Introduction
Salmon cakes, often referred to as salmon patties or croquettes, are a delightful and versatile dish beloved in many cuisines. These savory cakes are typically made by combining flaked salmon—either fresh, canned, or leftover—with ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and various herbs and spices. The mixture is then formed into patties and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior.
The beauty of salmon cakes lies in their simplicity and the ease with which they can be customized. From adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to incorporating zesty lemon juice or spicy seasonings, the base recipe for salmon cakes is a canvas for culinary creativity.
However, the true art of serving salmon cakes comes in pairing them with the right side dishes. The choice of accompaniment can elevate this humble dish to a gourmet level, balancing flavors and textures. Whether you opt for a light, refreshing salad, a hearty vegetable side, or a creamy sauce, the right sides can complement the rich, savory notes of the salmon cakes, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Thus, understanding and selecting the best side dishes is crucial in showcasing the full potential of this beloved dish.
Classic Side Dishes
When it comes to serving salmon cakes, classic side dishes can play a pivotal role in rounding out the meal. Here are some traditional yet delightful options:
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fantastic way to add a sweet and savory element to your meal. When tossed with garlic and Parmesan, these fries become a flavorful complement to the rich taste of salmon cakes. They’re not only delicious but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
Fresh Sautéed Vegetables
A mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots can add both color and nutrition to your plate. The lightness of the vegetables balances the denseness of the salmon cakes, making for a well-rounded meal.
Green Beans and Bacon
For a touch of smoky flavor, green beans sautéed with bacon bits are a perfect choice. The crispy bacon adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender green beans, making this side dish both tasty and satisfying.
Simple Side Salad Recipe
A simple side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, can add a fresh and crisp element to your meal. It’s a great way to incorporate some greens and keep the meal light, especially if you’re enjoying the richer flavors of salmon cakes.
In addition to these classic sides, exploring other healthy dinner ideas like chicken and potato recipes can offer more inspiration for your meal planning. And for those who love cooking with an air fryer, pairing salmon cakes with something like Air Fryer Cornish Hens can be a delightful way to mix up your dinner routine.
Creative and Flavorful Options
When it comes to accompanying salmon cakes, stepping outside the box with some creative and flavorful side dishes can elevate your meal to new culinary heights. Here are some inventive options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
Old Bay Cauliflower
Cauliflower, when roasted with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, transforms into a dish with a delightful kick. This seasoning, known for its use in seafood, pairs wonderfully with the flavors of salmon cakes. The cauliflower gets crispy outside and tender inside, providing a satisfying texture and burst of flavor.
Worcestershire Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with a dash of Worcestershire sauce create a side dish that’s both simple and packed with umami. The sauce adds a depth of flavor that complements the salmon cakes beautifully, while the green beans maintain their natural crunch, providing a nice contrast in textures.
Fresh Corn Saute with Green Onions and Red Peppers
For a side that’s as colorful as it is tasty, try sautéing fresh corn with green onions and red peppers. This combination not only brings a vibrant look to your plate but also offers a sweet and savory profile that pairs excellently with the richness of salmon cakes. The freshness of the vegetables adds a lightness to the meal, making it perfect for summer dinners.
Zucchini Casserole
A zucchini casserole, layered with cheese and herbs, is a comforting and hearty option. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal in a more indulgent form. The creamy and cheesy texture of the casserole makes it an irresistible side that complements the flaky texture of the salmon cakes.
Easy Tex Mex Salad Recipe
For a refreshing and zesty side, consider an easy Tex Mex salad. This salad, typically made with beans, corn, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing, brings a burst of freshness and a hint of spice. It’s a lively addition that can balance the savory notes of the salmon cakes, adding a unique twist to the meal.
Each of these creative sides brings its own unique flavors and textures to the table, ensuring that your salmon cake dinner is anything but ordinary. They are perfect for those looking to add a bit more excitement to their meal while still complementing the main dish beautifully.
Sauces and Condiments
The right sauce or condiment can transform salmon cakes from good to exceptional. Here are three classic options that are sure to enhance the flavors of your dish:
Remoulade Sauce Recipe
Remoulade, a classic French sauce, is a fantastic accompaniment to salmon cakes. Its creamy base, usually made with mayonnaise, is enlivened with ingredients like mustard, capers, and herbs, offering a tangy and slightly piquant flavor. This sauce adds a luxurious texture and a depth of flavor, making each bite of salmon cake more enjoyable.
Old Fashioned Tartar Sauce Recipe
Tartar sauce is a time-honored favorite with seafood. Made with mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs, this sauce provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy exterior of salmon cakes. Its refreshing flavor cuts through the richness of the salmon, balancing the overall taste of the dish.
Homemade Hot Sauce
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a homemade hot sauce can be a great addition. A blend of chili peppers, vinegar, and spices can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. This spicy condiment adds an exciting kick to the salmon cakes, elevating the dish with its bold flavor.
More Side Dish Ideas
Expanding your culinary horizons with a variety of side dishes can make a meal with salmon cakes even more delightful. Here are some additional side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of salmon cakes:
Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
Roasted red potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish. When roasted, these potatoes develop a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, making them a satisfying addition to any meal. Seasoned simply with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper, they offer a rustic and hearty flavor that complements the delicate taste of salmon cakes.
Ultimate Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish. It can be customized with a variety of ingredients like fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The cool and refreshing taste of a well-made pasta salad provides a pleasant contrast to the warm salmon cakes, making it an ideal choice for picnics or summer gatherings.
Fruit Salad – Best Easy Recipe!
A fruit salad, with its sweet and juicy components, can be a surprisingly delightful accompaniment to salmon cakes. Combining seasonal fruits with a hint of mint or a drizzle of honey creates a light and refreshing side that cleanses the palate and balances the savory flavors of the main dish.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
For a more indulgent side, a broccoli cheese casserole is a perfect choice. This rich and creamy dish, loaded with tender broccoli and melted cheese, adds a comforting element to the meal. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a favorite, especially in colder months, and pairs beautifully with the flakiness of salmon cakes.
Corn Chowder
Corn chowder, with its creamy base and sweet corn kernels, is a heartwarming addition to any meal featuring salmon cakes. This soup offers a balance of sweetness and savory notes, with the potential to include other vegetables or even bacon for added depth. It’s a satisfying option that complements the fish cakes, especially on chilly evenings.
Each of these side dishes brings its own unique flavors and textures to the table, ensuring a diverse and enjoyable dining experience when served alongside salmon cakes. Whether you prefer something hearty like roasted potatoes and casseroles or lighter options like pasta salad and fruit salad, there’s a side dish to suit every palate.
Exotic and International Flavors
Exploring exotic and international flavors can add an exciting twist to your meal with salmon cakes. These globally-inspired side dishes not only bring variety to your table but also complement the rich flavors of the salmon cakes with their unique profiles:
Louisiana Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice, a classic Louisiana dish, is a flavorful and hearty side that pairs excellently with salmon cakes. Made with rice, chicken liver, green bell pepper, celery, and Creole seasoning, it offers a robust and spicy flavor that can stand up to the richness of the salmon. This dish brings a taste of Southern comfort to your meal. For an authentic recipe, you might want to check out this traditional Dirty Rice recipe.
Homemade Butter Beans
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, cooked slowly until tender and creamy, are a simple yet satisfying side dish. They can be seasoned with herbs and a touch of butter for richness, offering a subtle flavor that complements the salmon cakes without overpowering them. This is a great way to bring a homely, comforting feel to your meal.
Sorghum Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sorghum glazed sweet potatoes offer a unique and delicious twist as a side dish. The deep, earthy sweetness of sorghum syrup pairs wonderfully with the natural sugars in sweet potatoes. This delightful combination creates a side dish that’s both sweet and savory, providing a perfect contrast to the salmon cakes.
Roasted Baby Carrots
Roasted baby carrots, seasoned with herbs and a hint of honey, offer a sweet and tender option. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization from roasting make them a perfect side for balancing the savory flavors of salmon cakes. For a gourmet touch, you can find inspiration from this roasted baby carrots recipe.
Easy Cabbage Salad
An easy cabbage salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, can add a crunchy and refreshing element to your meal. It’s a great way to incorporate some fresh vegetables and keep the meal balanced, especially when enjoying richer sides.
Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce
To add a bit of heat, a spicy Cajun dipping sauce can be a fantastic accompaniment. This sauce, typically made with ingredients like hot sauce, garlic, and Cajun spices, can bring a lively kick to the salmon cakes, enhancing their flavor with a bold and spicy note.
Each exotic and international side dish adds unique flavors and textures, enhancing your dining experience with salmon cakes. Whether it’s the hearty Dirty Rice or the sweet and savory Sorghum Glazed Sweet Potatoes, there’s a side to suit every palate.
FAQs:
What are the best vegetables to serve with salmon cakes?
The best vegetables to serve with salmon cakes are those that offer a balance of flavors and textures. Options like sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, and a fresh garden salad work well. These vegetables complement the richness of the salmon cakes without overpowering them.
Can I make salmon cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare salmon cakes ahead of time. Form the patties, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This step not only allows the flavors to meld together but also makes meal prep more convenient.
Are salmon cakes healthy?
Salmon cakes are a healthy choice, especially when made with omega-3 rich fresh or canned salmon. Additionally, for a healthier version, you can use whole grain breadcrumbs and opt for baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying.
What sauces go well with salmon cakes?
Creamy sauces like tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple yogurt-dill sauce pair beautifully with salmon cakes. For a spicier option, try a Cajun or hot sauce. These sauces add moisture and can enhance the flavors of the salmon cakes.