How to Make Salmon Patties

How to Make Salmon Patties: The Ultimate Easy and Crispy Recipe

BySophia Carter

Are you looking for a fast, budget-friendly, and delicious dinner solution? Learning how to make salmon patties is your answer! These savory cakes, often made from canned salmon, are a fantastic way to enjoy healthy fish without the fuss or expense of fillets. They cook up in minutes, are incredibly versatile, and appeal even to picky eaters.

At MeatWorldRecipes, we believe great meals don’t have to be complicated. This guide will walk you through everything, from the essential salmon patties ingredients to simple techniques for ensuring your homemade salmon patties are perfectly crispy every time. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to whip up this classic comfort food for your family any night of the week.

What Makes Salmon Patties So Popular?

Salmon patties, sometimes called salmon croquettes, have long been a pantry staple meal. They are a beloved dish for several reasons:

  • Affordability: Using canned salmon makes this a very economical meal, stretching a healthy protein source.
  • Speed: From mixing to frying, this entire meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making them the ultimate easy salmon patties.
  • Nutrition: Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, making these patties a wonderfully healthy option.
  • Versatility: They can be served as a main dish with sides, on a bun like a burger, or even as an appetizer.

Essential Salmon Patties Ingredients: What You Need

The beauty of a great salmon patty recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of these items in your pantry and fridge.

Core Ingredients

  • Salmon: One (14.75 oz or similar size) can of high-quality canned salmon. Be sure to drain it well!
  • Binder: Eggs (one large egg is usually sufficient) and something starchy like bread crumbs (panko works best for crispiness) or crushed crackers.
  • Flavor & Texture: Mayonnaise or mustard for moisture and richness, and finely diced onion or celery for texture and flavor.
  • Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and maybe a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Pro Tip: Choosing Your Salmon

While canned salmon is the standard, you can also make delicious patties from leftover cooked salmon! Flake it well and proceed with the recipe. If using canned salmon, you can choose bone-in or boneless; if bone-in, the small, soft bones are edible and provide extra calcium, but you can remove them if preferred.

Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Salmon Patties

Follow these simple steps for the best salmon patties recipe that won’t fall apart and delivers maximum flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Base

  1. Drain the Salmon: Open the can of salmon and drain off as much liquid as possible. Gently flake the salmon into a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Add Flavor: Mix in the finely diced onion (or celery), mayonnaise, mustard, and your seasonings.
  3. Bind it Up: Crack the egg into the bowl and add a portion of your bread crumbs. Start with 1/4 cup and add more only if the mixture is too wet. The goal is a mixture that holds its shape when gently squeezed.

Step 2: Form the Patties

  1. Shape: Scoop out about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture and gently form it into a round patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Don’t overwork the mixture, as this can make the patties tough.
  2. Coat (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, lightly coat the outside of each patty in a shallow plate of reserved bread crumbs or panko.

Step 3: Cook Your Patties

The most common and often tastiest method is pan-frying.

  • Pan-Fried Salmon Patties:
    • Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil (like vegetable or canola) in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
    • Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden-brown and crispy. The internal temperature should be around 74°C (165°F).
    • Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

How Do You Keep Salmon Patties From Falling Apart?

This is one of the most common questions, and the key lies in the ingredients and preparation.

The Secrets to Sturdy Homemade Salmon Patties:

  1. Proper Draining: Ensure your canned salmon is very well drained. Excess moisture is the number one cause of crumbly patties.
  2. The Right Binder: Use the correct ratio of binders (egg and bread crumbs/starch). If your mixture feels too wet and sticky, add a little more bread crumbs. If it’s too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise.
  3. Chill Time (The Best Trick): After forming your patties, cover them and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the binders to fully absorb the moisture and helps the patties hold their shape when they hit the hot oil.
  4. Hot Oil & Gentle Handling: Cook them in oil that is already hot, and only flip them once the first side is fully developed and a deep golden brown. Use a wide spatula for flipping.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These easy salmon patties pair well with almost any side dish.

Perfect Pairings:

  • A fresh green salad or simple coleslaw.
  • Roasted vegetables (try carrots or broccoli).
  • A dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
  • Classic mashed potatoes or crispy french fries.

Recipe Variations (Can You Make Salmon Patties Without Eggs?):

Yes, you absolutely can! If you have an allergy or simply prefer not to use eggs, you can use one of these alternatives as a binder:

  • Flour or Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk to create a paste.
  • Mashed Potato Flakes: Use leftover mashed potatoes or instant potato flakes to help absorb moisture.
  • Ground Flaxseed: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to create a gelatinous “flax egg.”

Alternative Cooking Methods

While pan-fried salmon patties deliver the classic crispiness, you can also try:

  • Oven-Baked Salmon Patties: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly coat a baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Place the patties on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the patties with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to make salmon patties?

A: The best way involves starting with well-drained canned salmon, using a good binder (egg and bread crumbs), chilling the formed patties for at least 30 minutes, and pan-frying them in hot oil for maximum crunch.

Q: What ingredients are needed for salmon patties?

A: The core salmon patties ingredients are canned salmon, egg, bread crumbs (or crackers), and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and onion.

Q: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

A: Yes! Simply cook your fresh salmon (bake, grill, or poach), flake it thoroughly, and then use it in the recipe instead of the canned variety. This is an excellent way to make healthy salmon patties.

Conclusion: Ready to Master Salmon Patties?

You now have the perfect guide on how to make salmon patties—a quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you prefer them crispy salmon patties from the pan or lighter oven-baked salmon patties, this recipe is easily adaptable to your taste and cooking method. The simplicity and flavor make this a dish you’ll turn to again and again.

We encourage you to try this easy salmon patties recipe tonight! Head over to MeatWorldRecipes for more simple, delicious meal ideas like how to cook sirloin steak or our best meatloaf seasoning recipes!

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