Delicious Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes for Seafood Lovers

Friends, foodies, and BBQ enthusiasts, gather around! I am excited to introduce you to my latest creation – the delicious Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes recipe. Whenever I cook these crab cakes, they never fail to impress everyone with their irresistible blend of flavors, and I guarantee that they will become a staple in your kitchen too.

If you are a fan of seafood, then you are in for a treat with this dish. My recipe combines two of the most beloved seafood ingredients- fresh lump crabmeat and smoked salmon dungeness – to create tantalizing crab cakes that are perfect for any occasion.

One of the reasons why I love this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can serve them as appetizers, entrees or even sliders for your next cookout event. Moreover, they’re easy to make and don’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets or culinary knowledge.

The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is enough to make your taste buds dance in ecstasy. The delicate sweetness of the crabmeat pairs perfectly with the smoky richness of the hot smoked salmon. The crunchiness of the green onions contrasts just right with the soft texture of the crab cakes. And let’s not forget about the zesty notes from the lemon juice and dijon mustard that give these cakes a tangy finish.

So listen friends, if you want to impress your family and friends or simply indulge yourself with some homemade seafood delicacies, look no further than this Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes recipe. Trust me; you won’t regret giving it a try! Let’s dive into the ingredient list next and start cooking together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes
Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes

Let me tell you, friends, why you’ll fall head over heels in love with this Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes Recipe.

First off, I know many of us seafood lovers out there can’t resist a good crab cake. But have you ever had one made with the added luxury of fresh lump crab and succulent smoked salmon? Trust me, it takes this classic dish to a whole new level of indulgence.

Speaking of indulgence, one of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. You can enjoy these bad boys as an appetizer, a light lunch or dinner, or even as a protein-packed snack to tie you over throughout the day.

What’s more, the ingredients are easy to find and simple to work with. Don’t let the thought of making your own crab cakes intimidate you – it’s easier than it sounds! Plus, the combination of tangy mayonnaise and dijon mustard complemented with fresh green onion and zesty lemon juice make for a dynamic mouthful that will leave your taste buds dancing.

And if sustainability is something that’s important to you (as it should be), fear not! This recipe incorporates responsibly-sourced seafood from both our beloved blue crab and highly-prized Dungeness crab.

But don’t take my word for it – try out this recipe for yourself and taste what all the fuss is about. With its robust flavors and crispy exterior encasing tender crabmeat and smoked salmon chunks, I know it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your household.

Ingredient List

 Smoked salmon crab cakes: A marriage made in seafood heaven!
Smoked salmon crab cakes: A marriage made in seafood heaven!

Crab Cakes Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh lump crabmeat, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced roasted red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Canola oil for frying

Smoked Salmon Stuffing

  • 4 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

Salmon Patties Ingredients

  • 1 lb canned or fresh pink salmon, drained and flaked into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced green onion
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • juice of half a lemon
  • pinch of sea salt and white pepper

Stuffed Crab Cakes Ingredients

  • Crab Cakes ingredients
  • Smoked Salmon stuffing
  • Crab meat
  • Pink salmon

The Recipe How-To

 These crab cakes are packed with flavor and a little bit of a kick!
These crab cakes are packed with flavor and a little bit of a kick!

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – making these delicious smoked salmon crab cakes! Follow these simple steps and serve up a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before we begin, we need to prepare our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 lb fresh lump crabmeat
  • 4 oz smoked salmon
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp canola oil

Start by flaking the crabmeat into a large bowl, making sure to remove any shells. Add diced smoked salmon, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard, egg, salt, pepper and breadcrumbs and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Crab Cakes

Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into patties roughly the size of your palm. The mixture should make around eight patties.

Step 3: Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat with canola oil. Once heated, gently place each patty into the skillet and cook for three minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through, remove from heat and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. I personally love serving these cakes with a squeeze of lemon juice but feel free to get creative!

These crab cakes are perfect as an appetizer or satisfying main course. The smoked salmon adds a unique twist on traditional crab cakes while still providing that sought-after savory flavor.

Now that you have mastered this recipe, be sure to add it to your file of go-to recipes and wow friends and family with this impressive seafood dish.

Substitutions and Variations

 Lovingly smoked salmon adds depth to the classic crab cake recipe.
Lovingly smoked salmon adds depth to the classic crab cake recipe.

One of the greatest things about cooking is that you can always experiment and create new flavors from different approaches. In this section, we will discuss some substitutions and variations that you can use to personalize the Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes Recipe to fit your taste.

Firstly, if you are allergic to seafood or just not fond of crab, you can substitute it with any other protein you like. Imitation crab or canned salmon are great alternatives for (fresh) lump crabmeat. You might have to change up the seasoning a bit for the best results, but these substitutes should work well.

For those who prefer hot smoked salmon, you can use it in place of cold-smoked salmon Dungeness. The recipe will still be delicious as long as it meets your taste preferences. Additionally, if red bell peppers are not a favorite vegetable add datil pepper or any other spicy pepper that you love – feel free to add more or less depending on how much heat you want in your crab cakes.

If you like a more prominent dill flavor, try adding dill weed while combining smoked salmon, mayonnaise Dijon mustard, and fresh lump crabmeat.

Lastly, if you’re looking to make smaller bite-sized portions or feed a big crowd, transform the crab cake recipe into salmon fish cakes or salmon burgers instead of traditional plump cakes. These alternatives can be perfect for a family reunion or a friends’ barbecue party.

In conclusion, this recipe allows for almost infinite creativity when it comes to adapting and personalizing it according to your liking. Don’t be afraid to try new things in the kitchen and remember to cook with confidence!

Serving and Pairing

 You're only five ingredients away from the ultimate appetizer or meal with these smoked salmon crab cakes.
You’re only five ingredients away from the ultimate appetizer or meal with these smoked salmon crab cakes.

Once you have made these delightful smoked salmon crab cakes, it’s time to serve them up with some ideal partners that will set off their unique smoky fragrance and flavors. These crab cakes are great served as an appetizer or as a meal with scrumptious side dishes.

Serving Suggestions:

For a delightful lunch or dinner, pair the smoked salmon crab cakes with a fresh garden salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing, crispy french fries or roasted baby potatoes. A creamy coleslaw made with finely sliced cabbage and a tangy dressing also pairs well.

If you’re going for something more upscale, serve them with scrambled eggs, hollandaise sauce, and a garnish of chives for an indulgent brunch option. Similarly, you can complement them with some buttery croissants and a mimosa on the side for some serious weekend vibes.

Pairing Suggestions:

When it comes to pairing beverages with smoked salmon crab cakes, the options are endless. For an understated touch, opt for white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. If you’re looking for something sweet and fruity, consider a cocktail made with passionfruit or orange juice.

For those who want something stronger, pair these crab cakes with your favorite beer – whether it be a refreshing lager or an amber ale. You may also consider pairing them up with cider or ginger beer for just the right amount of zest.

In conclusion, the versatility of smoked salmon crab cakes and its adaptability to a wide range of dishes make them the perfect addition to any meal. The combination choices are infinite, so don’t be afraid to get creative and let your taste buds guide you in finding your perfect pairing.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Smoked salmon elevates the dish with a rich, smoky taste and a tantalizing texture.
Smoked salmon elevates the dish with a rich, smoky taste and a tantalizing texture.

If you’re wondering how to prepare these delectable salmon crab cakes ahead of time or store them properly, worry not! These salmon crab cakes can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your leftovers.

Make-Ahead:

The salmon crab cake mixture can be made several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or grill it. You may want to shape the mixture into patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet before storing it in the refrigerator.

Storing:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked cakes for up to 2 months. Make sure they are wrapped tightly and do not stack them together so that they do not fall apart.

Reheating:

To reheat the salmon crab cakes, gently heat them on a non-stick skillet with canola oil over low-medium heat until heated through (about 3-4 minutes per side) or reheat using air fryer or oven by placing them in it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through.

When reheating these delicious cakes, be careful not to overcook them as they could end up dry and crumbly. With a little bit of caution, you’ll achieve perfect reheated salmon crab cakes every time!

Tips for Perfect Results

 These crab cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and completely irresistible.
These crab cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and completely irresistible.

Cooking the perfect Salmon Crab Cakes takes skill and a few insider tips to keep them creamy, light, and packed with flavor. Here are some tricks I have picked up over the years that can help make your crab cakes the talk of the town.

