Hey savvy cooks!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rated 4.5 Stars by hundreds of budget-conscious cooks! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Uses affordable canned salmon instead of expensive fresh fillets.
- Ready in 35 minutes - perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Crispy, golden exterior with a tender, flavorful interior.
Tools You'll Need
Large SkilletMixing Bowls
Small Saute Pan
Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon, cooked until crispy, crumbled, bacon fat reserved
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 lemon, zested
- 1 (14-ounce) can wild salmon, checked for large bones
- 1 baked or boiled russet potato, peeled, and fluffed with a fork
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat in a small saute pan over low heat.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent. Cool the onions for a bit.
- Mix the bacon, onion, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Add the salmon and potato, mixing gently after each addition.
- Form the mixture into 12 small patties.
- In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and pepper, to taste.
- Coat the patties in the bread crumb topping.
- Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
- Cook the salmon cakes in batches until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Add more oil, as necessary. Arrange on a serving platter and serve!
Pro Tips
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the salmon and potato to maintain texture.
- Use wild-caught canned salmon for better flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Herb: Add fresh dill or parsley to the mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Different Protein: Use canned tuna or chicken instead of salmon.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
What can I use instead of potato?
Bread crumbs or crushed crackers can work as a binder instead of potato.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or toaster oven for best crispness.
Budget Friendly Salmon Cakes Recipe
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings (12 small cakes)
Nutrition Info: Available soon
Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 strips bacon, cooked & crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 lemon, zested
- 14 oz canned wild salmon
- 1 cooked russet potato
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs + more for coating
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Cook onions in bacon fat until translucent. Cool.
- Mix bacon, onion, egg, mayo, mustard, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Gently fold in salmon and potato.
- Form into 12 small patties.
- Coat in bread crumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Pan-fry in batches until golden, 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
So there you have it - the most delicious Budget Friendly Salmon Cakes that prove fancy meals don't need fancy prices!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how much you saved compared to restaurant versions.

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