

Small Bowls: To make my job easier, I use small bowls to assemble all my ingredients before starting the recipe.
Large Bowl: You will need a large bowl to prepare the salmon mixture.
Wooden Spoon: I used a wooden spoon to combine all the ingredients. You can use any spoon you like.
Plate: You will need a plate to coat your salmon cake with breadcrumbs. If you are making a larger quantity, you can also use a tray.
Spatula: I use a spatula to turn the cake, as it needs to be cooked from both sides. You can also use a flathead spoon or tongs.
Saucepan: I use a large saucepan to cook my salmon cake, but you can also use a large skillet.

Chef John’s Salmon Cake Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make 4 servings.

1 (14.75 ounces) Can Red Salmon (Skin and bone removed, drained, and flaked): You can also use fresh salmon in this recipe.
2 Eggs
½ Lemon Juice: Lime juice or vinegar can be used as substitutes.
1 Tablespoon Chopped Capers: Dill relish or anchovies can be substituted for capers in this recipe.
½ Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: You can also use white pepper or smoked paprika as an alternative option in this recipe.
½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Gochugaru or chili flakes can be substituted for cayenne pepper in this recipe.
12 Saltine Crackers: Whole grain crackers, nut and seed crackers, or gluten-free crackers can be substituted for saltine crackers in this recipe.
1 Tablespoon Breadcrumbs: I usually prefer using panko breadcrumbs as it provides a crispier coating.
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil – Vegetable or canola oil can also be used as per the taste and liking to cook the salmon cakes.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
15 minutes	10 minutes	25 minutes

How To Make Chef John Salmon Cake At Home

Step 1

Drain the red salmon and stir in the 2 eggs in a large bowl.

Step 2

Add lemon juice, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the bowl.

Step 3

Add capers and salt to the bowl and mix everything until well combined.

Step 4

Crush saltine crackers with your hands and mix them into the salmon mixture.

Step 5

Now add breadcrumbs to this salmon mixture.

Step 6

Dust a plate with half the bread crumbs. Divide the salmon mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties. Place the patties on the prepared plate and sprinkle the remaining bread crumbs atop them.

Step 7

Melt butter and oil over medium heat in a large saucepan.

Step 8

Cook patties in hot oil for about 5 minutes per side until cooked and heated through.

Step 9

Your Chef John’s Salmon Cakes are ready.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Trying your hands on a homemade dip that goes well with these cakes is also a great idea to enhance the overall experience of these cakes.
I usually make these cakes ahead of time until the breadcrumbs are coated and cook them on the pan only before serving them.
Whenever I mix the salmon mixture, I ensure that I don’t overmix as overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light and flaky cake.

FAQs About Chef John Salmon Cake

Why did your Chef John’s salmon cakes fall apart?

A salmon cake can fall apart if the balance between binders and moisture isn’t right. Too many binders, like eggs, make the cake too wet and prone to breaking. To fix this, simply add flour or breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture.

Why are my Chef John salmon cakes too dry?

Lack of moisture in the form of eggs or other binders can lead to a dry salmon cake. You can fix this by adding some mayonnaise, cream, or just a splash of water.

Why is your salmon cake mushy?

Excess moisture in the cake or overmixing the ingredients can make it mushy. So, always make sure to let the salmon mixture rest at least 30 minutes before giving it a desired shape.

Why are your salmon cakes not crispy?

Your salmon cakes are not crispy either because there is not enough coating of breadcrumbs or you haven’t cooked them long enough. You can again coat them with breadcrumbs and place them on the pan for some more time.

Why does your salmon cake taste bland?

Inappropriate seasoning can make your cake taste bland. You can enhance the flavor by adding some fresh herbs, spices, or a bit of lemon juice to add freshness and depth.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3. It also provides vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, potassium, and selenium. Therefore, these salmon cakes are absolutely healthy, as they are packed with nutrients.

Calories	305 Kcal
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	174 mg
Sodium	1020mg
Total Carbohydrates	15g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	31g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	32mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	74mg

These salmon cakes are perfectly suitable for people following a keto-friendly and a dairy-free diet, as no ingredients in this recipe interfere with their respective diets.

People following a gluten-free diet can substitute saltine crackers for gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigerator: I store the leftovers of these salmon cakes in an airtight container. This way, they last for about 3 days.
Freezer: I usually place the cakes on parchment paper and then stack them in an airtight container to freeze them. This way, the frozen salmon cakes can last for about 3 months.

Reheating

Oven: I place the salmon cakes in an oven-safe dish and reheat them in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
Microwave: All I do is place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them for 1 – 2 minutes until it is heated through.
Air Fryer: When I want my salmon cake to be nice, hot, and crispy, I opt for an air fryer. I reheat the salmon cakes in a 380°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I like Chef John’s salmon cakes with Creamy Cajun Sauce, which I also serve with some Homemade Tomato Ketchup. However, you don’t just have to have them with dips and sauces; they can also be used as a filling in a variety of dishes.

These cakes can be used as patties in Burgers, Wraps, and Sandwiches. They can also be served along with Salads or rice. These salmon cakes are a versatile dish that can be paired with many things, depending on one’s taste and preferences.

Printable Version

More Chef John Recipes That You Can Try

Chef John's Meatballs recipe — Chef John’s Meatballs

Chef John's make-ahead turkey gravy — Chef John’s Meatballs

Conclusion

These salmon cakes are prepared quickly with a few simple steps and taste super delicious. Apart from their delectable taste, they are also made for a healthy meal.

I am sure you will love this dish, too, just like me. Follow the simple steps of this recipe, and with a handful of ingredients, you will be in for a delightful treat.

Chef John’s Salmon Cakes Recipe

Equipments Required

Chef John’s Salmon Cake Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time