Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes about 12 medium cakes)
• Difficulty: Easy

Introduction

There is something magical about the way the kitchen smells when Grandma rolls out her legendary seafood dish. Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes have been a staple at family gatherings, Sunday brunches, and quick weeknight dinners for generations. The secret lies not only in the fresh, flaky salmon but also in the love and patience Grandma poured into perfecting the blend of herbs, spices, and a hint of lemon zest. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice looking for an easy, comforting meal, this recipe delivers the warm, nostalgic flavor that has made it a beloved favorite. The best Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes recipe is simple enough for a busy weekday, yet special enough to impress guests at a dinner party. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade, feels hearty, and feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• ¼ cup finely diced celery
• ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil for pan‑frying
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This will keep the cakes warm while you finish cooking the batch.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add the salmon fillet and poach for about 8‑10 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon, let it cool slightly, then flake it into a large mixing bowl, discarding any bones.
3. While the salmon is cooling, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 4‑5 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the flaked salmon.
4. To the salmon–vegetable mixture, add the chopped dill, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Over‑mixing can make the cakes dense.
5. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to soak up moisture, making the cakes easier to shape.
6. Wet your hands lightly with water and shape the mixture into 12 even patties, about ¾ inch thick. Press a thin layer of extra panko breadcrumbs onto each side for a crispy crust.
7. Heat the olive oil in a large non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the patties in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 3‑4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
8. Transfer the cooked cakes to the pre‑heated wire rack in the oven to keep them warm while you finish the remaining batches. This also ensures they stay crispy.
9. Serve the easy Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes hot, drizzled with a squeeze of fresh lemon and accompanied by a simple tartar sauce or a dollop of herbed yogurt. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes any time of day.

Pro Tips & Notes

• Use fresh, high‑quality salmon: Wild‑caught salmon provides a richer flavor, but responsibly farmed salmon works well too. The key is to keep the fish moist during poaching.
• Make ahead and freeze: Form the patties, flash‑freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. When needed, fry them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute per side.
• Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers: For a gluten‑free variation, use crushed gluten‑free crackers or almond meal. This changes the texture slightly but still yields a crisp exterior.
• Add a touch of sweetness: A tablespoon of honey or maple syrup mixed into the batter can balance the acidity of the lemon and bring out the salmon’s natural sweetness.
• Finish in the oven for batch cooking: After browning all the cakes, you can place the entire skillet in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to ensure they are cooked through without over‑frying.
• Serve with creative sauces: Try a dill‑yogurt sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a classic remoulade to complement the best Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 16 g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these salmon cakes ahead of time?
  Yes! You can form and freeze the uncooked patties for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply fry them from frozen, adding an extra minute per side.
• What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
  Plain fine breadcrumbs work fine, though panko gives a lighter, crunchier crust. For a gluten‑free option, substitute with crushed gluten‑free crackers or almond flour.
• How do I scale the recipe for a larger crowd?
  To serve 8 people, double all the ingredients and plan for two baking sheets. Keep the cooking time per cake the same; just cook in larger batches.
• What are the most common mistakes that ruin the texture?
  Over‑mixing the batter and using too much moisture are the main culprits. Mix gently and let the mixture rest so the breadcrumbs absorb just enough liquid. Also, ensure the pan is hot before adding the cakes; a low‑temperature pan leads to soggy, greasy results.

Closing

There’s no better way to bring family traditions to the table than with the best Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes recipe. Its buttery flavor, crisp exterior, and tender interior make it a crowd‑pleaser that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or dressing it up for a special dinner, these easy Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes are sure to become a staple in your home kitchen. Give this homemade Grandma's Famous Salmon Cakes a try, and let the delicious aroma remind you of cherished memories while creating new ones for the future.

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