Thai Salmon Cakes Gluten Free and Dairy Free

These easy Thai salmon cakes are packed with fresh herbs, warm spices, and tender salmon in every bite. They are crisp on the outside, flavorful inside, and delicious served with sweet chili sauce and fresh lime wedges. Enjoy these gluten-free and dairy-free salmon fish cakes as a light main dish, a satisfying snack, or a flavorful appetizer. If you love Asian-inspired recipes and simple weeknight meals, this Thai salmon cakes recipe is a wonderful option to keep on rotation.

Thai Salmon Cakes for a Taste of Asia

If you enjoy classic salmon patties but want something brighter, fresher, and inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, these Thai salmon fish cakes are a delicious choice. They bring together salmon, chives, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sesame oil, and spices for a savory dish that feels special without being complicated.

The mixture comes together quickly in a food processor or blender, so there is no need for difficult prep work. Once blended, the salmon mixture is shaped into small patties and pan-fried until golden brown. The result is a batch of flavorful salmon cakes that are easy enough for a weekday meal but tasty enough to serve when you have guests.

These Thai salmon cakes are naturally high in protein and can be served in several ways. Pair them with a simple salad for a light main dish, serve them as party bites with sweet chili sauce, or enjoy them as a savory snack with extra lime juice squeezed over the top. They are also completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for many dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: These Thai salmon cakes use ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores. Fresh salmon, herbs, garlic, lime juice, spices, and gluten-free panko come together to create big flavor without anything overly complicated.
• Easy to Make: A food processor or blender does most of the work. Blend the herbs and seasonings, add the salmon and panko, shape the mixture into patties, and pan-fry until golden.
• Great for Many Occasions: Serve these salmon cakes as an appetizer, light lunch, dinner, or protein-rich snack. They are delicious warm from the skillet and pair beautifully with sweet chili sauce.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is made with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and contains no dairy, making it a helpful option for anyone avoiding gluten or lactose.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients used to make this Thai salmon cakes recipe. You will need salmon fillet, gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, fresh chives, cilantro, garlic, an egg, sesame oil, lime juice, light brown sugar, ground coriander, ground ginger, chili powder, salt, and olive oil for pan-frying.

For exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet gives these fish cakes a tender texture and rich flavor. If salmon is not available, trout is the closest alternative.
• Panko: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free. If you do not need the recipe to be gluten-free, regular panko breadcrumbs may be used instead.
• Fresh Herbs: Chives and cilantro add a bright, fresh flavor that works well with the spices. If cilantro tastes too strong to you, fresh parsley can be used as a substitute.
• Garlic: Grated garlic blends smoothly into the salmon mixture and gives the patties a deeper savory flavor. Add extra garlic if you enjoy a stronger garlic taste.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a distinct Asian-inspired flavor, so it is best not to skip it.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the salmon cakes a brighter, fresher taste than bottled juice.
• Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a small touch of sweetness. Cane sugar or coconut sugar may also be used.
• Spices: Ground coriander, ground ginger, and chili powder give these Thai salmon cakes warmth and depth. For extra flavor, you may also add a little garlic powder or onion powder.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for pan-frying, but another neutral cooking oil can be used if preferred.

How to Make Thai Salmon Cakes:

Combine Fresh Herbs & Condiments in Blender: Add the chives, cilantro, and grated garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the egg, sesame oil, lime juice, brown sugar, ground coriander, ground ginger, chili powder, and salt.

Blend Until Smooth: Blend for about 1 minute, or until the herb and seasoning mixture is smooth.

Dish by Dish Tips:

• Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work beautifully in this recipe, but canned salmon can also be used if fresh salmon is not available. If using canned salmon, drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
• Make Smaller or Larger Patties: This recipe makes 8 medium patties. You can make smaller cakes for appetizers or larger patties for a main dish.
• For Extra Heat: If you enjoy spicier fish cakes, add 1 tablespoon of red curry paste to the salmon mixture before shaping and cooking.

Other Gluten-Free Salmon Recipes to Make:

• Easy Salmon Patties (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Almond Crusted Salmon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Spicy Firecracker Salmon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Oven-Baked Salmon Kabobs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Appetizers You’ll Love:

Thai Salmon Cakes (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Thai salmon cakes are flavorful, protein-packed, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Made with fresh salmon, herbs, lime juice, sesame oil, and warm spices, they are perfect as an appetizer or light main dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons chopped chives
• 6–7 sprigs cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for pan-frying
• Cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Combine Fresh Herbs & Condiments in Blender: Add the chives, cilantro, and grated garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the egg, sesame oil, lime juice, brown sugar, ground coriander, ground ginger, chili powder, and salt.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend for about 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Salmon & Gluten-Free Panko: Add the salmon pieces and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
4. Blend To Desired Texture: Blend for 1 to 2 minutes. Stop earlier if you prefer a chunkier texture.
5. Shape & Cook Fish Cakes: With wet hands, form patties about 2 to 3 inches wide. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Place the patties in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes on low heat.
6. Flip & Cook: Flip the salmon cakes and cook for another 3 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
7. Garnish & Serve: Serve with fresh herbs, sweet chili sauce, and lime wedges.

Notes

Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet is ideal, but drained canned salmon can be used if needed. Trout is the closest substitute for fresh salmon.

Panko: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free recipe. Regular panko can be used if gluten is not a concern.

Fresh Herbs: Chives and cilantro give these cakes fresh flavor. Parsley can replace cilantro if preferred.

Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor.

Spices: Ground coriander, ground ginger, and chili powder add warmth and depth. Do not skip them if you want the full Thai-inspired flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian