Pan-Fried Fresh Salmon Cakes

Submitted by Chef #221488

"From Cook's Illustrated. Great salmon cakes using fresh salmon. Mix in 2 Tbsp of freshly grated parmesan, if desired. The panko coating keeps the salmon cakes crispy! Add a salad and soup to round out a great meal."

 

• Ready In: 36mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 lbs salmon fillets
• 1 slice white bread, such as Pepperidge Farm, crusts removed and white part chopped very fine (about 5 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1⁄4 cup onion (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves (chopped)
• 3⁄4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil, plus
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3⁄4 cup Japanese-style bread crumbs (Panko)

directions

1. 1. Locate and remove any pin bones from salmon flesh, (see related Quick Tip). Using sharp knife, cut flesh off skin, then discard skin. Chop salmon flesh into 1/4- to 1/3-inch pieces and mix with chopped bread, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, salt, and lemon juice in medium bowl. Scoop a generous 1/4-cup portion salmon mixture from bowl and use hands to form into a patty measuring roughly 2 1/2-inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick; place on parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining salmon mixture until you have 8 patties. Place patties in freezer until surface moisture has evaporated, about 15 minutes.
2. 2. Meanwhile, spread flour in pie plate or shallow baking dish. Beat eggs with 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons water in second pie plate or shallow baking dish, and spread bread crumbs in a third. Dip chilled salmon patties in flour to cover; shake off excess. Transfer to beaten egg and, using slotted spatula, turn to coat; let excess drip off. Transfer to bread crumbs; shake pan to coat patties completely. Return now-breaded patties to baking sheet.
3. 3. Heat remaining 1/2 cup vegetable oil in large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes; add salmon patties and cook until medium golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip cakes over and continue cooking until medium golden brown on second side, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer cakes to plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil on surface, if desired, about 30 seconds, and then serve immediately, with one of the sauces that follow, if you like.

Reviews

[mommymakeit4u]

These were delicious! I used brown bread instead of white, and I don't think it made a difference. They were very very flavourful! I made a spicy dill sauce to go with them (1/4 pl. yogurt, 1/4 mayo, 1/4 tsp dill, 1/2 tsp horseradish, pepper to taste)

 

[JBs Girl]

Fantastic! The best salmon cakes I have ever had, fresh fish instead of canned how can you go wrong. I didn't have any white bread in the house so I used 5 TBSP of italian panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 TBSP of melted butter for soft bread crumbs, the cakes came out perfectly, will be making this quite often.

 

[chrisslevin]

These are very well balanced cakes. I substituted cold mashed potatoes for the bread and added a teaspoon of horseradish. A lot of prep but very well worth the effort.

 

[Kimberly24]

I loved this recipe. I decided to add some minced garlic, and I used Italian bread crumbs mixed with parmesan. The result was fantastic! Thanks for an easy dinner idea that was so much better than plain grilled salmon.

 

[surfin' chef]

fantastic. I made these with a can of salmon and dried parsley (all I had on hand)...and they turned out perfectly. Served them with a bottled chipoltle sauce, a bowl of clam chowder, cornbread, and a light salad. Perfection! Next time I'll use a little less salt and fresh parsley. One note: I'd like to see the sauces mentioned at the end of the recipe too. Thanks!