Zesty Spiced Salmon Patties & Crisp Cucumber Salad
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Spiced Salmon Patties with Cucumber Salad
Spiced Salmon Patties with Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs salmon fillet (skinless, pin bones removed), diced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 thinly sliced scallions
- 2 1/2 tsp cumin, ground
- 2 1/2 tsp sumac, ground
- 2 tsp lemon zest (finely grated) and 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- 1 Fresno chile, seeded and finely chopped
- Salt (kosher)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, with extra for grilling
- 1 large beefsteak tomato, ripe
- 3 Persian cucumbers
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves, torn
- Pita chips, tzatziki, and pickled pepperoncini for serving
Instructions
Step 1
Place your salmon fillets in a food processor and pulse a few times until the fish is coarsely chopped. Add in your sliced scallions, cumin, sumac, lemon zest, diced Fresno chile, and salt. Pulse the mixture again just a few times until everything is evenly distributed, but be careful not to overprocess it into a paste. You want to keep some of that lovely texture in the patties. Using your hands, shape the mixture into four patties, each about 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Arrange them on a large plate and pop them in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This quick chill firms up the salmon so the patties don't fall apart when they hit the grill. While those are freezing, you can get your grill preheated and your refreshing cucumber salad tossed together.
Step 2
First, get your grill heating up to a medium-high setting so it's ready for the salmon. While that warms up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, the remaining cumin and sumac, and a pinch of salt. Now, chop your tomato into bite-sized pieces and slice the cucumbers into thin half-moons. Toss the vegetables into that zesty dressing and stir everything together. Finish it off with a bit of salt and pepper, tasting as you go to make sure it's just right.
Step 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a good brush of olive oil so your patties don't stick. Carefully place the salmon cakes on the grill and let them sear for about 2 minutes per side. Flip them just once, looking for those beautiful charred grill marks and a golden-brown crust. They're done when they feel firm to the touch and are just cooked through, which usually takes about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes total. While the salmon rests on a plate, stir the fresh mint and the rest of your sliced scallions into the cucumber salad. Give everything a gentle toss to combine the flavors. Now you can plate your warm patties alongside the cool salad, a dollop of tzatziki, some crunchy pita chips, and a few tangy pepperoncini.
Nutrition Information
My Tip
Don't skip the freezing step for your salmon patties! Popping them in the freezer for a few minutes helps them hold their shape on the grill so you get those beautiful sear marks without the patties falling apart.
Leftovers
Keep your patties in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To get that golden crust back, we recommend a quick sear in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping the Fresno chile for a mild poblano pepper if you want a smokier, gentler heat. It pairs beautifully with the sumac and keeps the patties family-friendly.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps