Mouth-Watering Salmon Cakes in Just 10 Minutes!
Welcome to my kitchen, friend! As a Southern chef, it’s been a joyous occasion for me to introduce this recipe of southern salmon cakes – an easy-to-follow recipe especially for those who are seasoned as well as amateurs in cooking. I can confidently say this because these cakes have proven to be a fan favorite in countless settings ranging from savory brunches to adorable dinners.
Now, picture this: bite-sized pieces of juicy pink salmon, mixed with fresh veggies and coated in crispy cornmeal – a true delicacy of Southern cuisine! This dish is often referred to as “salmon patties”, “croquettes” or “cakes” but no matter the name, these dishes are finger-licking good.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with making salmon patties, I’m here to take you through every step of this recipe with detailed instructions and tips for success. Stay tuned until the end and your taste buds will thank you as you relish every bit of these Southern style salmon cakes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for some soul-satisfying southern style cuisine? If so, you’re in luck because I’ve got a recipe for Southern Salmon Cakes that will knock your socks off! Not only are these salmon cakes easy to make, but they are also incredibly delicious.
What makes this recipe so special is the combination of seasoned pink salmon mixed with finely chopped onions and green peppers, and coated with a savory yellow cornmeal and flour mixture. These patties are then deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown, resulting in a delightful crunchy texture that will leave you wanting more.
But that’s not all. These Southern Salmon Cakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways – eat them on their own as an entrée or sandwiched between two slices of bread for a scrumptious salmon burger. They’re even great as a snack or appetizer for any party or gathering.
If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with something unique, this recipe is just what you need. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can assure you that it doesn’t get much better than this. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient List
Let’s get down to business and talk about the ingredients that we’ll need to make these mouth-watering Southern Salmon Cakes. You may already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, but if not, they are readily available at your local grocery store.
- 2 cans of pink salmon (14.75 oz each) boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of half a lemon
These ingredients will make enough for approximately eight patties, depending on how big you shape them. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe measurements according to your taste preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making these tasty southern salmon cakes. Follow these steps carefully for the perfect result.
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pink salmon (1 can), 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion. Mix these ingredients well.
Now, add the dry ingredients to the same mixing bowl containing the canned salmon mixture. Add 1/3 cup each of flour and yellow cornmeal.
Mix all ingredients until they’re well combined.
Step 2: Bind with Egg
Add one beaten egg and mix again until it’s fully incorporated.
Step 3: Shape Mixture into Patties
Using your hands, shape the mixture in to small patties. You need to check that each patty remains firm & not fragile.
Step 4: Fry the Salmon Patties
Heat up a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cooking oil. Using a spoon or something similar, drop each patty into the heated oil one at a time.
The patties should be cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and crispy.
Once properly fried on both sides set them aside in a serving plate.
Step 5: Make Mayo-Based Sauce (Optional)
Combine some mayonnaise along with some lemon juice and chopped parsley in a small bowl if you want to make a sauce for your salmon cakes. Mix well before pouring on top of your salmon patties.
Enjoy your restaurant-style salmon cakes with friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up folks, if you think that this southern-style salmon recipe is only limited to the ingredients listed above, then you don’t have an imaginative bone in your body. Let me tell ya’, there are many ways to change up this recipe and make it your own. Here are some simple substitutes and variations that will give your salmon patties a whole new spin:
– Pink Salmon: Some of you may want to mix it up and use fresh salmon instead of canned pink salmon. Simply cook the salmon before breaking it up into chunks that can be used to make the patties. It’ll give your patties a totally new taste!
– Cornmeal: Cornmeal is an essential ingredient when it comes to making southern-style recipes and gives the patties a lovely texture. But here’s a tip for ya’, if you’re not a fan of cornmeal, try using bread crumbs instead. Yes, you heard me right. Bread crumbs will soften the texture and change the flavor of your salmon patties, but in a good way.
– Spices: Don’t be afraid to spice things up! Add in some seasonings such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat (or even Old Bay seasoning for that classic soul food feel).
– Vegetables: If you’re not keen on green peppers or onions, try swapping them out with other vegetables – like carrots or celery – to add a different dynamic flavor to your patties.
– Sauce: For those who want to take their patties up a notch, try adding a creamy sauce on top – mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice make for an unbeatable combination.
Remember, there are no limits when it comes to cooking, and these simple substitutes can help create brand new flavors with just small tweaks to the original recipe. So go ahead and experiment until you find what makes your taste buds dance!
Serving and Pairing
Alright folks, now that you have cooked up these mouthwatering southern-style Salmon Cakes, it’s time to dig in and see what kind of soul-food experience we are in for.
These salmon croquettes are perfect for any meal of the day, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. If you really want to start the morning off with a bang, serve one of these salmon cakes alongside some grits and scrambled eggs; I promise you won’t regret it.
If you’re looking to turn dinner into an elegant affair, consider serving these salmon cakes with tartar sauce as a starter or atop a bed of arugula as an entree. And if you’re having some folks over for a big game this weekend, put out a plate of these southern-style salmon patties as an appetizer and watch how they’re all gone before halftime!
