Mini Salmon Cakes: Elevate Your Holiday Menu with this Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Appetizer. A Delicious Appetizer Perfect for Entertaining
If you are in search for an easy and quick recipe that is ready in 30 minutes, that is a hit at any get-together, look no further than Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli!
This appetizer is perfect for entertaining, especially during the Christmas season or any holiday party.
It’s a hearty salmon cake recipe that is not only an easy snack but also kid-friendly, making it a family-friendly recipe ideal for any holiday meal.
Whether it’s a part of your Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or just a simple potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit, making it a must-try for your next holiday meal.
Why Mini Salmon Cakes are a “Must-Try”
Mini Salmon Cakes are the ultimate comfort food, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that is great for lunchbox surprises or a healthy appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner.
Here’s why you need to try this easy prep dish:
- Easy Preparation: This make-ahead recipe allows for easy prep in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy your event.
- Versatile Serving: Whether it’s a part of your holiday menu or a potluck, these salmon cakes fit every occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: This dish is economical, allowing you to create a delicious appetizer without breaking the bank.
- Adaptable & Kid-Friendly: This recipe is adaptable and can be made to suit the taste buds of both adults and kids, making it a versatile addition to your Christmas dinner or any meal.
Detailed Breakdown of Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
For the Salmon Cakes:
- Salmon Fillet: The star ingredient, providing a rich, hearty base for the cakes.
- Onion & Parsley: These add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the mix.
- Breadcrumbs: They give the cakes a perfect texture and hold everything together.
- Mayonnaise & Dijon Mustard: These add creaminess and a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Egg: It acts as a binding agent, keeping the cakes intact.
- Lemon Juice, Salt, & Pepper: These seasonings elevate the taste, adding a zesty freshness and balanced seasoning.
For the Sriracha Lemon Aioli Sauce:
- Mayonnaise & Sriracha Sauce: This combination creates a creamy yet spicy accompaniment to the cakes.
- Lemon Juice & Garlic: They infuse the sauce with a tangy and aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: These are essential for seasoning, making the sauce more flavorful and balanced.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Your Mini Salmon Cakes
- Preparation of Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, flaked salmon fillet, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, egg, and lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Forming Cakes: Shape the mixture into small, even cakes, ensuring they are compact and will hold together well.
- Baking: Place the formed cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the baking time.
- Preparing Sauce: While the salmon cakes are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serving: Once the Mini Salmon Cakes are baked to perfection, serve them warm with the sriracha lemon aioli sauce on the side. Enjoy this delightful appetizer as it elevates your dining experience!
Recommendations for Recipe Variations
The possibilities for variations are plentiful with this salmon cake recipe.
Here are some exciting twists:
- Asian Flair: Incorporate ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and green onions to give the salmon cakes an Asian-inspired flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Incorporate additional vegetables for a more nutritious, hearty bite.
- Cajun Style: Season the salmon mixture with Cajun spices for a southern, spicy twist. Serve with a remoulade sauce.
Simplified Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Options:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
FAQ Section
Can I make these Mini Salmon Cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salmon mixture and form the cakes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to bake them.
Can I freeze the salmon cakes?
Yes, place the cooked or uncooked salmon cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Is there a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs?
Almond flour or crushed pork rinds can be effective low-carb alternatives to breadcrumbs.
Can these be made in an air fryer?
Certainly! Air frying can be a healthier alternative. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Other Appetizers to Try!
Puff Pastry Cranberry Brie Bites
Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
Sausage Pinwheels
Mini Salmon Cakes
Mini Salmon Cakes are a flavorful, protein-packed appetizer, combining succulent salmon, crunchy breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices and just ready in 30 minutes. Paired with a zesty Sriracha Lemon Aioli sauce, they’re a deliciously balanced and crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Salmon Cakes:
- 2 cans of salmon fillet
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large onion, diced, sautéed
- ⅔ cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
Sriracha Lemon Aioli Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 4 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, flaked salmon fillet, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, egg, and lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Forming Cakes: Shape the mixture into small, even cakes, ensuring they are compact and will hold together well.
- Baking: Place the formed cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the baking time.
- Preparing Sriracha Lemon Aioli Sauce: While the salmon cakes are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serving: Once the Mini Salmon Cakes are baked to perfection, serve them warm with the spicy sauce on the side. Enjoy this delightful appetizer as it elevates your dining experience!
Notes
Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you are looking to reduce carbs, almond flour or crushed pork rinds are excellent low-carb alternatives to breadcrumbs.
Sauce Preparation: Preparing the sauce ahead of time and refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld better, enhancing the overall taste.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 269Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 55mgSodium 795mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 12g