Canned Salmon Cakes

Salmon cakes with canned salmon are the perfect appetizer, salad topper or game day treat!

This simple recipe uses canned salmon, so it’s easy to make anytime!  This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, allergy-friendly, and Whole30 approved!

Ingredients

• Canned salmon
• Avocado
• Ground flax
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt

How to make salmon bites in the oven

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the avocado.
2. Next, drain all the liquid from the canned salmon. Add the canned salmon to a bowl along with the ground flaxseed, mashed avocado and spices.
3. Combine the salmon cake mixture well in the bowl. Let the mixture sit in the bowl, well mixed for a minute or two to allow the ground flax to absorb any excess liquid.
4. Take about 1-2 tbsp. of the mixture in your hand and form a small flat disk with the salmon mixture. This recipe should make between 14-16 salmon bites
   
   
   
5. Spray pan with Avocado oil. Place the formed salmon bites on a non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   
   
   
6. Bake at 400F for 17 minutes, flip the patties and bake 3 more minutes (see below for alternate cooking methods)

What kind of salmon is used to make salmon bites

These salmon cakes can be made with either canned salmon (my preferred method) or as a great way to reuse leftover cooked salmon. If you are using cooked, flaked salmon, you will need about 2 cups of flaked cooked salmon.

The best canned salmon for these salmon cakes

Canned Salmon is often sold 2 different ways, both of which work well for making salmon bites:

• Boneless and skinless
• With bones and skin (the bones and skin are edible, but you can also easily pick them out)

You want to buy wild caught salmon to make sure you are getting all the benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids. These are my favorite brands:

• Wild Planet, Wild Pink Salmon – this salmon is sustainably caught and has no fillers.
• Safe Catch, Wild Pink Salmon – tested for mercury levels and sustainably caught!
• Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon (sold in Costco) – super affordable at Costco!
• 365 Everyday Value, Alaskan Wild Salmon Pink (Whole Foods) – great flavor and packed in a BPA free can.

Other flavors

Simply add about 1 tablespoon of seasoning to the salmon mixture in Step 2.

• Cajun
• Taco
• Ranch
• Curry
• Everything bagel

Other ways to cook salmon bites

• Air Fryer: Baked in the air fryer at 350F for 13 minutes
• Stove-top: Cooked in a hot skillet (over medium heat) with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 3-4 minutes each side to create a crispy crust. This method will likely require 2 separate batches to be cooked.

What to serve with salmon bites

• As an appetizer simply dipped homemade ranch dressing or chipotle ranch dressing
• On top of your favorite salad
• Perfect dinner entree paired with mashed potatoes, rice or your simple side dishes.

How to store leftovers

Fridge: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Freezer: Yes, you can store the salmon cakes in the freezer after cooking. Freeze them on a wax paper lined baking sheet until frozen solid. Once frozen, store them in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge or add 5 minutes to the oven reheating time below.

How to reheat

• Oven/ toaster oven: Preheat the oven to 400F and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• Stove: Spray with non-stick spray. Over medium heat, cook on each side 2 minutes to reheat. 
• Air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350F and reheat for 3 minutes (6 minutes if frozen).
• Microwave: Least preferred method. Reheat on high for 60 seconds.