Salmon Patties

Salmon patties are a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. If you are looking for a meal that is both budget friendly and packed with amazing flavor, you have found the perfect recipe. These patties are crisp on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. They offer a delightful blend of savory fish, fresh herbs, and subtle spices that please both kids and adults alike. Making them is a wonderful way to enjoy the goodness of seafood without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.

Many people grew up eating these delicious seafood cakes because they are incredibly easy to make using simple pantry staples. You can use canned salmon, which is highly affordable and has a long shelf life, making this a go to recipe for busy weeknights when you do not know what to cook. It is a nostalgic meal that connects generations, reminding many of family dinners at grandma’s house. Today, this recipe remains just as popular because it combines convenience with a rich, home cooked taste that modern fast food simply cannot match.

The beauty of salmon patties lies in their amazing versatility and how easily you can adapt them to your personal taste. You can serve them as the main star of your dinner next to a fresh green salad, slide them inside a soft bun to make a unique fish burger, or even enjoy them cold for lunch the next day. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, from a tangy tartar sauce to a spicy mayo. Whether you are a beginner cook learning the basics or an experienced home chef looking for a quick and satisfying meal, these patties will quickly become a regular favorite in your household rotation.

Cooking Time and Servings

Before you begin cooking, it helps to know how much time you need and how many people you can feed with this recipe. This helps you plan your mealtime perfectly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Total Servings: 4 servings (makes about 8 medium patties)

Ingredients You Will Need

To make these wonderful salmon patties, you will need a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at any local grocery store. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Canned Salmon: 2 cans (about 14.75 ounces total), drained with bones and skin removed if you prefer.
Breadcrumbs: One half cup of plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers to hold the patties together.
Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten well to act as the main glue for the mixture.
Finely Chopped Onion: One quarter cup of yellow or white onion for a sweet and savory crunch.
Finely Chopped Celery: One quarter cup for an added fresh texture.
Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons to keep the inside of the patties moist and juicy.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the seafood flavor.
Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon to add a lovely savory depth.
Salt and Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon of each, adjusted to your personal taste.
Cooking Oil: 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil for pan frying the patties to a beautiful gold color.

How to Make Salmon Patties Step by Step

Follow these clear and simple instructions to create the ultimate crispy salmon patties. Take your time with each step to ensure your patties hold their shape and cook evenly.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Open your cans of salmon and carefully pour out all the liquid into your sink. Put the drained salmon into a large mixing bowl. If your canned salmon contains small bones and skin, you can use your fingers or a fork to remove them. However, please note that the bones are perfectly safe to eat and very soft, so you can also choose to mash them up right along with the fish for extra calcium. Use a fork to flake the salmon into small, even pieces.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Take your onion and celery and chop them into very small, fine pieces. You want them to be tiny so that they mix evenly throughout the salmon and do not cause the patties to break apart when you fry them. If the pieces are too large, the patties might crumble in the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, and breadcrumbs into the large bowl with your flaked salmon. Pour in the beaten eggs, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a large spoon or your clean hands to mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure the egg and breadcrumbs are completely distributed so that every bit of the mixture can bind together properly.

Step 4: Shape the Patties

Divide the salmon mixture into 8 equal portions. Take one portion into your hands and press it firmly together to form a tight ball. Gently flatten the ball between your palms to shape it into a round patty that is about 3 inches wide and roughly half an inch thick. Place the shaped patty on a clean plate or a baking sheet. Repeat this process for the remaining 7 portions.

Step 5: Chill the Patties (Optional)

If you have extra time, place the plate of shaped patties into your refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling helps the breadcrumbs absorb the moisture from the eggs and mayo, which makes the patties much firmer and far less likely to fall apart when you place them in the hot frying pan.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Place a large skillet or frying pan on your stove top over medium heat. Pour in your cooking oil and let it heat up for a minute or two. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny crumb of the salmon mixture into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, your oil is at the perfect temperature.

Step 7: Fry the Patties

Carefully place the salmon patties into the hot oil using a spatula. Do not crowd the pan, leave some space between each patty so they can fry properly. If your pan is small, it is best to fry them in two separate batches. Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until the bottom develops a gorgeous, crispy gold brown crust.

Step 8: Flip and Finish Cooking

Slide your spatula gently under each patty and flip it over to the second side. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the other side is equally gold and crispy, and the patty is heated completely through to the center.

Step 9: Drain and Serve

Line a large plate with a few paper towels. Remove the hot salmon patties from the skillet and place them on the paper towels so any excess oil can drain away. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two so they set nicely. Serve them warm with your favorite side dishes and sauces.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Cracker Substitute: If you do not have breadcrumbs in your kitchen pantry, you can use crushed saltine crackers, ritz crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs. Crushed crackers add a wonderful buttery flavor to the mix.
Fresh Salmon Option: While canned salmon is traditional and highly convenient, you can absolutely use leftover cooked fresh salmon. Just flake the cooked fish with a fork and follow the exact same steps.
Keep Them Whole: If you find that your patties are falling apart while shaping them, your mixture might be a little too wet. You can easily fix this by adding one or two extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny bit more mayonnaise.
Baking Option: If you prefer not to fry your food, you can bake these patties in your oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray, place the patties down, and bake them for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, place the patties in a single layer, and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them over once at the halfway point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these salmon patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare the salmon mixture and shape the patties a few hours before you plan to cook them. Just cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in your refrigerator until you are ready to fry them for dinner.

How do I store any leftover patties?

If you have leftover cooked patties, let them cool down completely to room temperature. Place them inside an airtight storage container and keep them in your refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

What is the best way to reheat leftover salmon patties?

To keep the outside nice and crispy, it is best to reheat your patties in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of oil for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You can also reheat them in an air fryer or toaster oven. While you can use a microwave, it might make the patties lose their crispy exterior texture.

Can I freeze cooked salmon patties?

Absolutely. You can freeze these patties very easily. Place the cooked and cooled patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them into a freezer safe zip top bag with pieces of parchment paper between them so they do not stick together. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why do my salmon patties fall apart in the frying pan?

Patties usually fall apart for two main reasons. Either the mixture is too wet, or the frying pan was not hot enough when you put them in. Make sure your oil is hot before cooking, and use enough breadcrumbs and egg to create a sturdy bond. Chilling the patties before frying also helps immensely.

Nutrition Information

This table shows the estimated nutritional values for one serving of these homemade salmon patties. Please keep in mind that these numbers can change slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you choose to use.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	Percentage of Daily Value
Calories	290 calories	15 percent
Total Fat	16 grams	21 percent
Saturated Fat	3 grams	15 percent
Cholesterol	135 milligrams	45 percent
Sodium	480 milligrams	21 percent
Total Carbohydrates	10 grams	4 percent
Dietary Fiber	1 gram	4 percent
Sugars	1 gram	0 percent
Protein	24 grams	48 percent
Calcium	220 milligrams	17 percent
Iron	2 milligrams	11 percent

Food Disclaimer and Allergens

Please enjoy these delicious salmon patties as part of a well balanced and varied diet. Eating a wide variety of foods in moderation is always the best approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Allergy Warning: This specific recipe contains seafood (salmon), eggs, and gluten (breadcrumbs). If you or anyone in your household has a known food allergy to fish, shellfish, eggs, or wheat, please do not consume this dish. You can substitute the regular breadcrumbs with certified gluten free breadcrumbs if you have a sensitivity to gluten or wheat. Always read the labels on your canned goods and packaged ingredients carefully to ensure they are safe for your specific dietary requirements.