Name: Skillet Salmon Cakes with Dill Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (6-oz) cans wild salmon, drained and flaked; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (plus extra for garnish); 2 Tbsp sliced green onions; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 Tbsp olive oil (for skillet); Dill Sauce; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/8 tsp garlic powder; Pinch salt & pepper

A week-night classic, these golden salmon cakes are pan-seared in one skillet and paired with a cool, tangy dill sauce. Using convenient canned salmon keeps the meal budget-friendly while still delivering the omega-3 benefits of fish in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience means minimal clean-up.
Ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
Canned salmon provides affordable nutrition.
The cakes freeze and reheat beautifully for future meals.
Versatile: serve as sliders, over greens, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Canned salmon, drained and flaked
Dry bread crumbs
Minced onion
Dijon mustard
Large egg, lightly beaten
Fresh lemon juice
Sea salt and ground black pepper
Olive oil (for frying)
Dill Sauce: light sour cream, dill weed (dried or fresh), garlic powder, sea salt

Directions

Combine the salmon, bread crumbs, onion, Dijon, egg and lemon juice in a mixing bowl; fold gently until just blended.
Shape into evenly sized patties, about 2 ½ in / 6 cm wide.
Sear in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat, 4 minutes per side, until browned and an instant-read thermometer in the centre reaches 145 °F / 62.8 °C.
Mix the sauce while the cakes cook: whisk sour cream, dill, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl.
Serve the hot cakes with spoonfuls of dill sauce.

Servings and timing

Yield	Active time	Total time
2 servings (2 cakes)	15 min	25 min

(To serve four, double the ingredients and cook in two batches so the skillet is not crowded.)

Variations

Fresh salmon – Substitute 8 oz / 225 g cooked, flaked salmon for the canned version.
Herb twist – Replace part of the dill with chopped parsley, tarragon or chives.
Gluten-free – Use equal-volume almond flour or crushed rice crackers in place of bread crumbs.
Baked option – Bake patties on a parchment-lined sheet at 425 °F / 220 °C for 10 minutes per side.
Spicy kick – Add ½ tsp Old Bay or ¼ tsp cayenne to the salmon mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate cooled cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked or uncooked patties on a lined tray until solid, then seal in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat thawed cakes in a 325 °F / 165 °C oven for 10–15 minutes, or in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat until hot throughout.

FAQs

What type of canned salmon works best?

Look for boneless, skinless cans of either wild or sustainably farmed salmon for ease and quality.

Can I substitute fresh dill in the sauce?

Yes—use 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill for every teaspoon of dried.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Press the mixture firmly when shaping and chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking.

Are these salmon cakes healthy?

They offer lean protein and omega-3 fats; using light sour cream keeps the sauce lower in saturated fat.

Which side dishes pair well?

Cucumber salad, steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or brioche buns all complement the cakes.

May I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes—cover and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours; shape and cook just before serving.

How can I tell when the cakes are done?

The exterior will be crisp and browned; internally they should reach 145 °F / 62.8 °C and appear opaque.

Can I cook the patties in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F / 200 °C, lightly oil the basket, and cook the patties 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway.

Is the dill sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free; verify that your mustard and seasonings are certified.

How long will leftover dill sauce keep?

Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and stir before serving.

Conclusion

Skillet Salmon Cakes with Dill Sauce combine convenience with classic flavour. With pantry staples and a single pan, you can have crisp, savoury cakes on the table in minutes, complemented by a refreshing herb sauce that brightens the richness of salmon—a reliable, elegant meal for any night of the week.