Learning how to make Salmon Cakes is easy—and it’s a convenient and affordable way to serve fish to a family. They can be made with pantry ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, too!
I first served these fish cakes to my daughter when she was about 18 months old. I was surprised that she liked them, but it was the start of them being a staple in our rotation of cheap family meals.
Quick Look: Baked Salmon Cakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Serving: 6-8
- Flavor Profile: Subtle herbs with fresh salmon flavor
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday family dinners and toddler meals
- Why to Make: It’s a quick, inexpensive way to make salmon at home
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These are a budget-friendly way to get a dose of the beneficial fats in salmon. Almost every grocery store sells well-priced canned wild salmon that’s significantly less expensive than buying it fresh or frozen. Plus, you can stash a can in your pantry and whip out a dinner in no time at all.
Why this Recipe Works
Instead of pan frying, which is messy and hard with kids around, these salmon cakes are baked in the oven—and bake up crisp and delicious.
(You may also like my Salmon Bites, Fish Nuggets, Crispy Salmon Nuggets, Salmon for Babies, and Fish Sticks.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this salmon cakes recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Canned wild salmon, drained of liquid: I usually buy ones with bones since they crush so easily and add calcium. Canned salmon is much more affordable than fresh or frozen, which makes it a great option to use here.
- Egg: Egg helps the batter for the salmon patties hold together.
- Cornmeal: I like to add a little cornmeal to create a pleasant texture for the cakes.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: A little cheese in the patties adds flavor and yumminess.
- Parmesan cheese: I use grated Parmesan cheese in the mixture to add flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: I like to use panko style breadcrumbs to add a nice crunch on the exterior, though regular bread crumbs will work, too.
TIP: To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How to Make Salmon Cakes
Making homemade salmon cakes is super easy and is possible to do on a busy weeknight. Here’s what the process looks like so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information.
Step 1. Drain the salmon and add it to a bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2. Combine with your hands into a uniform batter.
Step 3. Portion out patties, then flatten. Press into a small bowl of breadcrumbs.
Step 4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
TIP: You can also mix the batter in a food processor if you prefer.
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Salmon Cakes FAQs
I buy canned wild salmon, which works well in this recipe. Look for the larger 14.5 ounce size can.
Sure. You can bake them ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in a 375 degree oven to 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
We like these with salad, Veggie Quinoa, Buttered Noodles, Cheesy Rice, or Veggie Orzo. You can also serve them as sandwiches with rolls.
Best Tips for Success
- To make ahead: Bake, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in a 375 degree oven to 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can use canned tuna instead of salmon.
- Leave any bones in the mixture to add calcium. (They blend right in.)
- Try topping them with a little mayo and a little ketchup. Maybe add in some pickles. The combination of flavors is seriously good!
- Use any canned wild salmon packed in water. You can opt for one without added salt to limit that if you want.
- Add sides like Roasted Frozen Broccoli, Cinnamon Apples, or Steamed Cauliflower.
More Easy Fish for Kids
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment and rate the recipe below!
Easy Baked Salmon Cakes (Salmon Patties)
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounce can wild salmon (drained of liquid)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Panko-style breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper.
- Add all ingredients except the Panko breadcrumbs to a bowl. Use clean hands to work into a uniform batter. (The salmon will likely have bones. Just crush them up with your fingers as you mix the batter. They are very rich in calcium so you want to leave them in but they are not noticeable in the final cakes.) You can also mix this in a food processor if you prefer.
- Spread the Panko breadcrumbs onto a plate.
- Using ¼ cup of the batter at a time, form into patties. Press both sides into the breadcrumbs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature with relish, ketchup, or mayonnaise.
- (You can also pan fry in olive oil in a medium pan set over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Or air fry at 375 degrees F for about 12 minutes.)
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days and reheat for about 6-8 minutes in a 375 degree oven or for 15-30 seconds in the microwave.
Equipment
Notes
- To make ahead: Bake, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in a 375 degree oven to 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can use canned tuna instead of salmon.
- Use a food processor to blend the mixture into a uniform batter that easily holds together. Or mash well with a fork or potato masher.
- Leave any bones in the mixture to add calcium. (They blend right in.)
- Try topping them with a little mayo and a little ketchup. Maybe add in some pickles. The combination of flavors is seriously good!
- Serve with simple sides of a favorite grain, veggie, or fruit. Or serve on small rolls as salmon burgers.
- Use any canned wild salmon packed in water. You can opt for one without added salt to limit that if you want.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
This recipe was first published March 2017.
These were fantastic! My kids loved them, including my oldest! I subbed the eggs for flax eggs due to an allergy in my youngest and they came together perfectly. The texture is so much softer than the pre-made ones at the store. I also tried a variation that used the canned fish, cheese and egg but it was so tough. Trying the next batch with tuna. Thank you so much!
So glad to hear that flax eggs worked well!
Can these be frozen and reheated?
Sure!
Made these for my 9 month old twins who are doing baby led weaning and they loved them! I just broke them in half and served with homemade tzatziki and mashed avocado.
So glad to hear this!
My 2 & 4 year olds gobbled these up, and honestly so did I. Always looking for iron- and protein-rich foods for them, and these are a slam dunk. Easy, tasty, crowd-pleaser.