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    Home » Recipes » Easy Meals

    Sweet Potato Salmon Fish Cakes with Herbs

    January 20, 2021 By Monika Last Updated February 3, 2022 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These delicious sweet potato salmon fish cakes are made with fresh herbs for added flavour and moisture. They contain a handful of ingredients and, with a little preparation, can be ready in minutes! 

    Side view of sweet potato salmon fish cakes on plate with lemon wedge and yogurt dip.

    Sweet potato salmon fish cakes ingredients

    This recipe involves cooking the salmon (or using salmon leftovers) and sweet potato separately then combining with fresh herbs (I used chives, parsley and dill) and seasoning and forming fish cakes.  There is no egg or breadcrumbs in the mixture (though I did use breadcrumbs for coating the fish cakes) and the recipes comes together in minutes. 

    Frying is also quick as the ingredients are already cooked so all these fish cakes need is a little crisping up.

    Ingredients for sweet potato salmon fish cakes in individual dishes.
    Sweet potato salmon fish cake ingredients.

    Preparing the salmon

    You can either

    • use salmon leftovers, or
    • prepare the salmon from scratch

    To cook salmon from scratch place it on top of a baking sheet lined with non-stick baking paper, season and drizzle with oil or mist with cooking spray.  Bake in the centre of the oven at 375 F/ 190 C/ gas mark 5 for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked, taking care not to overcook it.  Remove from the oven, flake the salmon (discard the skin if present) and set aside to cool before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

    Can I use frozen fish 

    Yes, you can! If using frozen pieces of salmon simply place them in a pot, cover and simmer until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent them sticking to the pot.  You shouldn't need to add any water as the salmon will release lots of moisture as it defrosts.  Drain thoroughly, allow the fish to cool and make the recipe.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1. Peel, cube and boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy (do not overcook them).  

    Peeled, cubed sweet potato in saucepan with water.

    2. Remove from the heat, drain thoroughly and mash coarsely using a fork (the mixture shouldn't be smooth).  Set aside to cool.

    Mashing cooked sweet potato in saucepan with fork.

    3. Flake the salmon and combine with the sweet potato, herbs and seasoning. 

    Flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato and chopped herbs in large metal bowl.

    4. Stir thoroughly making sure the mixture retains its coarse texture. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

    Sweet potato salmon fish cake mixture in large metal bowl.

    5. Form small balls (they should be firm), place in the breadcrumbs and press down a little to form fish cakes (do this gently so the fish cakes do not end up being too flat). 

    Coating salmon fish cakes in breadcrumbs on large plate.

    6. In a large non-stick pan heat up 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the salmon fish cakes over a medium heat until lightly browned (approx. 2 minutes).  Gently turn them over, add another tablespoon of oil and fry for 2 more minutes.

    Lightly browned fish cakes on top of frying pan.

    7. Remove from the pan and serve immediately.

    Serving suggestions

    These sweet potato fish cakes are delicious with a drizzle of lemon juice, dollop of tartar sauce, alongside crispy salad or crunchy coleslaw. For a more substantial meal serve with mashed rutabaga or roasted celery root puree. 

    Top tips

    • Cook the sweet potato until tender but do not overcook it (it shouldn't be mushy). Mash it up roughly with a fork (do not puree the sweet potato until smooth).
    • Chop the herbs as finely as you can to easily incorporate them into the mixture. Avoid using tough stems.
    • Don't forget to taste the mixture before forming the fish cakes to check if the seasoning needs adjusting. Be generous especially with the pepper.
    • Using salmon leftovers: This salmon fish cake recipe is ideal for using salmon leftovers.  Flake the salmon and combine with the rest of the ingredients then make the fish cakes according to the Instructions.
    • Take time when forming the fish cakes to make sure they are firm.
    • I recommend using a large non-stick pan so you can easily turn the fish cakes over. Do not overcrowd the pan.
    • Best served immediately. Refrigerate leftover fish cakes, covered, for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Crispy salmon fish cakes on top of plate with lemon wedges, fork and sauce.

    How to freeze salmon fish cakes

    Form the sweet potato salmon fish cakes (but do not coat in the breadcrumbs), place in an airtight container and separate with parchment paper so they don't stick to one another. Freeze for up to 3 months.  To defrost the fish cakes remove from the container and spread on top of a plate lined with paper towel.  Coat in the breadcrumbs and fry as per Instructions.

    Substitutions

    • Herbs: adjust the recommended amounts of herbs to your preference or use 1-2 types of herbs. 
    • Use either white or black pepper.
    • Breadcrumbs: use either fine or coarse, alternatively use flour.

    Make ahead

    Both the salmon as well as the sweet potato can be cooked ahead and refrigerated (for up to 2 days) until you are ready to make the fish cakes.  Make sure they have cooled completely before popping them in the fridge.

    Top tip

    I do not recommend preparing the fish cakes ahead as the fresh herbs might start to release moisture. 

    Side view of lightly browned sweet potato fish cakes in large pan.

    Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh

    I do not recommend it.  Fresh herbs not only add flavour (dried herbs lack the freshness that's needed in this recipe) but they also help to keep these salmon fish cakes moist. 

    Will canned salmon work in this recipe

    I think cooked salmon works best as it's soft and flaky, while salmon from a can is a little tougher and this will affect the texture of your fish cakes.

    You might also like

    • Fish Cakes with Potato & Chives (Healthy)
    • Easy Fish Cakes without Potatoes
    • Crispy Baked Salmon Fish Fingers
    • Salmon Burger Recipe with Cucumber Radish Slaw

    Keep in touch!

    If you make these sweet potato salmon fish cakes I'd love to know how they turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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    Recipe

    Side view of sweet potato salmon fish cakes on plate with lemon wedge and yogurt dip.

    Salmon Sweet Potato Fish Cakes with Herbs

    These delicious sweet potato salmon fish cakes are made with fresh herbs for added flavour and moisture. They contain a handful of ingredients and, with a little preparation, can be ready in minutes! 
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: fish, Low fat
    Prep Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cooling: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 52 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 fish cakes
    Calories: 105kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • Large non-stick pan
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 8.82 ounces (250 g) cooked salmon
    • 14.82 ounces (420 g) sweet potato just under 1lb (peeled weight), cubed
    • 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons parsley leaves only, finely chopped
    • 1½ tablespoons dill leaves only, finely chopped
    • Fine sea salt and white pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Unless using leftover salmon place raw salmon fillet on top of a baking sheet lined with non-stick baking paper, season and drizzle with oil or mist with cooking spray.  Bake in the centre of the oven at 375 F/ 190 C/ gas mark 5 for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked, taking care not to overcook it.  Remove from the oven, flake the salmon (discard the skin if present) and set aside to cool before combining with the rest of the ingredients.
    • Peel, cube and boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy (do not overcook them).  
      Remove from the heat, drain thoroughly and mash coarsely using a fork (the mixture shouldn't be smooth).  Set aside to cool.
    • Combine the flaked salmon with the sweet potato, herbs and seasoning. 
      Stir thoroughly making sure the mixture retains its coarse texture. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
    • Form small balls (they should be firm), place in the breadcrumbs and press down a little to form fish cakes (do this gently so the fish cakes do not end up being too flat). 
    • In a large non-stick pan heat up 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the salmon fish cakes over a medium heat until lightly browned (approx. 2 minutes).  Gently turn them over, add another tablespoon of oil and fry for 2 more minutes.
    • Remove from the pan and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Cook the sweet potato until tender but do not overcook it (it shouldn't be mushy). Mash it up roughly with a fork (do not puree the sweet potato until smooth).
    • Chop the herbs as finely as you can to easily incorporate them into the mixture. Avoid using tough stems.
    • Don't forget to taste the mixture before forming the fish cakes to check if the seasoning needs adjusting. Be generous especially with the pepper.
    • This salmon fish cake recipe is ideal for using salmon leftovers.  Flake the salmon and combine with the rest of the ingredients then make the fish cakes according to the Instructions.
    • If using frozen fish, cook and drain it thoroughly before making the recipe.
    • Both the salmon as well as the sweet potato can be cooked ahead and refrigerated (for up to 2 days) until you are ready to make the fish cakes.  Make sure they have cooled completely before popping them in the fridge.
    • I do not recommend preparing the fish cakes ahead as the fresh herbs might start to release moisture. 
    • Take time when forming the fish cakes to make sure they are firm.
    • Use flour instead of breadcrumbs if preferred.
    • I recommend using a large non-stick pan so you can easily turn the fish cakes over. Do not overcrowd the pan.
    • Best served immediately. Refrigerate leftover fish cakes, covered, for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave.
    • Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice, dollop of tartar sauce, alongside crispy salad or crunchy coleslaw.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1fish cake | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 6088IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

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    2527 shares

    Comments

      4.88 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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    1. Joanna says

      June 20, 2024 at 12:18 am

      4 stars
      Nice use of ingredients I had on hand!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        June 20, 2024 at 4:39 pm

        Thanks:)

        Reply
    2. Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says

      March 11, 2019 at 7:44 am

      I love the combination, Monika. I am sure these are delicious. Thanks for sharing a healthy recipe at Fiesta Friday party!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 11, 2019 at 7:47 am

        Thank you Jhuls, and thanks for co-hosting!

        Reply
    3. DAVID GONZALEZ says

      March 06, 2019 at 6:45 pm

      I love salmon, and these look great! Thanks for the recipe!!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 06, 2019 at 10:04 pm

        Thank you Dave!

        Reply
    4. Balvinder says

      March 05, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      I love salmon and potatoes (also sweet potatoes) so much. I must try this.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 06, 2019 at 10:04 pm

        Thanks! Let me know if you do!

        Reply
    5. DeeDee says

      March 03, 2019 at 10:34 pm

      yum 😋❤️

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 04, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Amy-The Speedy Spatula says

      March 03, 2019 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      We love salmon cakes and these look wonderful!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 04, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Thank you!

        Reply

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

    Find out more about me →

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