Crispy Salmon Cake Sliders with Zesty Spicy Mayo: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer & KitchenAid Blender Giveaway!
Salmon Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo are a crispy, spicy, and incredibly flavorful appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or simply craving a gourmet lunch, these delightful mini-burgers are perfectly versatile. Prepare to be wowed by their vibrant taste and satisfying texture!
Get ready for an extraordinary culinary experience because today, I’m thrilled to share not one, but two fantastic treats with you! First, let’s dive into these absolutely irresistible salmon cake sliders. These golden-fried beauties have quickly become my latest obsession, and for good reason. Each bite delivers an explosion of savory flavor from the perfectly seasoned salmon cakes, harmoniously amplified by a zesty, creamy spicy mayo. The combination is simply divine, making them a standout dish for any occasion. I had the pleasure of creating these masterpieces last weekend with my incredibly talented cousin during a relaxed Saturday afternoon. Her knack for culinary excellence is truly inspiring, and I’d say she’s responsible for a good 65% of the deliciousness you see here (but let’s keep that our little secret, shall we? We wouldn’t want her getting too confident!).
And what’s that gleaming in the background of one of our photos? You’re not mistaken! It’s a sleek, brand new KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender. Did I mention I’m giving away one of these kitchen powerhouses today? Yes, you heard that right! More exciting details about this incredible giveaway will be revealed in just a moment, so keep reading!
Why These Salmon Cake Sliders Are Your Next Must-Try Recipe
Picture this: a platter piled high with golden-brown salmon cake sliders, each crowned with a dollop of vibrant spicy mayo and a fresh sprinkle of greens. It’s a sight that’s absolutely irresistible and an aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen. These aren’t just any sliders; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors. The exterior of the salmon cakes is perfectly crispy, giving way to a tender, flaky interior packed with fresh salmon and a medley of finely diced vegetables. The spicy mayo adds a creamy, tangy kick that elevates every bite, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying snack or appetizer.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Game Day to Elegant Appetizers
Whether you’re planning a casual Super Bowl party, hosting a sophisticated dinner gathering, or simply looking for a quick yet gourmet lunch, these salmon cake sliders fit the bill. Their individual size makes them ideal for entertaining, allowing guests to easily grab and enjoy without the need for cutlery. For game day, they offer a refreshing alternative to traditional fried foods, while still delivering that satisfying, savory crunch. And for a weeknight meal, they transform into delicious mini-burgers that are far from boring. Plus, the bright flavors of salmon, combined with the zing of lemon and a hint of spice, make them feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
Effortless Prep with Your KitchenAid Blender: A Game-Changer in the Kitchen
I must confess something I rarely admit as a devoted cook: sometimes, I truly dread the prep work. All that meticulous chopping, dicing, and mincing can be incredibly exhausting, especially when you’re dealing with ingredients like crisp peppers, fibrous celery, and delicate salmon. This is precisely why my KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender has become my absolute best friend in the kitchen. It’s not just for making killer smoothies; this appliance is a true multitasking marvel. It actually *chops* ingredients for you!
Imagine effortlessly mincing all your vegetables into perfect, uniform pieces with just a few pulses – far better and faster than I could ever achieve by hand. This blender truly transforms the most tedious aspects of meal preparation. Making these salmon cake sliders, which typically involve a fair bit of chopping, was unbelievably easy thanks to its efficiency. It turned what could have been a lengthy process into a quick, enjoyable cooking session. This smart appliance saves so much time and effort, making even elaborate recipes feel approachable and fun. Trust me, once you experience this level of convenience, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
Crafting the Perfect Salmon Cake Sliders: Ingredients & Flavor Balance
The magic of these sliders lies in the balance of fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings. For the salmon cakes, we start with cooked and cooled salmon, which can be leftover baked salmon or even high-quality canned salmon (drained well). The key is to have a good base. Green and red bell peppers, along with celery and fresh parsley, add crunch, freshness, and a beautiful color contrast. These are the ingredients that the KitchenAid blender makes quick work of, ensuring fine, even mincing without turning them into a paste. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping the cakes hold their shape and contributing to that desirable crispy texture when fried. Beaten eggs further secure the mixture, while crab boil seasoning, lemon juice, hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and capers infuse the cakes with an incredible depth of flavor. The crab boil seasoning provides a unique, savory, slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the salmon, while lemon juice brightens the overall profile. Capers add a briny, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness.
