Dukka is an addictive Egyptian mixture of nuts, seeds and spices. Usually composed of almonds, sesame seeds, cumin and a strong citrus note from coriander seed and the heat of black pepper, it’s a perfect foil for the richness of salmon.
Recipes that involve bread crumbs—from meatballs to casseroles—always pose a sodium challenge because they contain bread (remember the CDC top-culprit list?) and salty seasonings. Some products can equal more than 1,600 mg of sodium per 1 cup.
By using a nut-based replacement, you can make a low-sodium substitution while enhancing the color and texture of the dish. Enter dukka spice, a blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices that can be mixed into yogurt or olive oil as a spread, sprinkled on salads and soups, or folded into your burgers and meatballs in place of seasoned bread crumbs. The chickpea flour in the recipe binds the patties together, while the dukka spice provides the bulk and flavor. Since you can use any salt-free nuts or spices to make dukka, experiment with your own blends for different levels of warmth, nuttiness, and heat.
(Photo: John Lee) Print
Dukka-Spiced Salmon Patties
These salmon cakes are flaky, tender and gluten-free since they’re made with dukkah spice instead of breadcrumbs.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 patties 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillets, skin on and deboned
- 1 recipe Dukka Spice Mix
- 2 green onions, root ends trimmed, thinly sliced
- 1/4 white onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil
- Zest of 1 lemon, plus 1/2 lemon for squeezing;
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3 Tbsp chickpea flour or 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs;
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Carrot–Sweet Onion Dressing (see below) or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- 2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Bake until the fish turns light pink, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Once the salmon is cool enough to handle, peel off and discard the skin. Put a fresh piece of parchment in the baking pan.
- 3. Using two forks, flake the cooked salmon into small pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the dukka spice, green onions, white onion, cilantro, lemon zest, egg, and chickpea flour. Stir to combine. Make small salmon patties, 2 1/2 in wide, using about 1/2 cup of the mixture per patty. Place the patties in the prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or overnight, to help the patties firm up for successful frying.
- 4. When ready to cook, line a large plate with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat 2 to 3 Tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the oil begins to ripple. Carefully put two patties into the skillet and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the patties and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the patties to the prepared plate. Discard any browned bits from the skillet and repeat with the remaining patties, adding more oil and adjusting the heat as needed. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of dressing.
- Variation: Want to make a faster version of this recipe for dinner? Simply coat even-size salmon fillets with 1 tsp vegetable oil each. Rub the dukka spice on top and bake the fillets as directed. Remove the skin and serve whole with lemon wedges or the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: California
Keywords: salmon patties
Dukka Spice Mix
Dukkah is an Egyptian spice mix usually containing nuts, seeds (almost always sesame) and spices (almost always cumin).
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup toasted salt-free pepitas, pine nuts, pistachios, or almonds
- 2 Tbsp white sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 Tbsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt-free garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat a medium skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the pepitas and toast, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and begin to pop, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the pepitas to a small mixing bowl. Add the sesame seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds to the skillet and toast until they become fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 2. Transfer the toasted nuts and seeds to a food processor (or spice grinder). Add the garlic powder and pepper and pulse until the mixture forms a crumbly powder.
- 3. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Spice mixture
- Method: Pan Roast
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Keywords: dukkah spice
Carrot–Sweet Onion Dressing
Remember how the natural sodium found in whole foods is your low-sodium secret weapon? Well, this carrot-based dressing is a perfect example of how to use those higher-sodium ingredients (carrot!) to your flavor advantage. Once you try this recipe, be sure to harness the natural sodium powers of other vegetables, like beets, celery, and artichokes, by making them into dressings, sauces, and drinks, too.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
- 1/4 white onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt-free garlic powder
Instructions
- 1. Fill a small pot with 2 inches of water and place a metal steamer basket in the pot, above the water. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat and place the carrot pieces in the steamer basket. Cover and steam over medium-low heat until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
- 2. Transfer the carrot to a small food processor (or blender). Add the onion, grapeseed oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, and 1 Tbsp water and blend. (The dressing will be slightly chunky, so if you want it smoother, add a bit more water or lemon juice.)
- 3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Keywords: carrot onion dressing
