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Avocado Lime Keto Salmon Cakes - Zesty, Simple, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon: 14–16 oz canned wild salmon (drained and flaked) or cooked fresh salmon
  • Avocado: 1 medium, ripe but firm, diced small
  • Eggs:2 large, lightly beaten
  • Almond flour: 1/3 cup (binder)
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (preferably avocado oil mayo)
  • Lime: Zest of 1 lime and 2 tablespoons juice
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, finely chopped (or parsley if you prefer)
  • Green onion: 2, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Spices: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper: 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Avocado oil or olive oil: For pan-searing
  • Optional toppings: Lime wedges, extra cilantro, sliced jalapeño
  • Optional sauce: 1/4 cup mayo mixed with 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of cumin

Method
 

  1. Prep the salmon: If using canned salmon, drain well and flake with a fork, removing any large bones or skin if preferred. If using cooked salmon, let it cool and flake into small pieces.
  2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the flavor: Stir in cilantro and green onion. Fold in the salmon and almond flour until evenly combined.
  4. Gently add avocado: Fold in the diced avocado last to keep chunks intact. The mixture should be moist but able to hold together when pressed. If it’s too loose, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  5. Form patties: With damp hands, shape into 8 small patties (about 2.5–3 inches wide) or 4 larger patties. Press them firmly so they don’t crumble.
  6. Chill (optional but helpful): Place patties on a plate and chill for 15–20 minutes. This makes them easier to flip cleanly.
  7. Heat the pan: Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons avocado oil and let it shimmer.
  8. Cook the cakes: Add patties to the pan without crowding. Cook 3–4 minutes per side for small cakes (4–5 minutes for larger), until golden brown with crisp edges. Add more oil as needed for the next batch.
  9. Finish and serve: Squeeze a little fresh lime over the cakes. Serve with the quick lime mayo, extra cilantro, and lime wedges.