Asian Salmon Cakes
Storage tip: To freeze, place the uncooked salmon cakes on a baking sheet in the freezer just until firm, about 2 hours. Wrap each cake in plastic wrap and place in a plastic freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, about 3 lb. total, skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 6 Tbs. oyster sauce
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 green onions, white and light green portions, finely chopped
- 2 Tbs. finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups panko or fine dried bread crumbs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- Juice of 4 limes
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Directions
Prepare the salmon
Preheat an oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.
Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake until the fish is barely opaque when flaked in the thickest part, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Using a fork, break the salmon into large flakes.
Prepare the salmon cakes
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, egg yolks, green onions, ginger and garlic. Add the flaked salmon and 1 cup of the panko and mix with a fork until combined. Gently form the mixture into small patties, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Coat the cakes on both sides with the remaining panko and place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the cakes to firm slightly. If freezing, place in the freezer (see note above).
Make the sauce and cook the salmon cakes
Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce and lime juice and pour into 8 ramekins or small bowls.
In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the salmon cakes and cook until golden brown underneath, about 3 minutes. Turn the salmon cakes over and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 3 minutes more. Divide the salmon cakes among individual plates and serve immediately with the soy-lime dipping sauce. Serves 8.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Make Ahead, by Rick Rodgers (Oxmoor House, 2008).