Cajun Salmon Cakes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked patty that bursts with flavor. This is exactly what you’ll find with Cajun Salmon Cakes. I remember the first time I tried making these at home; the combination of spices and fresh ingredients brought the taste of New Orleans right into my kitchen. With each bite, the crispy exterior gives way to a moist and flaky interior packed with tender salmon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius, yet it’s so simple to prepare!

What to Gather for Cajun Salmon Cakes

To create the perfect Cajun Salmon Cakes, you’ll want to gather high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that crispy crust and savory filling. The combination of fresh salmon, Panko crumbs, and Cajun spices delivers a flavor explosion with every bite.

• 15 ounces pouched or canned salmon: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
• ½ cup Panko crumbs: These give the cakes a light and crispy texture.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cakes together.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture to the mixture.
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: The key spice that gives the cakes their distinct flavor.
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• ⅓ cup finely diced onion: Enhances the overall flavor with its sharpness.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: An essential spice for seasoning the cakes.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying, helping to create that golden crust.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: For the dipping sauce, creamy and delicious.
• 1 small garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeno peppers: Adds a zesty kick to the mayo.
• 1 tablespoon juice from the jar of pickled jalapeno peppers: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Step by Step Instructions for Cajun Salmon Cakes

Cooking Cajun Salmon Cakes is a breeze, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together! Just follow these steps for a delicious result that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

1. First, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise with the minced garlic, diced pickled jalapeno peppers, and the juice from the jar. Stir everything until smooth and well combined. This will be your creamy jalapeno mayo, perfect for dipping!
2. Next, grab a medium bowl and stir together the salmon, Panko crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, finely diced red bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, and pepper. Use a fork to break up the salmon as you mix, ensuring everything is well blended. The mixture should hold together nicely.
3. Once the mixture is ready, shape it into 6 to 8 equal patties, depending on how big you want them. Make sure they are compact so they hold together during cooking.
4. Now, place the shaped patties on a plate or baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart while frying.
5. While the patties are chilling, heat about 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking.
6. Once the oil is ready, gently add the chilled salmon patties to the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 3 minutes on one side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color, which indicates they are perfectly crisp.
7. After 3 minutes, carefully flip the patties using a spatula. Cook for another 3 minutes on the other side until they are equally golden and cooked through.
8. When they are done, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9. Finally, serve your Cajun Salmon Cakes warm with the jalapeno mayo on the side. Enjoy the crunchy exterior and the tender, flavorful inside!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many ways to make Cajun Salmon Cakes your own! Here are some tips to customize or enhance your dish:

• Storage: Place leftover cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal.
• Spice it up: Add more diced jalapenos or some hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added to the mix for an added layer of flavor.

What to Serve Alongside Cajun Salmon Cakes

When it comes to serving Cajun Salmon Cakes, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful options to complement your meal:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the salmon cakes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus lightly steamed adds a healthy touch and balances the dish.
• Cole Slaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and refreshing contrast to the warm cakes.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve the cakes over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf for a heartier meal.
• Light Dipping Sauce: Besides the jalapeno mayo, a zesty tartar sauce can also be a wonderful accompaniment.
• Occasions: These cakes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun appetizer at a gathering.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cajun Salmon Cakes are truly a standout dish that brings excitement to your dinner table. Their crispy exterior paired with the flavorful interior makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it! It’s an easy way to impress your family and friends with a taste of Cajun cuisine right at home.

Cajun Salmon Cakes

Craving something delicious and packed with flavor? These Cajun Salmon Cakes are the ultimate comfort food! With a crispy exterior and moist interior, they're perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering. Try them tonight for a taste of New Orleans in your own kitchen!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 15 ounces salmon
• ½ cup Panko crumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ red bell pepper finely diced
• ⅓ cup onion finely diced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove minced
• 2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeno peppers
• 1 tablespoon juice from the jar of pickled jalapeno peppers

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix together the jalapeno mayo ingredients and refrigerate until needed.
• In a medium bowl, stir together salmon, Panko crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, and pepper.
• Shape into 6 to 8 patties. Freeze for 20 minutes. (This will help keep them from falling part.)
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add salmon patties and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden. Serve with Jalapeno Mayonnaise.

Notes

• Nutritional info: provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used.

Keyword Cajun cuisine, Cajun Salmon Cakes recipe, easy salmon cakes, salmon patties