Delicious Easy Canned Salmon Cakes for Tasty Meals

I still remember the night I stumbled on canned salmon cakes during a late-night kitchen experiment, and oh, what a tasty accident it was! I had a craving for something cozy and filling but nothing too fussy to make after a long day. Pulling out a can of salmon from the pantry, I decided to give this quick comfort food a bold flavor makeover. The excitement bubbled as I mixed simple pantry finds with a couple of surprise twists that turned those canned salmon cakes into a game night favorite.

The best part? These canned salmon cakes take what could be a plain pantry meal and turn it into something special that gets my friends doing that happy dance every time I serve them. From crispy edges to that perfect tender middle, the flavors hit all the right notes, proving comfort food with a twist is totally possible without breaking a sweat.

If you’re as pumped as I am about packing bold flavors into easy meals, you’re going to love this canned salmon cakes recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying seafood cake fix. Plus, while we’re on this flavor adventure, I’ll sneak in some tips and shortcuts I’ve picked up to keep things simple but never boring.

Fellow food lovers, grab your cans and get ready to turn dinner into a mouthwatering moment you’ll want to replicate again and again! Also, if you’re curious about other flavorful seafood dishes, don’t miss the Cedar Plank Salmon recipe that I adore for grilling nights.

INGREDIENTS You Need

Top down raw ingredients for canned salmon cakes on marble, modern kitchen organized mise en place

This canned salmon cakes ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Here’s what you’ll want ready:

  • 2 cans (14-15 oz each) canned salmon, drained and flaked
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (grab the plain kind at your local grocery)
  • 1 large egg (helps everything stick together perfectly)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (white or yellow works great)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic never fails to bring flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (keeps our salmon cakes moist and delicious)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy punch)
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (this seafood cake secret is a must-have!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (hello, smoky depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, but adds freshness)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying to a glorious golden crust)

No worries if you don’t have Old Bay seasoning—I swap in Cajun seasoning sometimes for a spicier canned salmon cake that packs a punch. You can find everything on this list at your regular grocery store.

For busy weeknights, I often prep my onion and garlic ahead and store them in the fridge for a quick grab. You can also make a batch of these canned salmon cakes and freeze them—just store them airtight for up to 2 weeks. When ready, pop them in the oven or skillet straight from the freezer for a fast seafood cake dinner.

I love adding extra smoked paprika to my canned salmon cakes for that bold smoky vibe—it’s the little touches that make these seafood cakes stand out. If you like fusion flavors, pair the paprika with a touch of ground cumin for a twist I found delicious.

If you want more salmon inspiration, definitely check out these easy salmon cakes recipes that mix home-cooked comfort with simple ingredients, perfect for your flavor adventure.

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food lovers, time to make some fabulous canned salmon cakes that will have your kitchen smelling like a seafood haven! Here’s how my favorite recipe comes together step-by-step:

  1. Grab a big mixing bowl and add your drained canned salmon, making sure to flake it apart from any big bones or skin pieces. This step makes the texture perfect for homemade salmon cakes.
  2. Add in your chopped onion, minced garlic, mayo, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. This is where the magic starts happening! The bold flavor combination is the heart of our seafood cakes.
  3. Crack in the egg and then sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over everything. Now, gently mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or clean hands. Don’t overmix—you want everything to hold together but keep a little bit of that flaky texture.
  4. Once mixed, shape the batter into patties about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. You should be able to make around 8-10 patties. If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more panko. Too dry? Splash a little water or mayo.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the salmon patties in the pan. This is my favorite part of making canned salmon cakes—watch the magic happen as they crisp up beautifully!
  6. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Your canned salmon cakes should smell absolutely incredible right now—the garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika all teasing your senses!
  7. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps keep them crispy without being greasy.
  8. Serve these beauties warm, and watch your friends and family light up with every bite. If you’re hungry for more seafood meals, these canned salmon cakes connect beautifully with other easy dishes like this salmon patties recipe from Self Proclaimed Foodie for more ideas.

This canned salmon cakes recipe usually takes me under 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests!

How to Serve Up This!

