Salmon Patties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salmon Patties are a quick, budget-friendly dish made with canned or cooked salmon, mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. These savory cakes are perfect for weeknight dinners, light lunches, or as a protein-packed snack. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re a staple comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

canned salmon (or cooked, flaked salmon)breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)eggsfinely chopped onionminced garlicparsley (fresh or dried)lemon juiceDijon mustardsalt and pepperolive oil or vegetable oil for frying

directions

Drain the canned salmon and remove any skin or bones if desired. Flake into a mixing bowl.

Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture holds its shape.

Form into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 patties.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add chopped bell pepper or celery for extra crunch and flavor.

Use fresh salmon for a more gourmet twist.

Include a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for texture variation.

Serve on buns as salmon burgers with lettuce and tomato.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, just cook and flake the salmon before mixing with the other ingredients.

Do I need to remove the bones from canned salmon?

Not necessarily—soft bones are edible and add calcium, but you can remove them for texture.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?

Plain, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs all work well depending on your flavor preference.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these patties gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.

What sauces go well with salmon patties?

Tartar sauce, aioli, remoulade, or a squeeze of lemon are great options.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Ensure you use enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) and let the patties rest before frying.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, form the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Are salmon patties healthy?

They are a good source of protein and omega-3s; opt for minimal oil and whole ingredients for a healthier version.

Can I make mini versions?

Absolutely, shape into smaller patties for appetizers or party snacks.

Conclusion

Salmon Patties are a versatile, flavorful way to enjoy the benefits of salmon with minimal effort. Whether served as a main course or a snack, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and quick to prepare. Perfect for using pantry staples, this classic dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Print