If you love easy seafood meals, this Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe is perfect for you. It is simple, quick and very tasty. These salmon cakes are crispy outside and soft inside.
Many people enjoy this classic Southern dish at home. In this post, you will learn How to make Paula Deen Salmon Cakes step by step.
I will also share tips and ideas to make it even better. Let’s get started with this easy and delicious recipe.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe for the first time on a busy evening. I wanted something quick but filling. I had canned salmon at home, so I gave it a try.
The result was amazing. The salmon cakes were crispy and full of flavor. My family loved them. Even kids enjoyed them without complaints.
I now make them often for lunch or dinner. It is one of my favorite comfort foods inspired by Paula Deen.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe
- 2 cups canned salmon (drained and bones removed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Open the canned salmon and drain the liquid well. Remove any large bones if present. Use a fork to break the salmon into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
2. Add Vegetables
Add chopped onion and bell pepper into the bowl. These add flavor and crunch. Mix gently so everything spreads evenly through the salmon mixture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, mustard, egg and lemon juice. Mix everything well until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky. This helps hold the cakes together.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Now add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Mix everything slowly until combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape easily.
5. Shape the Cakes
Take a small portion of the mixture and form a round patty. Press gently to flatten. Repeat until all mixture is used. Place them on a plate.
6. Heat the Pan
Place a frying pan on medium heat. Add oil and let it warm up. Do not overheat, or the cakes may burn quickly.
7. Cook the Salmon Cakes
Place the patties in the pan carefully. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Flip gently using a spatula. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and Serve
Remove the salmon cakes and place them on paper towels. This removes extra oil. Serve warm with your favorite sauce or side dish.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- Do not skip the egg, it helps binding.
- Chill mixture for 10 minutes if too soft.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add a little hot sauce for extra spice.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe tastes best when served hot and fresh. You can enjoy it with tartar sauce, garlic mayo or a squeeze of lemon. I also like serving it with a fresh green salad.
Sometimes, I put the salmon cake inside a burger bun for a quick sandwich. It also goes well with rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Best Sides To Serve With
You can pair these salmon cakes with many simple sides. Try coleslaw for a crunchy option. French fries are always a favorite choice.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots work well too. You can also serve it with corn on the cob or baked beans. These sides make your meal more complete and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover salmon cakes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a pan on low heat. This keeps them crispy.
You can also use an oven at 180°C for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft and soggy. You can freeze them for up to one month. Thaw before reheating.

Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned salmon drained and bones removed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley optional
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Open the canned salmon and drain the liquid well. Remove any large bones if present. Use a fork to break the salmon into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
Add Vegetables
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper into the bowl. These add flavor and crunch. Mix gently so everything spreads evenly through the salmon mixture.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add mayonnaise, mustard, egg and lemon juice. Mix everything well until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky. This helps hold the cakes together.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Now add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Mix everything slowly until combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape easily.
Shape the Cakes
- Take a small portion of the mixture and form a round patty. Press gently to flatten. Repeat until all mixture is used. Place them on a plate.
Heat the Pan
- Place a frying pan on medium heat. Add oil and let it warm up. Do not overheat, or the cakes may burn quickly.
Cook the Salmon Cakes
- Place the patties in the pan carefully. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Flip gently using a spatula. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve
- Remove the salmon cakes and place them on paper towels. This removes extra oil. Serve warm with your favorite sauce or side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- Do not skip the egg, it helps binding.
- Chill mixture for 10 minutes if too soft.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add a little hot sauce for extra spice.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
FAQs about Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe
1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Cook it first, then flake it into small pieces. Make sure it is fully cooled before mixing with other ingredients.
2. Why are my salmon cakes falling apart?
This happens if the mixture is too dry or too wet. Add more breadcrumbs if too wet. Add a little mayo if too dry. Egg also helps binding.
3. Can I bake salmon cakes instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 200°C for about 15–20 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking. They will be less crispy but still tasty.
4. What sauce goes best with salmon cakes?
Tartar sauce is the most popular choice. You can also try garlic mayo, yogurt dip, or spicy ketchup. Lemon juice adds fresh flavor too.
5. Can I make salmon cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the cakes earlier. Store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This also helps them hold shape better.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Salmon Cakes Recipe is simple, quick and very delicious. It is perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.
You only need basic ingredients and a few steps. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Salmon Cakes at home easily.
Try this recipe once and you will love it. It is budget-friendly and full of flavor. Do not forget to experiment with spices and sides. Enjoy cooking and share this recipe with your family.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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