The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Sauces with Salmon Patties

Salmon patties are a quick, easy and delicious way to enjoy salmon. However, finding the perfect sauce to serve with salmon patties can really take them to the next level! A great sauce adds flavor, moisture and visual appeal to your salmon cakes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best sauce options to serve with salmon patties.

Why Sauce Matters with Salmon Patties

There are a few key reasons why sauce can make or break your salmon patty experience:

• Moisture – Salmon patties can often end up a bit dry. A sauce gives your patty the moisture it needs to stay nice and moist in every bite.

• Flavor – The right sauce provides a flavor boost that complements the salmon This prevents your patties from being one-note or bland.

• Texture – Sauces add visual appeal and another layer of texture Soft, creamy sauces contrast nicely with the crispy outer crust of pan-fried patties.

• Prevents dryness – As mentioned, patties can dry out quickly. A nice creamy or moist sauce prevents this, improving the eating experience.

Long story short, sauce makes salmon cakes great! Let’s look at some suggestions.

15 Recommended Sauces for Salmon Patties

After extensive research and testing, we’ve identified 15 sauces that pair exceptionally well with salmon cakes and croquettes. Consider these top options:

1. Dill Sauce

This creamy, herby sauce is a classic with salmon. Mix sour cream, mayo, dried or fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. It combines cool and tangy flavors that accent the salmon beautifully.

2. Homemade Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is another traditional pairing with salmon and seafood. Whip up your own by combining mayo, sweet pickle relish, capers, onion, dill and lemon juice. Delicious!

3. Lemon Garlic Aioli

For an easy lemon garlic sauce, combine mayo, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt and pepper. The lemon brightens up the salmon patties.

4. Honey Mustard Sauce

Sweet honey and tangy mustard make an addictive sauce for salmon cakes. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice and pepper. Use as a dip or drizzle on top.

5. Mango Salsa

For a fresh, fruity twist, make a quick mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice. Bright colors and flavors.

6. Chimichurri

This vibrant green herb sauce from Argentina is fantastic on salmon. Mix parsley, cilantro, olive oil, vinegar and garlic.

7. Spicy Mayo

Give mayo a kick by blending in sriracha or other hot sauce, garlic and lemon. Use as a dip or spread on patties.

8. Sesame Soy Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and chili flakes or paste for an umami-rich sauce.

9. Garlic Ranch

Ranch is a great pairing for its cool tanginess. Make it next level by blending in extra garlic and herbs like dill, chives or parsley.

10. Tzatziki

This cucumber yogurt sauce adds moisture and cools down the patties. Grate cucumber, mix with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill and olive oil.

11. Spicy Orange

For sweet heat, combine orange juice, hot sauce and zest. Use as a dip, drizzle or glaze.

12. Peanut Sauce

Asian flavors work well with salmon too. Make a quick peanut sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili and ginger.

13. Caper Dill Sauce

Incorporate briny capers into a dill cream sauce of mayo, sour cream, capers, lemon juice, dill and garlic.

14. Creamy Pesto

Pesto is fantastic on salmon. Make it into a sauce by blending basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan with mayo or Greek yogurt.

15. Tomato Coulis

A bright tomato coulis adds freshness. Purée canned tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, balsamic, basil and red pepper flakes.

Tips for Serving Sauces with Salmon Patties

Here are some tips to get the most out of your salmon patty and sauce pairing:

• Serve sauces on the side for dipping or drizzled over the top of patties.

• Adjust sauce consistency as needed with water or milk to use as a dip, drizzle or glaze.

• Garnish patties with extra sauce ingredients like dill, chives, parsley, etc.

• Let guests assemble their own patties and customize with desired sauces.

• Chill sauces before serving to allow flavors to meld.

• Sauce can be made ahead then quickly assembled when ready to eat.

With so many easy sauce options, there’s no excuse to eat a plain salmon patty again! Whip up a flavorful sauce to complement those tasty salmon cakes. Your tastebuds will thank you. Let us know your favorite sauce to serve with salmon patties!