Slight angle close up finished canned salmon cakes

People literally do happy dances when this canned salmon cakes hits the table with my favorite spicy remoulade sauce or classic tartar sauce. I love serving it with a crisp green salad and some roasted butternut squash pancakes for a touch of sweetness—you’ll want to try these butternut squash pancakes for a cozy pairing!

This canned salmon cakes also shines in lunchboxes, topped on a bed of baby arugula with a squeeze of lemon. For presentations that wow, pile two salmon cakes per plate and garnish with fresh herbs and pickled red onions—it’s a flavor party people can’t resist.

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might because they’re addictive), try breaking them apart to mix with eggs for a savory breakfast scramble or stuff them into pita bread with cucumber and tahini for a quick fusion falafel-like twist. Let me tell you, those creative leftover moments save the day on hectic schedules.

These cans salmon cakes are perfect for potlucks, game nights, or anytime you want comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice a bit of bold flavor. If you love seafood cakes, the texture and rich flavors of this recipe remind me a bit of the pan-fried or baked salmon cakes recipe featured here—another crowd-pleaser.

FAQs:

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this canned salmon cakes recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving, and you don’t need fancy skills to make mouthwatering salmon cakes. Just follow the simple steps and trust your senses—you’ll nail it! I’ve taught friends new to cooking, and they love how quick and rewarding these canned salmon cakes are.

Q: What if I mess up my canned salmon cakes?
A: Spoiler alert: It will still taste incredible! Even if the shape isn’t perfect or they’re a bit crumbly, the flavors come through. You can eat the mix as a loose topping on salads or a fishy dip. My kitchen experiments have had “happy accidents” that ended up tastier than expected.

Q: How do I prep this canned salmon cakes for busy weeknights?
A: You can mix the batter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you get home, just shape and fry them. Another shortcut is to freeze uncooked patties in a single layer on baking sheets, then transfer to bags—ready to pop into a hot skillet anytime.

Q: Can I bake these canned salmon cakes instead of frying?
A: Yes! For a healthier twist, bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get as crispy as frying but still taste amazing.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Cool completely, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for crispness.

Q: Can I add other seafood to the mix?
A: Totally! I’ve experimented with mixing crab meat or shrimp bits to create seafood cakes with lots of depth. Just reduce breadcrumbs slightly to keep the texture right.

Q: Do canned salmon cakes freeze well?
A: Yes, they freeze beautifully! Freeze cooked or uncooked patties wrapped carefully, and reheat from frozen to enjoy anytime comfort food.

For more easy salmon cake ideas and tips, I love checking out this easy salmon patties recipe on Natasha’s Kitchen for simple weekday inspiration.

CONCLUSION:

This canned salmon cakes recipe brings me joy because it’s the perfect combination of comforting, bold flavors and simple ingredients that anyone can whip up. My canned salmon cakes Flavor Secrets include always using a touch of Dijon mustard for tang, adding smoked paprika for warmth, and mixing in fresh parsley for brightness—it’s those little touches that take these seafood cakes from good to unforgettable.

I’ve tested versions with spicy Cajun seasoning for game night heat, baked low-fat patties for a lighter meal, and even stuffed them with cheese for a gooey surprise. Each one fits a different vibe, whether you need weeknight winners, crowd-pleasers, or a cozy comfort meal.

You’ve got the tools, the flavors, and the inspiration. Trust your taste buds and get creative in your kitchen. I’m beyond excited for you to try this canned salmon cakes recipe and turn your everyday dinners into bold flavor celebrations. Dive in, share with friends, and savor every bite!

If you’re hungry for more inspiration on comfort food with a twist, check out these favorites I love: Cedar Plank Salmon, Butternut Squash Pancakes, and Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a flavor adventure beyond the sea!

Happy cooking, fellow food lovers!

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canned salmon cakes

Home cooks, taken with iPhone 15 Pro. Close-up slight angle of homemade canned salmon cakes on white plate. Mouthwatering --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 240

These canned salmon cakes are a quick and flavorful dish made with tender salmon, herbs, and spices, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or appetizer.

  • Author: Nyla
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 salmon cakes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) canned salmon, drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the drained salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, mayonnaise, beaten egg, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix everything gently until well combined but not overly mashed.
  3. Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Fry the salmon cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, coat the salmon cakes lightly in additional breadcrumbs before frying. They also freeze well for make-ahead meals.

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