Salmon Cake Sandwiches with Watercress and Miso Dressing
by Dawn Yanagihara-Mitchell
These cakes, made from leftover Cedar-Planked Salmon, fry up with a delicate crispness, thanks to their light coating of panko. A miso-ginger-sesame dressing enhances the Japanese influence.
Serves 4
To learn more, read the article:
Cook Once/Eat Twice: Cedar-Planked Salmon
For the dressing
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger
3 Tbs. white miso
2 Tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
1 1/2 Tbs. canola oil
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
For the salmon cakes
3/4 lb. Cedar-Planked Salmon (or other leftover cooked salmon), skin removed, chopped into rough 1/4-inch pieces
3 medium scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
1 1/3 cups panko; more as needed
3 Tbs. mayonnaise; more as needed
1 large egg, beaten
1 Tbs. soy sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup canola oil
To assemble
2 cups trimmed watercress
4 sesame egg twist rolls, split and toasted
2 Tbs. mayonnaise
Tip: Look for hydroponic watercress sold in bunches with the roots still attached. The leaves are broader and the stems more tender than those of regular watercress; there is also less grit clinging to the cress, which makes cleaning easier.
Make the miso dressing
Peel and finely grate the ginger. Squeeze the grated ginger with your fingertips over a small bowl to yield 2 tsp. ginger juice (discard the pulp). Add the miso, vinegar, sesame and canola oils, and sugar; whisk until the sugar dissolves. Set the dressing aside.
Make the salmon cakes
Toss the salmon and scallions in a large bowl. Add 2/3 cup of the panko, the mayonnaise, egg, soy sauce, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened, breaking up any large salmon chunks. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into cakes about 2-1/2 inches in diameter, pressing firmly to pack them together. If the cakes fall apart, the salmon pieces may be too large (break them up more), or add more panko or mayonnaise (depending on whether the mixture feels too wet or too dry).
Heat the oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Meanwhile, put the remaining 2/3 cup panko in a pie plate. Lightly coat the salmon cakes on both sides with panko, pressing gently so that the crumbs adhere; don’t worry about covering the cakes completely. Arrange the salmon cakes in the skillet in a single layer and cook until deep golden-brown on both sides, 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer the cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Assemble the sandwiches
In a medium bowl, toss the watercress with just enough dressing to lightly coat (about 1 Tbs.). Lightly spread the rolls with the mayonnaise. Put 2 cakes on the bottom of each roll and spread a little of the dressing on them. Top with the watercress and roll tops and serve.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
700;
Fat
(g):
43;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
390;
Saturated Fat
(g):
5;
Protein
(g):
30;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
18;
Carbohydrates
(g):
41;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
16;
Sodium
(mg):
1320;
Cholesterol
(mg):
190;
Fiber
(g):
2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 111
, pp. 61
May 5, 2011
