Grain Free Salmon Cakes That Will Win Your Family Over

These delicious and easy salmon cakes are going to please even your pickiest of eaters!  Freezer-friendly and gluten-free!  It’s a win for everyone!

Do you remember when you were a kid and not wanting to eat a particular food? 

The groaning and moaning you did over it?

Gagging?

Yes, me too and one of my most detested meals was fish!  They didn’t smell good being prepared and not much better once they were cooking, as far as my six-year-old self was concerned.  Fish was a big thing in my house because my parents believed in all the health benefits (thanks mom and dad!).

Fish is still considered a super healthy food for your kids and if possible, should be served often.  One of the best choices for fish is wild caught salmon.  

Why is salmon so good for kids?  Salmon is rich in omega 3 fats.  Not only are these fats essential for developing brains, they also reduce inflammation, which increases airflow and protects the lungs from colds and respiratory infections.  The latest research also indicates that these fatty acids may boost your immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells.  

Kids need a good dose of omega 3 on a regular basis, especially when they are in school.  Not only will it help protect them from colds but think about boosting brain power while they learn! 

Now, you don’t have to send your hubby out to catch a salmon (unless he’s a fisherman), then by all means.  You can buy a good wild caught salmon at the super market or grab a couple of cans of wild caught salmon.  Add it to recipes that the kids will love.

I’m sharing a recipe that my mom would make for our family and I (picky eater number one) actually loved!  These grain free salmon cakes are so easy to make and you can throw left overs in the freezer for another day or even a snack.  Serve them with fresh cucumber slices and a fun dipping sauce  (ketchup, hot sauce, dill dip).  Kid approved!

Note:  if your kids refuse to eat these salmon cakes, you can mix them up with mashed potatoes, it works like a charm.  

If you’d like to try another easy recipe to encourage your kids to eat fish try my Tuna Stuffed Mashed Potato Cakes, they are great for using left over potatoes and delicious to boot.

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 2  cans wild-caught salmon
• 1 cup almond meal/flour (or substitute bread crumbs)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1-2 teaspoons of green onions
• oil for pan-frying (olive oil or coconut oil)

Here’s how you make them: 

1. If you are using salmon with the skin and bones, mash them together well with a fork in a large bowl.  
2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) and mix it together well.
3. Cover a large skillet with a thin layer of oil and heat it over medium heat.  
4. To make patties, use about 1/4 cup of the salmon mixture and form it into a patty shape. 
5. Cook the cakes in the oil, about 5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown.
6. Drain on absorbent paper (paper towels)
7.  Serve and enjoy!

Garlic Dill Dip is the perfect dipping sauce for fish.  Crazy easy to make, all you need are:

• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of dill weed (dry)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• pinch of salt

Make the dip well in advance, cover and chill.