Baked Salmon Cakes

Looking for a healthy salmon croquette recipe? These Baked Salmon Patties are packed with flavorful vegetables and baked instead of fried. These salmon cakes are a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

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Baked Salmon Cakes Marisa Moore Nutrition

If you grew up eating this southern staple or now live where they make really good ones – like me in Atlanta, the thought of changing the recipe is a dubious one.

I grew up in South Carolina. At least once a week my grandma made salmon croquettes. She’d empty a tall can of salmon into a bowl (soft round bones and all), add some seasonings and an egg. She’d mix it all up and flatten a few patties to fry for breakfast or dinner. On other days, she’d mix the salmon with onions and serve it over white rice. This was a weekly staple for breakfast or dinner.

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We didn’t have any fancy meals. Honestly, the first time I ever had fresh salmon was at an event during my senior year in high school. A lot has changed since then. While both fresh and frozen salmon are now a regular part of my routine, I always have a couple of cans of salmon in my pantry. I mean you never know when a salmon croquette craving will hit!

How to Make Salmon Patties Healthier

  • Use canned salmon or plain baked salmon flaked apart. Pat it dry or squeeze out any excess liquid.
  • Add vegetables. But chop them finely. Large pieces of onion, peppers, or celery will make the patties fall apart.
  • Focus on flavor. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and a bit of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. That last one is not traditional but it adds a nice zing.
  • Bake them on a hot pan brushed with oil.

Canned salmon is a convenient and affordable way to get protein and omega-3s, which are important for heart health and provide a host of other benefits. Sardines are great for this too!

OK back to the salmon patties recipe…

I took my grandma’s recipe for salmon croquettes and added my own little twist.  I add chopped fresh vegetables and a hint Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

Salmon Cake Ingredients

Be sure to chop the vegetables uniformly. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use almond flour to keep the recipe grain-free. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need that.

Salmon Cakes Mix

Perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick breakfast protein, these baked salmon cakes hit the spot. If you’re cooking for one like me, keep the baked salmon patties them in the fridge up to 3 days and just reheat in the oven. You can also freeze them for a quick heat and eat snack.

Baked Salmon Patties

These salmon cakes are baked instead of fried but still flaunt a crisp, brown exterior.

Baked Salmon Cakes

 

You can get creative with this recipe. Add leftover spinach or kale or use different herbs for a flavor variation.

Canned Salmon

These small cans are perfectly portioned to serve about 2 people. Pop the top and toss the salmon into a salad, pasta or drizzle with an olive oil vinaigrette for a flavorful sandwich filling. It’s there whenever you need a quick meal. And did you know the can is recyclable? Yep.

As a registered dietitian, people often ask about the sodium in canned foods. That is a concern. If you’re watching your sodium intake, choose the no salt added or low sodium options. Also, for foods like beans, rinsing them in a colander under cool water can remove up to 40% of the sodium.

Now that I’ve shared a staple from my pantry, I’d love to hear what’s in yours. I also keep a supply of black beans in the pantry for those times when I don’t have 2 hours to cook them. More on that later.

What canned foods do you keep on hand for busy weeknight dinners?

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4 from 1 vote
Baked Salmon Cakes Marisa Moore Nutrition
Print
Baked Salmon Cakes
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

These Baked Salmon Patties are packed with flavorful vegetables and baked instead of fried. These salmon cakes are a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Course: Breakfast, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked salmon patties
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 206 kcal
Author: Marisa Moore
Ingredients
  • 2 - 6 oz cans skinless and boneless salmon drained
  • ½ cup onion finely diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • ½ cup celery finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • Olive oil/olive oil spray
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mist a baking sheet with olive oil.
  2. In a medium bowl, flake the salmon. Add the chopped vegetables and all remaining ingredients. Mix well.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal parts. Shape each into an individual patty. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning once.
  5. Serve with a side of rice, corn or quinoa and/or a green vegetable for a complete dinner or take a lesson from a southern girl and enjoy them for breakfast!
Nutrition Facts
Baked Salmon Cakes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 206
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Healthy Salmon Patties Stacked PIN

This post was originally sponsored by Cans Get You Cooking.

