Fish Cakes ... Cheap & Cheerful on a Budget

The Palace Kitchen, Brambley Hedge

Running short of money a couple of days before payday or trying to stick to a budget? Don't have time (or the energy) to run out to the store? If you've got a can of salmon or tuna, and a healthy spice cupboard, you might just have dinner.

This recipe is inspired by "Salmon Chops" from Patricia R. Wagner's "Depression Era Recipes" and I altered it a little bit to suit my taste ... and with what was available in my cupboard!  I often turn to her recipes as they are easy, use few or low cost ingredients, and make a good meal in a pinch. 

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The beauty of this recipe is that you likely have most of these items already ... and the ones you don't have are easy to stock up on, and don't spoil by storing.  It pays to keep your pantry stocked up on basic items such as the ones used in this "Salmon Cakes" recipe.  The Depression was a time when people had to make do with what they had, and also what was available.  I like to apply that to today by just living simply ... which usually saves money to boot!

Salmon Cakes Ready to Chill

You will need:
1 small can salmon or tuna (108g)
2 tsps butter
2 tsps flour
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of cayenne
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp parsley
1 egg
Crushed crackers
Olive oil

Instructions:
After removing the skin and bones; mash the fish and mix it together with the softened butter, flour, salt, a dash of cayenne, the lemon juice and parsley.  Form into cakes and chill on a plate in the refrigerator for about 1/2 hour, but longer if you wish.

When ready to cook, cover the cakes with the well-beaten egg and then coat with crushed cracker crumbs.  Fry in olive oil until brown on both sides.  Do not press down on cakes while frying and flip gently.  Makes 2 salmon cakes.  Serve with a green salad and rice or crusty buns.

*Note: Tinned fish has become quite expensive.  Buy a couple of tins whenever (and only whenever!) it is on sale; to have on hand for this recipe when money is tight.

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2022