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Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli Recipe

4.6 from 56 reviews

These Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli are flavorful, tender, and perfectly crisp on the outside. Made with fresh salmon, herbs, and a hint of Dijon mustard, they are baked to perfection and served with a zesty, spicy aioli that complements the fish beautifully. Ideal as appetizers or a light meal, these salmon cakes are easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Cakes

  • 2 pounds salmon fillet
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1 large onion, diced and sautéed
  • 2/3 cup plain dried breadcrumbs (or almond meal for Gluten-Free & Low-Carb)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 large egg (or 2 egg whites), lightly beaten
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice

Sriracha Lemon Aioli

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if preferred)
  • 4 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Roast the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the salmon fillet and pat it dry thoroughly. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast the salmon in the oven for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes, then use two forks to flake the salmon into small pieces.
  2. Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon with the sautéed diced onion, breadcrumbs (or almond meal), chopped fresh parsley, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, and lemon juice. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
  3. Form the Salmon Cakes: Using a 1 1/2 inch scoop or your hands, form the salmon mixture into small balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
  4. Freeze for Later (Optional): If you plan to store the salmon cakes for future use, place the baking sheet with the formed balls into the freezer. Once they are firm, transfer the cakes into a resealable freezer bag for easy storage until needed.
  5. Bake the Salmon Cakes: To cook the salmon cakes, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until they develop a golden, crisp exterior.
  6. Make the Sriracha Lemon Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed. Serve this spicy aioli as a dipping sauce alongside the warm salmon cakes.

Notes

  • To keep the recipe gluten-free and low-carb, substitute plain dried breadcrumbs with almond meal.
  • Sauté the diced onion before mixing to soften its flavor and texture.
  • Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in both the cakes and the aioli if desired.
  • The salmon cakes can be frozen prior to baking for convenient meal prep.
  • Use egg whites instead of a whole egg for a lighter option.
  • Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce in the aioli to suit your preferred spice level.

Keywords: salmon cakes, mini salmon cakes, Sriracha aioli, baked salmon cakes, healthy appetizers, gluten-free salmon, seafood appetizers