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Tasty Thai Salmon Cakes

Featured in: Tasty Appetizers

Take your dinner up a notch with these Thai-inspired Crunchy Salmon Cakes. Using fresh instead of canned salmon, these tasty bites mix Thai flavors like lime, ginger, garlic, cilantro and mint with the satisfying crunch of panko and mixed sesame seeds. The key to getting them just right is chopping the salmon into small bits and letting them chill before cooking. This waiting period means they won't fall apart when you cook them to a golden finish. They're great in a bun or on top of a salad, giving you an Asian flavor punch that can be made ahead and kept for days.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:34:07 GMT
Crispy sesame-crusted salmon patties with a tender, flavorful inside. Pin it
Crispy sesame-crusted salmon patties with a tender, flavorful inside. | pinchofyummy.com

East and West collide in these stunning fish cakes where fresh salmon gets decked out in a beautiful golden sesame seed jacket. These aren't run-of-the-mill salmon patties - they're kicked up with Thai-style flavors, bunches of herbs, and a mix of sesame seeds that gives you an amazing crunchy, nutty bite. Each cake blends top-notch salmon with zesty citrus, warming ginger, and a touch of heat from sambal oelek, all working together in a fancy yet totally doable dish.

I found out through tons of trial runs that cutting the salmon by hand instead of blitzing it in a food processor makes them turn out just right. The first time I made these for friends, they couldn't get over how you could still see chunks of salmon in each bite.

Premium Ingredient Picks

  • Salmon: Go for middle cuts with bright color and firm flesh for top results.
  • Mayonnaise: Grab the full-fat Japanese kind for extra richness and smooth texture.
  • Fish Sauce: Pick a high-quality Thai brand for that deep, savory kick.
  • Sambal Oelek: This fresh chili mix lets you add just the right amount of spice.
  • Fresh Herbs: Grab bright cilantro and mint for amazing smell and taste.
  • Sesame Seeds: Mix black and white ones together for looks and extra crunch.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs make everything lighter and crispier.
  • Fresh Ginger: Look for plump pieces without wrinkles for the strongest flavor.

Crafting Delicious Patties

Salmon Preparation:
First, check your salmon for any little bones and pull them out with tweezers. Chop the salmon into tiny pieces about 1/4-inch big using a sharp knife at a slight angle. Don't overdo it - you want chunks, not mush. Keep the salmon cold the whole time you're working with it.
Aromatics Integration:
Chop garlic and ginger super tiny so they spread throughout. Lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until they smell nutty. Cut herbs right before mixing so they stay fresh and green. Mix all wet stuff together first before adding to the salmon.
Perfect Binding:
Stir everything together gently with clean hands until it feels evenly mixed. Add the Panko bit by bit, letting it soak up moisture before adding more. The mix should stick together when squeezed but still feel airy.
Patty Formation:
Use a 1/3 cup scoop for same-size patties. Shape them with light pressure, pushing the middle down slightly so they don't puff up. Press the sesame coating on firmly enough to stick but not so hard it gets buried.
Crispy golden fish patties rolled in sesame seeds and cooked till perfect. Pin it
Crispy golden fish patties rolled in sesame seeds and cooked till perfect. | pinchofyummy.com

I had an aha moment when making these for a catering job - leaving the shaped patties uncovered in the fridge for the first hour created a thin surface that made them way easier to handle and coat.

Tasty Serving Ideas

Lay them on some Asian-style slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing. Add quick-pickled cukes and radishes for some crunch and tang. Put out bowls of spicy mayo made with Sriracha and some wasabi aioli for dipping. They're great over soba noodles or rice for a full meal.

Fun Twists To Try

Play around with different herbs like Thai basil or shiso leaves. Throw in some finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch. Make a Japanese version using togarashi spice in the coating. For fancy occasions, mix in a bit of tobiko or masago.

Keeping Them Fresh

Stack uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper. Freeze them separately before putting them in freezer bags. When you're ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm up cooked patties in a 350°F oven until just heated through.

Tasty fish patties with crunchy sesame coating and rich flavors. Pin it
Tasty fish patties with crunchy sesame coating and rich flavors. | pinchofyummy.com

After making this recipe tons of times, I've learned that the magic happens when you honor both the salmon and the Asian flavors that make it shine. These patties hit that sweet spot between Western cooking methods and Eastern tastes, creating something familiar yet exciting. Serve them as fancy apps or a casual dinner - they'll wow everyone with their amazing flavors and pretty appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is the cooling time really needed?
That 2-hour cooling time really helps your patties stay together. If you're rushed, try cooling them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes instead.
→ How small should I cut the salmon pieces?
Go for roughly 1/4 inch chunks - small enough to stick together but not so tiny they turn mushy.
→ Can I make them milder?
For sure, just cut down or leave out the sambal oelek/Sriracha, or swap in a gentler chili sauce that fits your taste.
→ What's the best way to warm up extras?
Put them back in a pan over medium heat to keep them crispy, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
→ Can I freeze these cakes?
Absolutely - freeze them after shaping but before adding sesame seeds. Let them thaw in your fridge overnight, then coat and cook them.

Thai Sesame Salmon Cakes

Homemade salmon cakes packed with Thai hints of lime, ginger, and fresh herbs, wrapped in a crunchy layer of sesame seeds and panko crumbs.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Tasty Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Eastern Mix

Yield: 6 Servings (6-7 patties)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Mix

01 1.5 pounds boneless middle-cut salmon chunks, finely diced
02 1/2 cup mayo
03 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 2 tablespoons Oriental fish sauce
05 1 tablespoon hot chili paste or hot sauce

→ Flavors and Greens

06 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
07 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
08 1 lime, grated peel plus juice from half
09 1 small red onion, chopped tiny
10 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped small
11 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped small
12 3 green onions, sliced thin

→ Outer Layer

13 1.5 cups Japanese breadcrumbs, split up
14 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
15 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
16 1 teaspoon salt
17 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Take off any skin and pick out bones from your salmon pieces and cut into tiny bits. Toss the cut fish into a big bowl and put it aside.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, stir together mayo, soy sauce, fish sauce, hot chili paste, garlic, ginger, lime bits and juice, diced onion, herbs, spices, and 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Add your fish and mix well using your fingers.

Step 03

Create 6-7 burger shapes and lay them on a paper-lined tray. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to get firm.

Step 04

Combine leftover breadcrumbs with both types of sesame seeds in a flat dish. Push each cold patty into this mix to cover all edges.

Step 05

Warm up oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties in small groups for about 4 minutes each side until they hit 145°F inside and look golden on the outside.

Notes

  1. Works with canned salmon too if you're in a hurry
  2. Stays good in the fridge up to 3 days
  3. Tasty on a roll or with a side salad

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowls
  • Wide frying pan
  • Cookie sheet
  • Baking paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Watch out for fish (salmon, fish sauce)
  • Contains soy products
  • Has eggs (from the mayo)
  • Includes gluten (from breadcrumbs)
  • Contains sesame seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 404
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 27 g