Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

Easy Salmon Patties Recipe: Quick, Crispy & Family-Approved

Salmon patties elevate ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

These golden-brown delights capture the essence of home cooking with their irresistible texture and rich maritime flavor.

Crafting these savory medallions requires minimal effort and maximum satisfaction for hungry diners.

Simple pantry staples come together in a harmonious blend that elevates weeknight meals from mundane to memorable.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior that speaks to comfort and nourishment.

The magic lies in their versatility, appealing to both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that celebrates simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love Easy Salmon Patties

  • Savor Quick Protein Perfection: These salmon patties deliver a protein-packed meal in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.
  • Enjoy Versatile Cooking Techniques: Whether you prefer crispy pan-fried edges or a healthier baked version, this recipe offers flexible preparation methods to suit different cooking preferences and dietary needs.
  • Create Nutrient-Dense Deliciousness: Packed with 18g of protein, healthy omega-3 fats, and low in carbohydrates, these salmon patties provide a balanced meal that supports muscle health and satisfies hunger without excessive calories.

What You’ll Need for Easy Salmon Patties

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Fresh or canned wild-caught salmon with rich omega-3 fatty acids, ideal for a healthy protein base.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Saltine Crackers: Helps bind the patties and adds a crispy texture with a subtle salty taste.
  • Eggs: Crucial for holding the salmon patties together and providing extra protein.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that add depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the salmon patties.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herb note and provides a pop of color.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for both frying and baking, provides a healthy fat and helps create a crispy exterior.

Foolproof Instructions for Making Easy Salmon Patties

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

Gently flake salmon in a medium mixing bowl using a fork, breaking it into small, even pieces.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Combine all ingredients thoroughly in the bowl:
  • Flaked salmon
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Chopped onions
  • Seasonings

Mix until all components are well incorporated.

Step 3: Form Patties

Shape the mixture into 1/2-cup portions, creating uniform patties with your hands. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Frying Method

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place patties in the pan and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.

Step 5: Baking Alternative

Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a non-stick baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange patties on the sheet and brush tops with additional olive oil.

Step 6: Complete Baking

Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip patties. Continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove salmon patties from the skillet or baking sheet. Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.

Tips for Golden, Flavor-Packed Easy Salmon Patties

  • Prevent Crumbling: Refrigerate the salmon patty mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help ingredients bind together and maintain structural integrity.
  • Achieve Crispy Exterior: Pat salmon dry with paper towels before mixing to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crisp golden-brown crust when cooking.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add finely minced fresh herbs like dill or parsley to boost the patties' aromatic profile and complement the salmon's natural taste.
  • Create Uniform Patties: Use a measuring cup or ice cream scoop for consistent sizing, which helps ensure even cooking and professional-looking results.
  • Boost Moisture Retention: Include a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the mixture to keep salmon patties tender and prevent them from becoming dry during cooking.

How to Keep Easy Salmon Patties Tasting Fresh

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover salmon patties to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these delicious patties will maintain their quality for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer Method: Wrap individual salmon patties in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen patties can last up to 2 months when stored correctly.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For frozen patties, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture and maintain the crispy exterior that makes these salmon patties so delightful.

What Goes Best with Easy Salmon Patties

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair these salmon patties with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the fish and complement its delicate flavor.
  • Fresh Herbal Salad Side: Create a light mixed green salad with dill, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette that echoes the herbs in the patties and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the crispy texture.
  • Zesty Dipping Sauce Match: Whip up a quick remoulade or tartar sauce with chopped capers, pickles, and fresh herbs to add tangy brightness that enhances the salmon's natural flavors and provides a delightful dipping experience.
  • Roasted Vegetable Harmony: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic, which adds earthy depth and nutritional balance to the protein-packed salmon patties.

Easy Salmon Patty Variations You Should Try

  • Spicy Salmon Sensation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick that transforms the classic salmon patty into a zesty treat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix in chopped fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese to give these salmon patties a bright, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Crunchy Coating Carnival: Coat the patties in panko breadcrumbs before cooking to create an extra crispy exterior that adds satisfying texture and golden-brown crunch.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate minced ginger, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce to infuse these salmon patties with bold, umami-rich Asian flavors that will wake up your taste buds.
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Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

Easy Salmon Patties Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade salmon patties bring coastal comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Quick golden-brown discs packed with zesty herbs deliver protein-rich comfort you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) canned salmon, large bones removed
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup (33 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallion

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Delicately break down canned salmon into fine, uniform flakes using a fork in a medium-sized mixing bowl, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  2. Gently fold in breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced onion, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed and well-combined.
  3. Using clean hands, form the salmon mixture into compact patties approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, applying gentle pressure to help them hold together.
  4. Prepare a large skillet by pouring enough vegetable oil to create a thin layer, heating over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully place salmon patties into the hot oil, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom develops a crisp, golden-brown crust.
  6. Flip the patties using a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring both sides are evenly browned and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. Transfer the cooked salmon patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, which helps maintain their crispy exterior and prevents sogginess.
  8. Serve immediately with a fresh lemon wedge, tartar sauce, or your preferred dipping condiment for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Discover an effortless way to transform canned salmon into crispy, delectable patties perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the salmon’s natural flavor profile.
  • Leftover patties store beautifully in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Choose wild-caught salmon for a more robust taste and higher omega-3 content compared to farm-raised varieties.
  • Serve these golden-brown patties alongside a zesty lemon-dill sauce or fresh mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 206 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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