If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and a touch of homemade comfort, this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These patties deliver flaky, tender salmon with a delightful crisp crust and bursts of fresh veggies and herbs in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this recipe makes cooking with canned salmon a breeze—transforming everyday ingredients into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how essential each one is in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter and olive oil to the brightness of parsley, every component plays a role in making these patties shine.
- Salmon (1 can, 14-15 ounces, well drained): The star of the dish providing hearty, flaky fish flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a golden crust when cooking.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Brings richness and a velvety finish to the patties.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely diced): Softens and sweetens as it sautés, building savory depth.
- Red bell pepper (1/2, seeded and diced): Adds a lovely pop of color and a gentle sweetness.
- Panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Light and airy, perfect for binding without weighing down.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Helps everything stick together so patties hold their shape.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Brings moisture and a creamy richness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds savory complexity and a touch of umami.
- Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Perfect seasoning that brightens the overall flavor; you can substitute with sea salt and garlic powder if you prefer.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle hint of heat and balances the seasonings.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, finely minced): Infuses a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they’re nice and tender, with the onions turning golden and sweet. This simple step enhances their natural flavors, creating a savory base that makes your salmon patties truly special. Once softened, remove the vegetables from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently flake the drained salmon with a fork, trying to keep some texture to avoid turning it into a paste. Add in the sautéed veggies, panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and freshly minced parsley. Using a spatula or your hands, carefully fold everything together until just combined. The mixture should be moist but sturdy enough to hold together when shaped.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Now comes the fun part: shaping your patties. Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into patties roughly 2 inches wide and about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Making them this size ensures they cook evenly and have that perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside. Depending on your mixture, you should be able to make about 14 medium patties from the batch.
Step 4: Cook Your Patties to Golden Perfection
Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a clean non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add your patties in batches without crowding the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The butter and oil blend gives the patties a magnificent crispy crust that’s irresistible. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
To take these salmon patties over the top, consider fresh, vibrant garnishes. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness. Dollops of tartar sauce or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives can bring extra layers of flavor. Fresh dill or microgreens also offer a beautiful herbal note and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These salmon patties pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad provide refreshing contrast. For something heartier, try roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad. Steamed vegetables or grilled asparagus are excellent if you’re aiming for a lighter meal that still feels satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also get creative with serving ideas for this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe. Try placing patties in slider buns with a tangy sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or serve atop leafy greens as part of a composed salad for a more elegant look. Another fun idea is to crumble the patties over buttered toast and top with avocado slices for a trendy brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon patties, just pop them into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them a great option for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to maintain texture.
Freezing
Want to save time later on? These patties freeze beautifully. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy crust intact—warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method revives the golden exterior and ensures a tender, flaky inside without drying out your patties.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! While canned salmon is convenient and flavorful, you can use cooked fresh salmon. Just be sure to flake it well and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Fresh salmon might make the patties a bit more delicate, so handle gently when forming.
What can I substitute for panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers work fine. Panko just gives a lighter, crispier texture, but any binder that adds crunch will do the trick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, because traditional panko contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The patties will be just as tasty and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these salmon patties ahead of time?
You sure can! The patties can be formed and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This is handy for meal prep or entertaining. Just handle them gently when cooking to keep their shape.
What’s the best way to avoid patties falling apart?
Two key tips: make sure to drain your canned salmon thoroughly and not to overmix the ingredients. The egg and mayonnaise act as binders, so use the amounts specified. Cooking them on medium heat and flipping carefully also helps keep your patties intact.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves simple yet delicious home cooking. With its unbeatable combination of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients, it has a wonderful way of turning ordinary pantry staples into something special. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that’s as practical as it is tasty.
Print
Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Salmon Patties recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown patties made from canned salmon, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. These salmon patties are pan-fried to perfection, offering a flavorful and healthy dish ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties
- 1 (14-15 ounce) can salmon, well drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, flake the drained canned salmon. Add the sautéed onion and bell pepper, panko bread crumbs, lightly beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and finely minced parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into patties approximately 2 inches in diameter and between 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Be sure to pack the patties gently to help them hold together while cooking.
- Cook patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they become golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and serve them hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is well drained to prevent soggy patties.
- You can substitute panko bread crumbs with regular bread crumbs if needed.
- These patties can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
