Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these delectable Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Cakes! A fusion of Southern flavors and a touch of comfort, these salmon cakes offer a perfect blend of crispy cornmeal crunch on the outside and tender flakiness on the inside. A quick and budget-friendly dish that will have your family coming back for seconds, these salmon cakes hold the key to a satisfying meal that tastes just like grandma’s classic recipe.

Bringing together the goodness of canned pink salmon, aromatic onions, and a medley of spices, these Southern salmon cakes are a true delight for your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as appetizers or as a delightful sandwich filling, these patties are versatile and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. With a simple preparation process that takes just 30 minutes, these salmon cakes promise a delightful dining experience that will have you reminiscing about family gatherings and cherished recipes. Embrace the warmth of Southern cooking with these Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Cakes, a dish that embodies tradition, flavor, and a whole lot of love.

Quick Benefits

• Budget-friendly meal option using simple pantry staples
• Quick and easy recipe to make in just 30 minutes
• Versatile dish that can be enjoyed as appetizers, sandwiches, or main course
• Provides a perfect crunchy texture on the outside while staying tender and moist inside

Why You’ll Love This Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Comfort Food: These salmon cakes are the ultimate comfort food, with a crispy cornmeal coating and tender, moist salmon inside that will make you feel right at home.
• Versatile: Whether as appetizers, sandwiches, or part of a meal, these salmon cakes adapt to various serving options to suit your preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Using canned pink salmon, cornmeal, and other pantry staples, this recipe is cost-effective yet tastes as delicious as a home-cooked meal.
• Family Favorite: With a recipe passed down through generations, these salmon cakes evoke nostalgia and are sure to be a hit at family gatherings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable for those with gluten sensitivities by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prep, these salmon cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later enjoyment.
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like diced peppers, green onions, or Creole seasoning to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Delicious Pairings: Serve with homemade tartar sauce, crispy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or fried green tomatoes for a complete Southern feast.

Ingredients for Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

• 14.75-oz can pink salmon (with or without bones).
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal.
• 1 large egg.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour.
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.

Pro Tips for Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

For the perfect crispy texture, ensure your salmon cakes hold together by refrigerating the formed patties for at least an hour before cooking. This step helps them keep their shape during frying. Adding diced red peppers, green onions, or Creole seasoning can elevate the flavor profile of your salmon cakes and add a delicious twist to the classic recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

To make these salmon cakes gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour. This easy substitution allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this Southern favorite. When reheating frozen salmon cakes, use an air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Pair these salmon cakes with homemade tartar sauce, crispy coleslaw, or serve them in a sandwich with your favorite toppings for a versatile and delicious meal that everyone will love.

How to Make Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

Step 1: Step 01

Open the can of salmon, drain thoroughly, and transfer to a mixing bowl. Flake the salmon with a fork.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine onion, cornmeal, flour, mayonnaise, chili powder, egg, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Step 3: Step 03

Form the mixture into small patties resembling burgers using a measuring cup.

Step 4: Step 04

Sear in olive oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked and enjoyed your Southern salmon patties, it’s crucial to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. These salmon cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in the container to prevent condensation and sogginess. If you plan to store them for a longer period, consider wrapping the individual patties and freezing them. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the salmon patties again, you have a couple of options for reheating. You can either pop them in your air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes to reheat them to crispy perfection or warm them in the oven at 350°F. Reheating them in the air fryer will help retain their crispy exterior, while the oven will heat them through more gently. Serve the reheated salmon cakes with your favorite sides like homemade tartar sauce, crispy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or fried green tomatoes for a delicious Southern meal. They also make fantastic sandwiches with your preferred toppings and a soft bun.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a few ingredient substitutions for the Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Cakes, there are some alternatives you can try. Instead of using canned pink salmon, you can opt for canned tuna as a replacement. Tuna also works well in patties, providing a different flavor profile while still keeping the dish budget-friendly and delicious.

For those looking to make a gluten-free version of these salmon cakes, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together, creating a similar texture to the original recipe. This substitution is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or those simply looking to explore different flour options in their cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy cornmeal salmon cakes as a delicious appetizer by topping them with a dollop of tangy homemade tartar sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a Southern-inspired meal, pair them with a side of creamy mac and cheese and crispy fried green tomatoes. To elevate them into a satisfying sandwich, sandwich the salmon cakes between a soft bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

For a fun twist on presentation, consider shaping the salmon mixture into smaller, bite-sized cakes and serving them as a delightful party finger food. Top each mini salmon cake with a drizzle of zesty aioli or a sprinkle of diced red peppers for an extra burst of flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these cornmeal salmon cakes are sure to be a hit with their crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.

FAQs for Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh cooked salmon instead of canned salmon. Just make sure the salmon is cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.

How can I make these salmon cakes gluten-free?

You can easily make these salmon cakes gluten-free by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This simple swap will make the recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Can I prepare the salmon patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salmon patties ahead of time. Simply form the patties, place them in the fridge for an hour to help them hold together better when frying, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 6 months.

What are some suggestions for additional flavor variations?

You can enhance the flavor of these salmon patties by adding diced red peppers, green onions, or Creole seasoning. These additions can bring a new dimension to the taste and make the patties even more delicious.

Conclusion

Once you’ve mastered the art of making these Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Cakes, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe time and time again. The nostalgia of family gatherings and the satisfying crunch of the cornmeal coating truly make these patties a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at a gathering, they never fail to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with these versatile salmon cakes. Add your own twist by incorporating different herbs and spices, or play around with various toppings to make them your own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to suit your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, get that skillet sizzling, and treat yourself to a delightful meal with these Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Cakes. Your taste buds will thank you!

Golden Cornmeal-Crusted Salmon Cakes

“Classic Southern salmon cakes with a crispy cornmeal crust, moist and tender inside, perfect for a quick and budget-friendly family meal.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 patties)

Ingredients

• 14.75-oz can pink salmon (with or without bones).
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal.
• 1 large egg.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour.
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.

Instructions

1. Step 01: Open the can of salmon, drain thoroughly, and transfer to a mixing bowl. Flake the salmon with a fork.
2. Step 02: Combine onion, cornmeal, flour, mayonnaise, chili powder, egg, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
3. Step 03: Form the mixture into small patties resembling burgers using a measuring cup.
4. Step 04: Sear in olive oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.