23 Comments on Baked Salmon Cakes

  1. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
    June 24, 2016 at 9:04 AM (3 years ago)
    I used to be in the habit of using canned salmon, but for some reason I stopped. Thank you for the inspiration to get back into it. Love your updated additions of veggies and Dijon. I'm sure your gramma would be proud. Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 6:48 PM (3 years ago)
      Thanks, Katie! She definitely would be! Reply
  2. Corina
    June 24, 2016 at 9:37 AM (3 years ago)
    These sound delicous! I have to admit I don't use tinned salmon very often but do use tinned beans all the time. I'd love to try these and also see if my children like them too. Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 6:50 PM (3 years ago)
      I keep canned beans too! I hope your kids enjoy these salmon cakes. They make the perfect finger food! Reply
  3. Sara @sarahaasrdn.com
    June 24, 2016 at 12:15 PM (3 years ago)
    Totally in love with salmon cakes! Nice recipe Marisa! Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 6:50 PM (3 years ago)
      Thanks, Sara! And yes. They are the best! Reply
  4. Sonali- The Foodie Physician
    June 25, 2016 at 12:01 AM (3 years ago)
    This dish is easy on the eyes and the budget! I love the colorful veggies and the golden exterior you achieved even though you skipped the frying. I must admit that I don't buy canned salmon very often but you've inspired me :) Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 7:12 PM (3 years ago)
      Thanks, Sonali! I'm so happy with how these turned out - happy to have inspired you! Reply
  5. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
    June 25, 2016 at 11:13 AM (3 years ago)
    We're big fans of canned salmon in my house. The girls and I eat it for lunch on a regular basis. This is a great way to take it to another level! Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 7:08 PM (3 years ago)
      Thanks, Jessica! One of my favorite ways to get a quick and healthy meal on the table for sure! Reply
  6. Meme
    June 25, 2016 at 1:42 PM (3 years ago)
    I feel like my pantry looks like I'm preparing for the apocalypse because I have so.many.cans haha! But it's so nice to know you always have something you can eat that will fill you up and nourish your body. These salmon cakes look incredible! Your photos are beautimous! xo Reply
    • Marisa
      June 25, 2016 at 7:10 PM (3 years ago)
      Ha! It IS nice to know you're always covered with cans! And thanks for the compliments on the photos... I'm learning :) Reply
  7. Vevyann
    July 5, 2016 at 8:39 AM (3 years ago)
    Marisa I Love your nutritious tips. More than you know you helping your Aunt getting her cholesterol level in check. Time to time I check your blog for health tips Thanks for posting Aunt Vevyann Love you !!!!!!!!!!! Reply
    • Marisa
      July 5, 2016 at 8:44 AM (3 years ago)
      Awww! Thanks so much for the note. And you know you can call me anytime. I'm always happy to help :) Reply
  8. debbie
    November 27, 2016 at 5:04 PM (2 years ago)
    Hi Marisa, I just came across your recipe after turning to google to find out what "flake the salmon" means. I was wondering, after opening my first "can" of salmon and finding the bones included, if that means to "get all of the bones, etc" out. Your recipe looks great - and I will try it out on the next can. This time, however, I am using an experiment my brother and I tried out when he got some fresh crab meat and we decided to make crab cakes at my parent's home a few years ago. We discovered we didn't have some of the ingredients we'd normally use, so we added what we could find in the pantry.....a can of chopped green chilis and a sleeve of crushed ritz crackers. We added some salt and pepper and a tiny bit of mayo, mixed it all up, and baked pattie size portions in a muffin tin. They were delicious, and that has been how I do crab cakes or salmon patties ever since. Until yesterday, however, I'd never thought of using canned salmon. I'm anxious to try it my usual way today, and your way soon! p.s. does "flake the salmon" just mean break it apart? Is it ok to eat the bones, etc. in the canned salmon? Reply
    • Marisa
      November 27, 2016 at 5:29 PM (2 years ago)
      Hi, Debbie. Thanks for stopping by. So wild that you'd find me with that search. Yes. Flake the salmon means to break the large chunks whether you cooked it yourself or you're using canned. You can eat the bones - they are soft enough and actually provide a little calcium. I now buy the boneless and skinless canned salmon because it's easier but growing up I ate the bones all the time.And I love the idea of baking crab cakes in a muffin tin. It makes it so easy. Happy salmon patty making! Reply
  9. Joey Colbert
    November 28, 2017 at 11:31 PM (1 year ago)
    I have some great canned salmon that is canned with no added oils or water. I don't want to discard that wonderful fish "juice." Do you think it would work to not drain the salmon and reduce the eggs to 1 to account for the extra liquid? And because I don't eat grains, I think I'll substitute almond meal for the bread crumbs. Thoughts? Reply
    • Marisa
      November 29, 2017 at 6:53 AM (1 year ago)
      Hi Joey! The almond meal would work great.Swapping the liquid for an egg? I don’t know if that would work. I’m thinking it would be way too wet to hold together, bake, and brown. If you try it, let us know. Worse case scenario, you’ll end up with a tasty salmon hash. Reply
  10. Anna Bates
    February 3, 2018 at 9:34 AM (1 year ago)
    I made these for breakfast today. We just loved them. There were a couple of minor issues, possibly because the mixture is harder to shape into patties than trad patties, that have more crumbs and egg. Some of them fell apart when I turned them. My s/o says he would like a bit more seasoning, and possibly the red pepper chopped finer. Otherwise, they made a great breakfast, served with lemon wedges. I will look for more of Marisa's recipes. I'm a Texas girl, and most of my trad foods are high in fat and salt. Neither Shad nor I can tolerate those things for health reasons -- we need low salt, low fat and (in his case) limited calcium. Thanks, Marisa, for a good, healthy alternative to cakes made with saltine crumbs!

    Reply
  11. Lori
    June 15, 2018 at 7:07 PM (9 months ago)
    Oh my goodness,,these are fantastic I've tried to make them in the past., by frying and they always fell apart I love that these are baked. A new addition to our menu, thank you for sharing.. Reply
    • Marisa
      June 18, 2018 at 10:53 AM (9 months ago)
      I'm so happy you enjoyed them! I took a chance baking instead of frying them for sure - I am a Southern Girl! But I love them this way. Reply

2Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Baked Salmon Cakes

  1. 7 Ways to Use Canned Protein for Quick and Nutritious Meals says:
    November 28, 2016 at 11:55 AM
    […] Salmon Cakes. Skip the fryer and make my Baked Salmon Cakes. Mixed with fresh onions, peppers, and herbs, the salmon patties are packed with protein and […]
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  2. Healthy Recipes with Canned Food | Luvo says:
    March 20, 2017 at 6:02 PM
    […] canned salmon on hand. It’s part of my southern DNA I think. I like to use it to make a batch of Baked Salmon Cakes to eat for breakfast or for dinner with a side of sautéed green beans. Canned salmon is an […]
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