The Irresistible Spicy Mayo: A Zesty Companion
No slider is complete without a signature sauce, and our spicy mayo is the ideal partner for these salmon cakes. It’s incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor. Mayonnaise forms the creamy base, to which we add chili powder and cayenne pepper for a customizable level of heat. A dash of Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang and complexity, while fresh lemon juice adds a crucial zesty lift. A pinch of salt and pepper ties all the flavors together, creating a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and boasts a pleasant warmth. This mayo isn’t just a condiment; it’s an integral part of the slider’s identity, providing moisture and an exciting flavor contrast to the savory salmon.
Serving Suggestions & Customization
While the recipe suggests serving these salmon cake sliders on toasted slider buns with salad greens and a generous spoonful of spicy mayo, feel free to get creative. For a lighter option, serve the salmon cakes on crisp lettuce cups instead of buns. You could also add extra toppings such as sliced red onion, pickles, a squeeze of fresh lime, or a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal. These sliders are also fantastic when paired with a side of sweet potato fries, a light coleslaw, or even a simple garden salad. They are truly versatile and adapt beautifully to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
These sliders are truly a must-make, especially with big events like the Super Bowl around the corner. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, they are hands-down the perfect tailgating or party food. Forget the usual chips and dip for a moment (at least until I share my favorite dip recipe later this week!) and elevate your snack game with these flavorful salmon sliders.
Win Your Own KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender!
Now for the exciting part! I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to offer you a chance to win your very own KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender today! Seriously, you absolutely want to get your hands on one of these. I use mine at least once a day, for real. From chopping veggies for dinner to whipping up quick breakfast smoothies, it’s an indispensable tool in my kitchen. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to bring this level of convenience and performance into your home. Check out the giveaway details below the recipe card for instructions on how to enter!
Disclosure: I received free product from KitchenAid® as part of this giveaway and post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
table of contents
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Salmon Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo
ingredients
- 18 oz salmon cooked and cooled, flaked
- 1/4 green bell pepper seeded and cut into large chunks for blending
- 1/3 red bell pepper seeded and cut into large chunks for blending
- 2 stalks celery cut into large chunks for blending
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley
- 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 2 tsp crab boil seasoning
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp hot sauce such as Frank’s Red Hot, or to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp capers drained
- Frying oil such as vegetable or canola oil
- Salad greens for serving
- 8 slider buns cut in half and toasted
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/3 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to desired heat level
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper to taste
instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy mayo. Once combined, season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred level of spiciness and tang. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mayo until you are ready to assemble and serve the sliders. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare your KitchenAid Diamond Blender by adding the bell peppers, celery, and fresh parsley. Pulse the blender on the chop setting a few times until the vegetables are finely minced but not puréed; you want a visible texture. Next, add the cooked and flaked salmon to the blender. Pulse a couple more times, just until the salmon is broken down and incorporated with the vegetables, ensuring it’s not turned into a mushy paste. The goal is a cohesive mixture with some texture.
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Carefully pour the contents from the blender into a large mixing bowl. To this mixture, add the breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, crab boil seasoning, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and drained capers. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the salmon flaky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up, making the salmon cakes easier to form and preventing them from falling apart during frying.
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Once the salmon mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using your hands, form the mixture into thick, round cakes, approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The size should be suitable for your slider buns. Ensure they are compact and hold their shape well.
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In a sturdy skillet (cast iron works wonderfully), heat about 1 inch of frying oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of the salmon mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully place the salmon cakes into the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through to the center. Remove the cooked salmon cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring they remain perfectly crispy.
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To assemble your delicious sliders, place one warm salmon cake onto the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the prepared spicy mayo over each salmon cake. Finish with a few fresh salad greens for a touch of crispness and color. Finally, place the top halves of the slider buns over the greens. Serve these flavorful salmon cake sliders immediately while they are still warm and at their peak crispiness. Enjoy!
Ready to experience the convenience and power of a KitchenAid blender for yourself? Here’s your chance to win one of these incredible appliances! Don’t miss out on adding this versatile tool to your kitchen. See the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for your opportunity to win this amazing blender!
Giveaway Rules:
1. Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. Everyone gets a free entry! You can enter multiple times, up to 15 total entries by following the giveaway sponsors on social media. (If you’ve followed in the past, that counts! Just enter the information as prompted.) All entries will be verified. No purchase is necessary to win.
2. The giveaway is open until Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. CST. One winner will be chosen at random and e-mailed within 48 hours. Winners must claim prize within 48 hours of initial contact. The retail value of the prize is $159.99. Prize listed above is the only one available.
3. Open to U.S. residents with a valid shipping address only. Must be 18 years of age as of February 1, 2016.
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