Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
Salmon patties have been a family favorite for generations because they are:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Budget-friendly
- Rich in protein
- Crispy and delicious
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for using pantry ingredients
The combination of flaky salmon, crunchy vegetables, and savory seasonings creates a delicious meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Patties
- 2 cans (14-15 ounces each) salmon, drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For Frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring cups
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels
- Serving platter
Preparing the Salmon
Begin by opening the canned salmon and draining off any excess liquid.
Place the salmon into a large mixing bowl.
Use a fork to break the salmon into small flakes.
If desired, remove any skin or larger bones. Many people leave the bones in because they are soft and provide extra calcium.
The salmon should be evenly flaked before adding the remaining ingredients.
Mixing the Ingredients
Add the eggs to the bowl with the salmon.
Mix in:
- Chopped onion
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Gradually add breadcrumbs.
The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time.
If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or lemon juice.
Forming the Patties
Using clean hands, divide the mixture into equal portions.
Shape into patties about:
- 3 inches wide
- ½ inch thick
You should get approximately 8 to 10 patties.
Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
This helps them hold together during cooking.
Making the Dipping Sauce
While the patties chill, prepare the sauce.
Combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy patties.
Frying the Salmon Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add vegetable oil and butter.
Once hot, carefully place several patties in the skillet.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook for approximately:
- 4 to 5 minutes on the first side
- 4 minutes on the second side
The patties should become:
- Golden brown
- Crispy
- Firm
Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate.
Continue until all patties are cooked.
Baking Option
For a lighter version, bake the patties.
Preheat oven to:
400°F (200°C)
Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Bake for:
- 12 minutes
- Flip
- Bake another 10 minutes
They will become crispy while using less oil.
Air Fryer Method
Air fryers make salmon patties wonderfully crisp.
Preheat air fryer to:
375°F (190°C)
Lightly spray patties.
Cook for:
- 8 minutes
- Flip
- Cook another 5 to 7 minutes
The result is crispy outside and tender inside.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon patties are incredibly versatile.
Serve them with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Macaroni salad
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Corn on the cob
For a lighter meal, place them on top of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
Turning Them Into Sandwiches
These patties also make fantastic sandwiches.
Place a patty on:
- Brioche bun
- Hamburger bun
- Toasted sourdough
Add:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Tartar sauce
This creates a delicious seafood burger perfect for lunch.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
Use Quality Salmon
Good-quality canned salmon provides better texture and flavor.
Pink salmon works beautifully, while sockeye offers a richer taste.
Don’t Skip Chilling
Chilling helps prevent the patties from falling apart during cooking.
Avoid Excess Moisture
Too much liquid can make the patties fragile.
Always drain salmon thoroughly.
Cook Over Medium Heat
Cooking too quickly may burn the outside before the inside is heated through.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley and green onions brighten the flavor considerably.
Flavor Variations
Southern Style
Add:
- Creole seasoning
- Finely diced bell peppers
Serve with remoulade sauce.
Cheesy Salmon Patties
Mix in:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
The cheese melts beautifully during cooking.
Spicy Version
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
Perfect for spice lovers.
Mediterranean Style
Include:
- Feta cheese
- Dill
- Lemon zest
Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to:
3 days
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Freezing Instructions
Salmon patties freeze very well.
Arrange uncooked patties on a tray.
Freeze until solid.
Transfer to freezer bags.
Store for up to:
3 months
Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins available.
Benefits include:
- High-quality protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
- Potassium
These nutrients support:
- Heart health
- Brain function
- Muscle maintenance
- Healthy skin
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Patties Falling Apart
Usually caused by insufficient binder.
Add extra egg or breadcrumbs.
Greasy Patties
Oil may not be hot enough.
Ensure oil is heated before frying.
Dry Patties
Overcooking can remove moisture.
Cook only until golden brown.
Bland Flavor
Season generously and include herbs, lemon, and spices.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the mixture one day in advance.
Store covered in the refrigerator.
Shape and cook when needed.
This makes meal planning much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon?
Yes.
Cook and flake approximately 1 pound of fresh salmon before mixing.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I freeze cooked patties?
Yes.
Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
What sauce goes best?
Popular options include:
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon aioli
- Garlic mayonnaise
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy remoulade
Final Thoughts
Homemade Salmon Patties are one of those classic recipes that never go out of style. They combine simple ingredients with incredible flavor, creating a crispy, golden meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you prepare them for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or a family gathering, these savory patties are guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.