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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

What to eat with baked salmon cakes

• Salmon patties go well with grains like rice or you can serve them the traditional way with grits for breakfast!
• Top a green salad with salmon cakes for a complete meal.
• Serve salmon patties as an appetizer at your next party or girls night in. Try diced or pureed avocado as a creamy topping.
• Eat them solo. They make a delicious snack served warm.

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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Baked Salmon Cakes

Marisa Moore, RDN

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.

4.89 from 18 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 206 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 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

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Mist a baking sheet with olive oil.
• In a medium bowl, flake the salmon. Add the chopped vegetables and all remaining ingredients. Mix well.
• Divide the mixture into 8 equal parts. Shape each into an individual patty. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning once. The patties are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
• 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 with grits!

Notes

Tips for the best salmon patties

• Use canned salmon or cooked salmon flaked into small pieces.
• Always pat the salmon dry or squeeze out any excess liquid to help the patties stick together better.
• Add vegetables. But chop them finely. Large pieces of onion, peppers, or celery will make the patties fall apart.
• Focus on flavor. Add garlic, black pepper, and a bit of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. 
• Bake them on a hot pan brushed with oil to get a nice crispy finish. 

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This post was originally sponsored by Cans Get You Cooking.