Firstly, be gentle when you form your cakes. Overhandling or packing your mixture too tightly will result in them being tough and dense. Instead, mold gently with your hands using a light touch. A delicate texture is a key to perfect crab cakes, along with allowing the cakes to rest for at least thirty minutes before cooking.

Another thing to note is to ensure you don’t overcook the salmon crabcakes. I’ve seen many chefs get it wrong by overcooking their cakes until they’re dry and hard. For best results, cook your salmon crab cakes over medium-high heat till golden brown on the outside, holding their shape on the inside.

To help prevent them from sticking in the pan, use canola oil instead of butter or olive oil. For extra flavor and crunchiness, consider adding freshly diced green onions and finely chopped red bell pepper while mixing up your batter.

Lastly, when possible, always try to use fresh lump crabmeat instead of canned crab meat or imitation crab as the consistency and taste will be sub-standard compared to fresh.

Follow these tips, and your smoked salmon Crab Cakes will be sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces around you!

FAQ

As you’ve read through the recipe and cooking steps for the smoked salmon crab cakes, there might still be a few questions or concerns. To help address them, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions with detailed answers and tips that will guarantee you have a successful outcome. From ingredient substitutions to cooking equipment, we’ve got you covered in this section. Let’s dive in!

How do you keep crab cakes from falling apart?

For optimal results, it is crucial to refrigerate the crab cakes prior to cooking them. To add a burst of flavor, you have a range of herb options to choose from. You can incorporate aromatic herbs such as thyme, dill, parsley, rosemary or sage. In case you don’t have fresh herbs, a teaspoon of dried herbs would work just as well, or you can leave them out altogether.

Is it better to fry or bake crab cakes?

When it comes to preparing crab cakes, there is a debate on whether baking or frying them is the better choice. While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, I personally prefer baking them due to its convenience and ability to prevent dryness. Additionally, baking eliminates the risk of the cake falling apart during the cooking process, which can be frustrating when pan frying.

Why do you put mayo in crab cakes?

When making crab cakes, mayonnaise plays a crucial role in keeping the patties together. Apart from acting as a binding agent, it adds moisture to the mixture and contributes to its flavor. To enhance the taste of the crab, I use dry mustard, salt, and pepper in the recipe. These subtle yet essential ingredients help to elevate the dish’s natural flavors and make it more enjoyable.

What makes Maryland crab cakes different?

When it comes to making an authentic Maryland crab cake, there’s only one ingredient that truly matters: the meat from a Maryland blue crab. The unique sweetness and flavor of these local crustaceans is what defines a true Maryland crab cake. At Box Hill, that’s all we use in our famous crab cakes – pure, delicious blue crab meat.

Bottom Line

So there you have it, my smoked salmon crab cakes recipe that is sure to impress both seafood lovers and skeptics alike. With its perfect combination of smoked salmon and fresh lump crabmeat, it elevates the classic crab cake to a whole new level.

But don’t just take my word for it. Try this recipe out for yourself and taste the deliciousness firsthand. And with the various substitutions and variations available, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re making these for a summer BBQ or a fancy dinner party, these smoked salmon crab cakes are sure to be a hit. So grab your apron and get cooking!

Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes

Smoked Salmon Crab Cakes Recipe

Serve this with the Avocado Tarter Sauce and it is a winning combination. Recipe is by Frank P. Melodia.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Seafood
Calories 385.2 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh lump crabmeat, drained
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced roasted red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 ounces smoked salmon
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

Instructions
 

  • Stir together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Divide mixture into 8 balls.
  • Flatten each ball into a 3-inch patty. Divide smoked salmon into 4 pieces, and place in center of 4 patties. Place remaining patties over salmon, pressing edges to seal; coat cakes in breadcrumbs.
  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add cakes, and cook, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with Spicy Avocado Tartar Sauce Recipe #98635 . Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs, if desired.

YOUR OWN NOTE

Nutrition

Serving: 192gCalories: 385.2kcalCarbohydrates: 22.2gProtein: 28.5gFat: 19.8gSaturated Fat: 2.1gCholesterol: 95.5mgSodium: 1170.2mgFiber: 1.6gSugar: 2.3g
Keyword < 30 Mins, Crab, Easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Shara

Shara @The Bird BBQ

Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.