When it comes to pairing drinks with these delectable Salmon Cakes, I found that cold beer like light lagers or pilsners go incredibly well with their crispy exterior and soft interior. However, if you want something non-alcoholic, a tall glass of ice-cold sweet tea will never do you wrong.
So there you have it. Serve your Southern Fried Salmon Croquettes warm with your favorite dipping sauce on the side and pair them with complimentary drinks or sides to savor the soulful flavors of this easy and awesome recipe. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of these Southern Salmon Cakes is their versatility in terms of storing and reheating. They can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and reheated easily for a quick meal on a busy day.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions to shape the mixture into patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
To store, once cooked and cooled, the salmon cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer.
To reheat these Southern delicacies, there are several options. If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. For a quick stovetop heating, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and fry until golden brown on each side, approximately two minutes per side.
Whether baked or fried, the reheated salmon cakes will taste just as delicious as when freshly made. With their easy-to-prepare nature and versatile storage options, these Southern-style Salmon Cakes are perfect for meal prepping or indulging in soul food cravings anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make the perfect southern salmon cakes recipe, it’s time to focus on some tips for perfect results.
One of the most important tips is to handle the salmon mixture gently so that it doesn’t fall apart when cooked. Therefore, it’s recommended not to mix too many ingredients and to avoid overworking the mixture.
Another tip is to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh salmon, onion, bell pepper, and green onions add a special flavor that can’t be replaced by anything else. Moreover, using fresh ingredients ensures the integrity of each component in the salmon cakes.
It’s also essential not to overcrowd the pan while frying. Overcrowding can cause a decrease in oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly fried patties. So go slow and fry in batches if necessary!
A little bit of planning goes a long way! You can make this easy Southern recipe ahead of time by shaping the mixture into patties and then refrigerating them until you’re ready to cook them. This makes meal prep a lot simpler and more manageable.
Finally, my secret ingredient is a pinch or two of Old Bay seasoning. While this isn’t strictly necessary in this southern-style recipe, it never hurts to experiment with ingredients to create your twist on traditional recipes.
Now that these tips are fresh in mind; prepare yourself, because when you taste that soul food bite of your freshly fried or baked salmon cake with pink salmon filling, well…you’ll know you have nailed it!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article, I wanted to take a moment to address some common questions that I often receive about southern salmon cakes. Trust me, while this recipe is simple and easy to follow, there can be some confusion around certain ingredients or cooking techniques. So, let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions to ensure that your salmon cakes turn out perfectly every time.
How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?
Creating salmon patties requires an important step to ensure they stay together when frying. Including eggs, breadcrumbs, panko or crushed saltine crackers will provide additional binding elements to the salmon mixture. It’s also recommended to add some salmon juice if the mixture seems too dry. This will help form the perfect salmon patty.
What is the difference between salmon patties and salmon croquettes?
Sometimes the words “salmon croquettes” and “salmon patties” are used interchangeably, even though there is a small technical difference between the two. The difference lies in the ingredients used – croquettes use breadcrumbs while patties use flour. Additionally, a croquette mixture tends to be flakier and lighter than a patty mixture.
Why are my salmon cakes dry?
When preparing salmon patties, it’s common to accidentally add too many breadcrumbs or flour, which can lead to a dry and unpleasant final product. To solve this issue, you can easily incorporate 1 tablespoon of either mayonnaise or lemon juice which will help restore moisture to the patties.
What to serve with Southern salmon patties?
This recipe features a selection of mouth-watering dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more. From a fresh salad and crispy coleslaw to roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries, this southern-style menu has got it all. Soft dinner rolls, asparagus and tomatoes, fried okra, and a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad complete this delicious spread. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Bottom Line
this article, and you’ll fall in love with my southern salmon cakes recipe. If you’re a fan of soul food and love to indulge in some Southern-style dishes, this one will quickly become your new favorite. With just a handful of ingredients that might be already sitting in your pantry, you can make salmon patties that are crispy on the outside and tender and flavorsome on the inside.
Whether you fry or bake them, these salmon croquettes will always taste great. You can pair them up with a myriad of sides to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues or even potlucks.
Make sure you go through the ingredient list carefully so that you have everything you need to make these easy Southern-style salmon cakes. Try my tips and tricks outlined in this article to ensure perfect results every time.
I’ve made these patties countless times for family gatherings and events, and they’re consistently received with rave reviews. They’re quick and effortless to prepare yet taste like they’ve been simmering all day!
I highly recommend giving it a shot, and trust me, once you take a bite of these flavorful salmon croquettes, it will transport you straight into the heart of the Deep South. So don’t wait any longer; grab your apron and head straight to your kitchen to make this delicious Southern-style salmon cakes recipe today!
Southern Salmon Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can cooked pink salmon (bones removed)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped fine
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup fine plain breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- oil, for pan frying
Instructions
- Mix the first 9 ingredients well.
- Pat into flat cakes.
- Mix the flour and cornmeal together and coat the cakes one at a time (as you need them for frying).
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a pan and fry cakes until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain. Repeat until all cakes are made.
- As you remove them from the oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper--and if you want a bite to it, a little cayenne on it.