These golden, crispy Salmon Patties are about to become your new weeknight hero! After years of experimenting with different techniques, I finally cracked the code on making the perfect patties that hold together beautifully and taste incredible. My husband was skeptical about canned salmon recipes until he tried these.
Now he asks for them weekly! This old fashioned salmon patties recipe uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor that'll have your family begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This easy Salmon Patties Recipe is pure comfort food magic! My daughter actually prefers these over expensive restaurant fish cakes, and I completely understand why. What makes these salmon patties so special? First, they're made with budget-friendly canned salmon that tastes like a million bucks. Second, the perfect blend of seasonings creates that irresistible crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.
Third, they cook up in just 20 minutes total, making them perfect for busy weeknights. This best salmon patties recipe has become our go-to when we want something satisfying, healthy, and absolutely delicious without the fuss.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients come together like magic to create the most incredible fried salmon patties. Most of these are probably sitting in your pantry right now, making this an easy weeknight dinner solution.
Main Ingredients
- 14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon packets, well drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup), finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely minced
Optional Add-ins
You can customize these with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness or add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for coastal flavor. Some families love adding diced jalapeños for heat.
The full salmon patties instructions are right in the card below.
How to Make Salmon Patties
Sauté the Vegetables
Set a medium skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, then sauté until golden and softened, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained salmon, sautéed vegetables, Panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Gently stir everything together until just combined.
Form the Patties
Using your hands, form the mixture into patties using about a heaping tablespoon for each. Shape them into 2-inch wide by ⅓ to ½ inch thick rounds. The mixture should hold together nicely but not be overworked.
Cook the First Batch
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a clean non-stick pan until hot. Add salmon patties in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
How do I keep salmon patties from falling apart? The key is draining the salmon completely and not overmixing the ingredients. Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help them hold together better.
Achieve Golden Perfection
Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If the patties brown too fast, reduce the heat slightly. The exterior should be crispy while the inside stays tender and flaky.
Finish and Serve
Remove finished patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining patties, adding more oil and butter as needed.
Aliana's Pro Tip
- Here's my secret for the best salmon patties recipe: always drain your canned salmon thoroughly and pick through it to remove any bones or skin pieces.
- I learned this the hard way when my first batch had an unexpected crunch! Also, don't skip the sautéed vegetables.
- My mom used to make them without this step, but cooking the onions and peppers first adds so much more flavor and prevents excess moisture from making your patties fall apart. Trust me on this one!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
No Panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work beautifully. For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Want to make air fryer salmon patties? Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Fresh salmon works too, just cook and flake it first. You can also bake these salmon patties baked at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes if you prefer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover salmon patties in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You can also freeze these for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The crispy texture comes right back with proper reheating in a pan.
What to Serve With Salmon Patties
These delicious salmon patties pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. My family loves them with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and crispy french fries for a classic fish and chips vibe. For a healthier option, serve over mixed greens with avocado and a light vinaigrette.
FAQs About Salmon Patties
What ingredients are in salmon patties?
The basic ingredients include canned salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, mayonnaise, and seasonings like garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley add extra flavor.
How do I keep salmon patties from falling apart?
Drain the salmon completely, don't overmix the ingredients, and let the formed patties rest for 5 minutes before cooking. Using an egg as a binder also helps hold everything together.
What's the difference between a salmon croquette and a salmon patty?
Salmon croquettes are typically smaller, more round, and often breaded before frying. Salmon patties are flatter, pan-fried without breading, and have a more rustic appearance.
What is the secret to the best salmon cake?
The secret is proper moisture balance. Drain the salmon well, sauté the vegetables first to remove excess water, and use just enough binding ingredients to hold the mixture together without making it dense.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more fish Dinner recipes that are easy and delicious, these recipes deliver incredible flavor without complicated techniques. Baked Salmon Recipe brings tender, flaky fish with perfect seasoning every time. Chicken Meatballs offer hearty, family-friendly protein that pairs beautifully with any side. Grilled Cheese Recipe provides the ultimate comfort food companion that makes any meal feel cozy.
Want more healthy options? These salmon patties are protein-packed, satisfying, and always a hit.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version. You'll find more fish recipes healthy options in my seafood category where I share all my favorite ways to cook fish that actually taste amazing.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Salmon Patties Recipe:
Best Salmon Patties Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium skillet For sautéing vegetables and cooking patties
- 1 Large mixing bowl To combine all salmon patty ingredients
- 1 Non-stick pan For cooking the salmon patties without sticking
- 1 Paper towels For draining finished patties
Ingredients
- 14-15 oz Canned salmon or salmon packets - Well drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil - Divided for cooking
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter - Divided for cooking
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced - About 1 cup when diced
- ½ whole Red bell pepper - seeded and diced Adds color and flavor
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs - For binding and texture
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten - Helps bind ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise - Adds moisture and richness
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - For umami depth
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt - Or substitute with sea salt and garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper - For seasoning
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley, finely minced - Adds freshness and color
Instructions
- Set medium skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until golden and softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In large mixing bowl, combine flaked salmon, sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine.
- Using hands, form mixture into patties using about a heaping tablespoon each. Mold into 2-inch wide by ⅓ to ½ inch thick rounds. Let rest 5 minutes.
- In clean non-stick pan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Add salmon patties to hot pan in single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on bottom.
- Carefully flip patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until second side is golden brown and patties are cooked through. Adjust heat if browning too quickly.
- Remove finished patties to paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil and butter as needed. Serve immediately.
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