Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes

Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes are an easy-to-make recipe that is full of so much delicious garlicky, lemony flavor. These patties can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main dish.

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Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes are a spin off of our popular recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes.

They are a delicious, easy way to incorporate more healthy salmon into your diet.

Salmon actually has many health benefits. Not only does it provide protein, but also vitamins, minerals, and those heart-healthy omega-3’s you often hear about.

In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that the average American should eat 8 ounces of seafood per week and recipes like these salmon patties, make it easy and delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This is a quick and easy recipe to make. You can even make the patties ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Salmon Cakes can be served as appetizers or as the main dish. You can even make salmon burgers with these tasty patties.

You can make this recipe low carb and/or gluten free. See the notes section of the recipe card for more information. 

How to Make Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To make this recipe you will need fresh or canned salmon, seasoned panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, shallot, lemon zest, 2 eggs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Tip: using freshly cooked salmon is best, but you can use canned or pouches of salmon to make it even quicker and easier.

Prep!

If you are using fresh salmon, you will need to season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, bake it for 10-15 minutes at 425°F, let it cool, then shred it before beginning this recipe.

If you are using canned salmon, open the cans or pouches, drain any excess liquid and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Create!

Combine the shredded salmon, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, shallot, lemon zest, and eggs in a medium size bowl.

Form 12 salmon cakes by taking a handful of the mixture and squeezing it into a tight ball (this will help it bind together).

Flatten each ball slightly until it’s about a 1/2-inch thick and shape the edges into a circle.

To cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the salmon patties for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You may need to work in batches.

Remove to a plate.

Present!

Serve warm

Tip:  these Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes taste amazing with Roasted Garlic Lemon Aioli. While the roasted garlic adds delicious flavor, you can make this aioli with raw garlic as well.

How to Make This Recipe Low Carb

This recipe is already fairly low in carbohydrates, but you can make it slightly lower in carbs and more suitable for those following a keto diet by making one small adjustment.

Simply swap out the panko bread crumbs for blanched almond flour.

How to Make This Recipe Gluten Free

There are two different ways to make this recipe gluten free.

You can either follow the directions above for making the recipe low carb, or simply swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten free panko breadcrumbs.

Tips and Techniques

• Using freshly cooked salmon is best, but you can use canned or pouches of salmon to make this recipe even quicker and easier, if you prefer.
• Try these Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes with a side of Roasted Garlic Lemon Aioli. The aioli can also be made with raw garlic.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.

FAQ’s

What Do You Serve Salmon Patties With?

Salmon Cakes can be served as is with just about any side dishes you prefer.

Some sides that work exceptionally well are aioli, rice, green vegetables like asparagus and broccoli, or a salad. You can even make salmon burgers with these patties and serve them with a side of vegetables or fries.

Can You Make Salmon Patties Ahead of Time?

You can make the salmon patties ahead of time and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. They should be prepared within a day or two.

Can You Freeze Salmon Patties?

You can freeze uncooked salmon patties. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Use within 1 to 2 months for best results.

To cook, allow the salmon patties to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook according to the directions in the recipe.

More Salmon Recipes to Try

Here are a few more recipes to get even more heart-healthy salmon into your diet in the most flavorful of ways.

This Easy Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon is incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple. It’s baked with plenty of vegetables on the same baking sheet for a one pan meal perfect for busy nights.

You might also enjoy this Sweet Chili Salmon that’s made with just a handful of ingredients or these Blackened Salmon Wraps with Avocado Slaw which are great for lunch.

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This recipe was originally published on January 11, 2018. It was updated with an improved recipe, new images, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in April 2020.