Easy Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe – Perfect Every Time

Southern fried salmon patties embody the soulful essence of home-cooked comfort food with their crispy exterior and tender heart.

Regional culinary traditions shine through in this delightful seafood creation that redefines humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Seafood lovers appreciate the golden-brown crust and delicate inner texture that makes these patties irresistibly delicious.

Weeknight dinners gain instant excitement when these flavorful morsels hit the plate, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

Balanced seasonings and a perfect blend of fresh ingredients elevate this classic southern staple beyond ordinary expectations.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Get ready to experience a mouthwatering southern tradition that will become a family favorite.

Tips for Crunchy Edges and Moist Centers

• Prevent Crumbling: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep salmon patties compact and cohesive.
• Moisture Balance: Add flour incrementally if mixture seems too wet, ensuring patties hold their shape during cooking.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the patties.
• Bone Removal Hack: Carefully pick out larger salmon bones for smoother texture and more enjoyable eating experience.
• Binding Boost: Use day-old bread crumbs for better absorption and stronger patty structure compared to fresh bread.

Storing and Reheating Without Losing the Fry

• Refrigeration: Store salmon patties in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or place between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerated patties will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Skillet Reheating: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Warm patties for 2-3 minutes per side until heated thoroughly.

What to Pair With These Bold, Fried Beauties

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair these crispy salmon patties with a bright, tangy lemon-dill sauce that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh Mediterranean twist.
• Southern Comfort Sidekick: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or classic macaroni and cheese to complement the patties' crispy texture and southern-style flavor profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Cool down the slight spiciness with a chilled glass of sweet tea or a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that enhances the salmon's delicate taste.
• Textural Contrast Plate: Add a crunchy cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the golden-fried patties, balancing out the meal's overall richness.

Fresh Mix-Ins to Keep Things Southern & Sassy

• Herb-Infused Salmon Patties: Add fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives to elevate the herbal notes and create a bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon Cakes: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and diced jalapeños for a zesty, southern-style kick that brings heat and complexity.
• Gluten-Free Salmon Patties: Replace cornmeal and bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic dish.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Salmon Fritters: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano to transform the patties with Mediterranean flavors and a tangy finish.

Why These Salmon Patties Are a Southern Staple

• Savor Southern Comfort: These salmon patties bring the warm, hearty flavors of Southern cuisine right to your dinner table, packed with rich, homestyle taste that feels like a comforting hug.
• Master Quick Seafood Magic: With just 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, you'll transform simple canned salmon into crispy, golden patties that look and taste like a gourmet restaurant creation.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Delight: Loaded with protein, these patties offer a balanced meal that's not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients, making them a smart choice for health-conscious food lovers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals, these salmon patties can be served with various sides and sauces, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to enjoy.

Everything That Goes Into Golden, Crispy Patties

• Canned Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon with clean flavor and good protein content for the base of the patties.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the patties together and adds richness to the mixture.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps absorb moisture and provides additional texture and structure to the patties.

• Onion: Adds sharp, sweet flavor and provides subtle complexity to the salmon mixture.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces mild sweetness and extra texture to the patty composition.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without adding moisture to the mixture.

• Cornmeal: Provides a crispy exterior and authentic Southern-style coating for the patties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the salmon mixture.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Mayonnaise: Creates moisture and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy complexity and umami undertones.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a subtle spicy kick to the salmon patties.
• Flour: Helps absorb excess moisture and provides additional binding support.
• Shortening or Oil: Enables crispy, golden exterior during the frying process.

How to Fry ‘Em Just Right Without Falling Apart

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Drain the canned salmon and remove any large bones if desired. Carefully flake the salmon into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• Beaten eggs
• Chopped onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Cornmeal
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Black pepper
• Crumbled bread

Step 3: Create the Perfect Mixture

Gently combine all ingredients until well mixed. If the mixture seems too wet, sprinkle in flour gradually to achieve the right consistency that holds together easily.

Step 4: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty approximately 1/2-inch thick.

Step 5: Prepare for Frying

Heat shortening or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Fry the Salmon Patties

Carefully place the patties in the heated skillet. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Southern Comfort meets seafood magic in these crispy salmon patties. Golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful center that brings Southern coastal charm right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pink salmon, canned, drained and flaked

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 slice white bread, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) yellow cornmeal
• ¼ cup (30 grams) flour

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) chopped bell pepper
• ¼ cup (40 grams) chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fat:

• oil or shortening for frying (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Carefully drain the canned salmon, meticulously removing any prominent bones. Delicately flake the fish into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Integrate beaten eggs, finely diced onion, minced bell pepper, cornmeal, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper with the salmon. Fold in crumbled bread to enhance ingredient cohesion.
3. Gently amalgamate the mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Should the consistency appear overly moist, incrementally dust with flour until the blend achieves optimal binding.
4. Partition the mixture into four uniform segments, molding each into a compact patty approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters) thick.
5. Warm sufficient vegetable shortening or cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a thin, even layer covering the pan’s bottom.
6. Carefully position patties in the heated skillet, allowing each side to sizzle for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
7. Once perfectly crisp, transfer the salmon patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by preferred side dishes or complementary dipping sauces.

Notes

• These salmon patties embody Southern comfort food with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
• Perfectly balanced ingredients transform simple canned salmon into a delectable meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
• Versatile recipe works wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer for casual gatherings.
• Homemade patties taste significantly better than store-bought versions, allowing complete control over seasoning and texture.
• Budget-friendly option that stretches affordable canned salmon into a satisfying protein-packed dish everyone will enjoy.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, maintaining their crisp coating and rich, savory flavor profile when warmed in a skillet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 487 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 131 mg