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Quick & Crispy Budget-Friendly Salmon Cakes with Zesty Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

A close-up view of a golden-brown salmon cake, cut open to show the flaky interior, topped with creamy dill sauce.

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Make these easy salmon cakes using canned salmon for a fast, budget-friendly meal. They cook quickly to achieve crispy edges and a tender interior, perfect for a weeknight dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.75 ounce) can pink salmon, drained and skin/bones removed
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, flake the drained salmon using a fork. Remove any remaining small bones or skin pieces.
  2. Add the egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, celery, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dill, mustard, pepper, and salt to the salmon. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, about 1 inch thick.
  4. Place a small amount of extra breadcrumbs on a plate. Lightly coat both sides of each salmon cake in the breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Carefully place the salmon cakes in the hot oil, ensuring not to crowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
  7. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
  8. Remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. While the cakes cook, prepare the sauce: Mix the Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dill, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  10. Serve the warm salmon cakes immediately with the zesty lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Notes

  • If you prefer a different sauce, tartar sauce or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon works well.
  • For extra crispy edges, press the patties slightly flatter before frying.
  • You can substitute canned tuna for salmon if desired.

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