Hey there, friend! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week, Mediterranean Salmon Cakes. These savory cakes are not only packed with flavor but are also incredibly easy to make. Trust me, once you try these Mediterranean Salmon Patties, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure.
Why Mediterranean Salmon Cakes Are a Must-Try
These Mediterranean Salmon Cakes are unique because they capture the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean basin, combining fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and rich salmon. They’re perfect for a family meal or served as an impressive appetizer for guests. Plus, they are a wonderful way to sneak in some fish for those who might not usually reach for the seafood section. The light crunch on the outside and the tender inside will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To whip up these Mediterranean delights, you’ll need the following ingredients (this will serve about 6-8 people):
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
If you’re looking to halve the recipe, just divide all the ingredient amounts by two. Craving even more? You can double it for a big family feast.
Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by cooking your salmon. You can either poach, grill, or bake it until flaky. This should take about 10-15 minutes at 375°F. Once it’s cool enough to handle, flake it into a large bowl.
Step 2:
In the bowl with the flaked salmon, add the breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, trust me, your hands work best for this part.
Step 3:
Form the mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should get around 8-10 patties, depending on the size you make.
Step 4:
Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 5:
Once cooked, remove the patties from the pan and let them drain on paper towels for a moment.

Nutritional Information
These Mediterranean Salmon Cakes are not just delicious; they’re also quite nutritious. A serving typically provides around 250 calories, with a good balance of protein, healthy fats from the salmon, and fiber from the breadcrumbs. They’re an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten things up? You can bake these patties instead of frying them. Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get that lovely crispy texture without the extra oil.
Serving Suggestions
These Mediterranean Salmon Cakes shine when paired with a fresh side. Serve them alongside a vibrant Greek Salad or atop a bed of mixed greens. For a little extra flair, a dollop of tzatziki or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice makes the perfect finish. You can find a delightful Greek Salad recipe here.
Common Mistakes
To make sure your patties are perfect, avoid overmixing the ingredients, this can make them tough. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties; if it’s not, they might stick to the pan. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time on paper towels; this helps remove excess oil for a lighter bite.
Chef’s Notes
- For a flavor twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some crumbled feta cheese to the mixture before frying.
- If you have leftover patties, they freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper.
- For a fish-free variation, swap the salmon with canned chickpeas. They’ll still be delicious and totally plant-based.
FAQs
- Q1: Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely; Canned salmon is a great substitute, just make sure to drain it well before using. - Q2: How long will these cakes stay fresh in the fridge?
A2: They can last about 3-4 days covered in the fridge if stored properly. - Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Definitely; You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and form the patties right before you’re ready to cook.
These Mediterranean Salmon Cakes are not just a meal; they’re a flavorful experience that brings joy to the table. Next time you’re looking for something different yet easy to make, remember this recipe. For another fantastic seafood dish, check out my Homemade Crab Cakes Recipe. Enjoy making these, and happy cooking!
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Mediterranean Salmon Cakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 patties 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Mediterranean Salmon Cakes bring a burst of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and rich salmon flavor in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cook the salmon by poaching, grilling, or baking it at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until flaky. Let it cool, then flake it into a bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into 8-10 patties, about 2-3 inches wide.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Place cooked patties on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a bit of crumbled feta for extra flavor. They also freeze well, cool completely and separate with parchment in an airtight container. For a vegetarian twist, substitute salmon with mashed chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salmon cakes, Mediterranean recipe, salmon patties, fish dinner, seafood