Salmon Cakes Recipe – Crispy, Herbed Salmon Patties with Lemon‑Dill Yogurt Sauce

Salmon Cakes Recipe

This Salmon Cakes recipe brings together fresh salmon, smoky cured salmon, herbs, lemon zest, and crispy panko for a flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining, brunch, or seafood lovers. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines fresh salmon, dill, scallions, and a cooling yogurt dip for a bright, satisfying dish that’s easy to recreate at home.

The Inspiration

Inspired by coastal seafood traditions and classic fish cakes enjoyed around the world, this dish reflects Lauren Gulyas’s fresh, vibrant approach to cooking on A Is For Apple. Salmon takes center stage in this episode’s theme, and combining both fresh and smoked salmon highlights the ingredient’s depth of flavor. The addition of dill, lemon, and scallions brings Scandinavian and West Coast influences, while the crispy salmon skin chips elevate the dish with restaurant‑quality flair. Viewers will love how these salmon cakes are simple to prepare, naturally beautiful on a platter, and full of clean, bright flavors that showcase salmon at its best.

Ingredients

Salmon cakes:

• 1 lb (454 g) piece fresh salmon skin on
• 3 oz (85 g) smoked salmon approximately 4 slices
• 3 scallions
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh dill
• 1 large egg
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (60 ml) panko bread crumbs
• salt and pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

Dipping sauce:

• 1 cup (250 ml) Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) minced fresh chives
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) fine chopped fresh dill
• zest and juice from 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated cucumber
• salt and pepper

Method

• Remove skin from salmon and reserve in the refrigerator for salmon skin chips.  Dice the salmon into 1/8 inch (.31cm) dice and place in a large bowl.
• Roughly chop the smoked salmon into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces add to the bowl. Fine chop the scallions, garlic and dill.
• Dice the red pepper into 1/8 inch (.31cm) dice. Add to the bowl.
• Lightly beat the egg and add to the bowl.
• Add the juice and zest of one lemon.
• Add the panko bread crumbs and salt and pepper.
• Mix all ingredients to combine.
• Using your hands form cakes into 2 inch (5cm) rounds with ¾ inch (2cm) thickness.
• Place on a parchment lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
• Remove cakes and salmon skin from the refrigerator.
• Preheat oil to 375 F (176°C).
• Remove any excess moisture or fat from the salmon skin.  Angle your knife 40° and gently scrape the salmon skin.  Cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) strips.
• Place the pieces of skin into the hot oil and cook for 2 minutes or until crispy and golden. Remove using a spider or slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined tray to drain.
• Place 4 to 5 cakes into the hot oil and cook until crispy and golden brown all over. Remove cakes using a spider or slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined tray.
• Repeat with remaining cakes.
• To make the sauce fine chop the chives and dill.
• Place yogurt into a medium bowl add the herbs, lemon zest and juice.  Grate the cucumber through the large holes of a cheese grater and place in a clean towel.  Squeeze out excess water and add to bowl. Season with salt, pepper and mix to combine.
• Serve hot salmon cakes on a platter with a dollop of sauce on each. Garnish plate with salmon chips.

Serving Suggestions

These Salmon Cakes make a beautiful appetizer for dinner parties, brunch spreads, cocktail gatherings, or seafood‑focused menus. Serve them warm with the lemon‑dill yogurt dip to balance their richness and highlight the fresh herbs. They pair wonderfully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wine, or citrus‑forward cocktails. For a full meal, serve alongside leafy salads, roasted vegetables, or couscous with herbs and lemon. For presentation, place them on a wooden platter with lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and salmon chips for an eye‑catching, restaurant‑style appetizer.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Cakes recipe is a celebration of bright flavors, quality seafood, and simple techniques that create impressive results. With the combination of fresh salmon, smoked salmon, citrus, herbs, and a crisp golden finish, these cakes deliver both comfort and sophistication. Host Lauren Gulyas brings a fresh, modern approach to A Is For Apple, showing how salmon can transform into a delicious, beautiful appetizer in just a few steps. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a flavorful treat at home, these salmon cakes offer a satisfying, elegant bite every time.

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