Tuna and Potato Patties with Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce

Ever try to make Tuna and Potato Patties with Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce, but end up with soggy patties or – oh, even worse – a dull, bland sauce that just sits there on the plate? Yeah, been there. That sauce can totally make or break your meal, whether you use it for these patties, salmon, or even trout. To be honest, figuring out how to nail that silky, tangy sauce took me ages. Thank goodness for simple tricks, am I right? I’ll talk you through exactly how I make it down below and if you’re into quick, hearty dinners too, you might like this easy one-pan creamy meat potato skillet recipe. Alright, let’s dig into these flavors (literally).

Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon or Trout

Alright, picture this. You’ve got a beautiful piece of salmon, or maybe you splurged on some fresh trout. You want something zippy – but not so zippy it overpowers the fish. That’s where creamy dill sauce steps in and… kinda steals the show, honestly. Mine’s packed with fresh dill, a generous smack of garlic, and just the right squeeze of lemon.

Here’s why it works: the creaminess cools down the richness of oily fish, while the dill and lemon wake everything up (in a good way). Don’t just dunk your fish – pile the sauce on. If you’re not a salmon fan, it’s brilliant with tuna and potato patties, grilled veggies, or even as a dip for roasted potatoes.

“Is store-bought fine?” you might ask. Sure – if you like bland and gloopy. I tried it once and, ew, never again. My homemade version’s bright, smooth, and you know exactly what’s in it. It keeps for a few days in the fridge too. Pro tip: use full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want that rich, five-star-restaurant vibe at home.

“This sauce was so easy, but made everyone ask for seconds. I ended up putting it on everything in the fridge!” – Mandy, actual Tuesday dinner savior

Tips For Making Salmon Cakes

I messed up salmon cakes more times than I should admit. They’re fussy if you let them be, but all you need are a couple of honest tricks.

Let the fish cool before you mix it in. Hot fish turns the whole thing soggy.

Don’t over-mash the potatoes. Leave a few chunky bits, so the cakes have texture. Trust me, you want that bite.

Chill the patties before cooking. Give them at least 20 minutes in the fridge. Skipping this step, honestly, is like forgetting the main ingredient.

If they fall apart, you probably went too light on a binder (egg works best). Or maybe you got too fancy with extra veggies – personal mistake.

Oh, and season more than you think is necessary! (Those little pucks need flavor.) Skip this, and you’ll regret it.

Sprinkle a bit of extra dill on the finished cakes. Looks pretty, tastes great – and it feels like you care, which is sorta the point.

Ways to Cook Salmon

There are days I want crispy edges, and days I just want to toss something in the oven and forget about it – salmon works for all this. Seriously, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. Here’s how I usually pick.

If I’m in a hurry (and I usually am), I’ll sear salmon fillets in a knob of butter in a hot pan. Four minutes each side, done.

Oven-roasting works especially well if you want to do something else at the same time. Season, throw it in at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Easy peasy.

Grilling? Heck yes, if it’s not raining. Just don’t move the fish around too much. Let those grill marks happen.

Lastly, the laziest method: wrap salmon in foil with a splash of white wine, lemon slices, and herbs, then bake. Everything sort of steams together and, wow, it’s always so juicy.

Don’t stress the method. The sauce and good seasoning save you every time.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Dill Sauce

Okay, real talk – I can’t call creamy dill sauce “health food,” but it’s not a diet-ruiner either. Here’s what you’re generally getting per serving (about two big spoonfuls, so be honest with yourself):

Calories hover under 60 (unless you’re using heavy cream, then, uh, don’t look at me).

Mostly comes from the yogurt or sour cream. If you want to lighten up, go Greek yogurt.

Sugar content’s low, which is a win. No weird hidden stuff if you make it fresh.

Loads of calcium and probiotics if you use yogurt.

Hardly any carbs or garbage fillers. It’s actually a nice way to make plain fish exciting without blowing up your meal.

I mean, don’t eat it by the cup (I have, but only once). But you don’t need to panic about it either.

You’ll Also Love

Let’s be honest here. If you like these tuna and potato patties with creamy garlic-dill sauce, don’t stop there. Go on a little sauce adventure. For a few more ideas:

• Try pairing creamy garlic sauce with parmesan crusted chicken.
• Pop it on roasted veggies or your next fish tacos.
• Add extra capers, swap in chives, or sprinkle paprika on top if you want some new flavors.
• If you’re looking for dessert after, the baked nectarines with cinnamon honey sauce are out of this world.

Mix things up! Sauce isn’t just for salmon, and honestly, half the joy of making these is discovering new ways to use up whatever’s left.

Common Questions

Can I freeze the patties?
You can! Just freeze them before cooking. Thaw in the fridge before frying.

What can I swap in for dill if I don’t have it?
Try parsley, chives, or even a tiny bit of tarragon. It’s not the same, but it’ll do in a pinch.

Is canned salmon fine for salmon cakes?
Yep. Drain it really well and pick out the bigger bones. Works perfectly for fast weeknight dinners.

Can the creamy garlic-dill sauce be made ahead?
Totally. In fact, it’s better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors come together nicely.

Will this sauce work with other proteins?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, roasted potatoes – heck, even as a dip for raw veggies at lunch.

Your New Weeknight Favorite

Nailing a good Tuna and Potato Patties with Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce is easier than people think. Once you crack the creamy dill sauce magic, there’s just so much you can do with it! Up your game with a killer homemade sauce and use the tips I shared, from keeping things chunky to not skimping on dill. Ready to try it yourself? Grab those ingredients and get messy – you might stumble onto your own genius spin (and if you need more inspiration, look up creative tzatziki sauce ideas). And hey, dessert fans, sweeten your day with baked nectarines and cinnamon honey sauce. Let me know how your dinner turned out!

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