Salmon Patties
Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. These classic Southern salmon patties come together in minutes using canned salmon, making for a delicious, budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Salmon
- b.Open and thoroughly drain the canned salmon.
- c.Transfer the salmon to a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to gently flake the meat into smaller pieces.
- d.Carefully inspect the salmon and remove any skin or larger, hard bones. The small, soft bones are edible and a good source of calcium.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Patty Ingredients
- b.To the bowl with the flaked salmon, add the plain breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped yellow onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
- c.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Using a fork or your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form and Chill the Patties
- b.Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. An ice cream scoop can help create uniform sizes.
- c.Shape each portion into a patty that is about 1/2-inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter.
- d.Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet. For best results, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This step is crucial to help them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow-Fry the Patties
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a large non-stick skillet, enough to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat over medium-high heat.
- c.The oil is ready when it shimmers or a drop of water sizzles instantly. Carefully place 4 patties into the hot oil, leaving space between them.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes on the first side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula.
- e.Fry for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until equally golden and cooked through.
- f.Transfer the cooked patties to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining 4 patties.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the salmon patties hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a dollop of dill sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy patties, you can use Panko breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cooking in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in a crispier crust.
- 3If the mixture seems too wet to form patties, add a tablespoon more of breadcrumbs at a time until it holds together.
- 4For a classic Southern twist, substitute crushed saltine crackers for the breadcrumbs.
- 5Use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture for evenly sized patties that cook at the same rate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the salmon mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or almond flour as a binder instead of regular breadcrumbs.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Incorporate other fresh herbs like 1 tablespoon of chopped dill or chives along with the parsley for a brighter flavor.
Baked VersionBaked Version
For a healthier alternative, bake the patties. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is a prime source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and promoting brain function.
Excellent Source of Protein
Provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Supports Bone Health
Canned salmon often includes soft, edible bones which are an excellent, natural source of calcium, vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of two salmon patties contains approximately 300-325 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.