Fresh and Simple Salmon Potato Cakes (Gluten Free)

This Salmon Potato Cake baby led weaning (BLW) recipe comes together from prep to plate in under 30 minutes by combining easy to digest ingredients including salmon, potato and eggs. The best part about this recipe is it is highly customizable as ingredients can be swapped to fit your flavor preferences.

I created this recipe in order to meal prep in advance so our family had an easy meal, or part of a meal, for busy days where we have to run from work, childcare and back home before continuing through the remainder of the evening. When building this recipe, factors of importance were ease of prep, versatility and being baby led weaning friendly (BLW). This recipe comes together within 30 minutes from prep to plate making it an easy meal for anyone to whip together.

What vitamins and nutrients are in the Salmon Potato Cake?

Salmon is a protein packed ingredient with omega 3’s, B vitamins potassium, iron and selenium. Both spinach and potatoes have vitamin C which help to absorb the iron found within salmon. Spinach also contains vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium. Eggs are the binder in this recipe and offer bioavailable, easily digestible protein as well as vitamins B2, B5, B12, folate and Vitamin A.

Flavor Preferences and Alternative Combinations:

This recipe can be made with a variety of ingrendients you may already have on hand, helping aid in the creation of this potato cake. The vegetables, spices and protein sources can be swapped for anything else you have on hand to create a variety of flavor combinations.

Flavor combination ideas we have tried before include:

• Mediterranean: Onion, Garlic, Salmon, Capers, Olives
• Harvest: Sun Dried Tomatoes, Salmon / Tuna, Old Bay Seasoning
• Italian: Tri-Colored Peppers, Kale, White Beans, Any Fish
• Mexican: Red Pepper, Corn, Tomatoes, Cumin, Black Beans (no fish)

Try mixing different vegetables together or substitute the spinach completely with options like broccoli, leeks, garbanzo beans, corn, onions, cauliflower, tri-colored peppers, steamed beets, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, butternut squash or kale. Canned fish like tuna, oysters, herring or sardines can be substituted for salmon. To alternate the flavors within this dish, use spices like onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, old bay seasoning or dill.

What can Salmon Potato Cakes be paired with?

Salmon Potato Cakes can be included as apart of any balanced meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Other meal pairings are:

• Using the salmon potato cake as the main protein in a meal when paired with quinoa, rice, lentils or pasta and other vegetables.
• Throw on top of other vegetables like a california blend or a mixed stir fry.
• Use as an “edible scooper” to transport natural purees of hummus, guacamole or greek yogurt.
• Enjoy topped with avocado, cheese (including dairy free options) or chipotle mayo.
• On top of a salad (this option is great both warm and cold).

How long does this recipe stay good for?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, however it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If saving within the freezer, individually wrap each salmon potato cake in wax paper before placing in a freezer bag for up to three to six months. The wax paper will help to avoid any risk of freezer burn. When ready to serve, heat up the potato cakes on a microwave safe plate or place within an air fryer, oven or toaster oven and enjoy warm. These can also be eaten cold.

How to use for Baby Led Weaning?

The ingredients of this recipe are a powerhouse combination with carbs, fats, protein and a variety of nutrients which is great for any age! Below are tips and tricks for those following BLW.

• Ensure foods are size appropriate based on milestones. At age 6MO – 8MO, our daughter enjoyed these salmon potato cakes whole. At 9MO when she developed her pincer grasp and ate these broken into bite sized pieces.
• Within this recipe are multiple potential allergenic foods like eggs, salmon and wheat (if using breadcrumbs) or nuts (if using a gluten free cracker like the Simple Mills brand). Make sure to introduce each food allergen (egg, fish, gluten, nuts) separately prior to trying this recipe to avoid confusion if there is an allergic reaction.
  • To learn more abut how to introduce potentially allergenic foods, visit this blog written by the team at Solid Starts.
• To learn more about how to start baby led weaning and which educational resources are available, read my blog here.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! What other recipes would you like to see? Let me know in the comments below.