Surprise Salmon Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Surprise Salmon Cakes offer a delightful blend of tender salmon, crispy bread coating, and melty cheddar cheese, seasoned with fresh parsley and lemon. Perfect for a quick appetizer or main dish, they appeal to seafood lovers and those seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal with a hint of elegance.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (1 lb.) can salmon
  • 5 slices day-old bread, shredded
  • 1 small chopped onion
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 lb. American Cheddar cheese
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Drain the liquid from the canned salmon.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, slightly beaten eggs, shredded bread, chopped onion, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and milk. Mix well.
  3. Shape the mixture into cakes around a 1/4-inch cube of American Cheddar cheese.
  4. Brown the cakes in a small amount of shortening until golden brown on both sides.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter option, substitute the American Cheddar with a low-fat cheese or omit it entirely. If you don't have day-old bread, fresh bread can be dried out in the oven for a few minutes. Consider adding spices like garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor. To make the cakes crispier, coat them in breadcrumbs before frying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salmon cakes with a side of tartar sauce or a fresh salad for a delightful meal. They pair beautifully with Salmon And Macaroni Salad, making for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley for a fresh touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Surprise Salmon Cakes contains roughly 697 calories, with 21g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

697 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.3g 43% DV
Total Fat 24g 31% DV
Carbs 105.5g 38% DV
Fiber 11g 39% DV
Sugar 12.7g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 700.4mg 30% DV
Potassium 2122.2mg 45% DV
Cholesterol 73.9mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 194.8mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 48.3mg 54% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 247.2mg 19% DV
Iron 19mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the salmon cakes?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked salmon cakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

What can I use instead of canned salmon?

You can substitute canned salmon with fresh cooked salmon or even canned tuna in a pinch. Just ensure that the fish is well-drained and flaked for the best texture in the cakes.

How do I ensure the cakes hold their shape while cooking?

To help the cakes maintain their shape, make sure to chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping. This firms up the ingredients and makes frying easier, preventing them from falling apart.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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