The Best Recipe for Salmon Patties: Easy, Crispy, and Homemade
Introduction: Why You Need This Salmon Patty Recipe
Welcome to MeatWorldRecipes! Today, we’re diving into a kitchen classic: the salmon patty recipe. These unassuming little fish cakes are the perfect quick meal—affordable, delicious, and a fantastic way to get healthy omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking for a reliable, easy salmon patties dish, this guide is for you.
We’re going to answer all your burning questions, including what is the best recipe for salmon patties? and how do you make salmon patties from scratch? We’ll walk you through a foolproof method for creating crispy, flavorful homemade salmon patties, primarily focusing on the convenience of using canned salmon patties. Get ready to add this versatile, satisfying dish to your weeknight rotation!
The Beauty of Canned Salmon Patties
One of the great joys of this dish is its simplicity, which is often achieved by utilizing canned salmon. This convenience is why the recipe for salmon patties with canned salmon is so popular.
Benefits of Using Canned Salmon:
- Affordability: Canned salmon is significantly cheaper than fresh fillets, making this a budget-friendly meal.
- Convenience: It’s already cooked, eliminating a major prep step.
- Shelf-Stability: You can keep cans on hand for a last-minute dinner.
- Nutrition: Canned salmon often includes soft, edible bones, which are a great source of calcium.
Can you make salmon patties with canned salmon? Absolutely! It’s the most common and easiest method. Look for high-quality salmon packed in water or olive oil.
The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Salmon Patties
This recipe balances flavor, texture, and simplicity, resulting in crispy salmon patties every time. It answers the question: what ingredients are needed for salmon patties?
Ingredients:
- Salmon: 2 (14.75 oz) cans of pink or red salmon, drained well (a key for dry, crispy patties)
- Binder: 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Filler: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers (panko offers the best crunch)
- Flavor Base: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (or shallots)
- Acidity/Freshness: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Spice/Heat (Optional): 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or hot sauce
- Herb: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking Fat: 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter for pan-frying
Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Salmon Patties from Scratch
Follow these steps for the best homemade salmon patties.
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Drain Thoroughly: Open the cans of salmon and pour out all the liquid. Press the salmon gently in a fine-mesh sieve or between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for maintaining patty structure.
- Flake: Transfer the salmon to a large bowl. You can choose to remove any bones and skin, but the bones are soft and full of calcium, so feel free to leave them in and simply mash them up. Flake the meat with a fork.
Step 2: Mix the Patty Base
- Combine Ingredients: Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, lemon juice, seasoning (Old Bay, salt, pepper), and fresh herbs to the bowl with the flaked salmon.
- Mix Gently: Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough. The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
- Form: Scoop the mixture (about 1/3 cup per patty) and lightly form it into discs, approximately 1-inch thick and 3 inches wide. This recipe typically yields about 6–8 patties.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): Place the formed patties on a plate lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape during cooking, resulting in nicer, crispier patties.
Step 4: Cook for Crispy Perfection
- Heat the Pan: Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet (cast iron works best for a crisp exterior) over medium heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles instantly.
- Sear: Carefully place the salmon patties into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fry: Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown crust and patties that are heated through. Since the salmon is already cooked, you’re primarily aiming for that perfect texture.
- Drain: Transfer the finished patties to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Salmon Patties
To elevate your homemade salmon patties from good to great, consider these tips:
- For Extra Crispy Patties: Before cooking, lightly dust the exterior of the formed patties with an extra layer of panko breadcrumbs.
- Binder Alternatives: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use mashed potatoes, cooked quinoa, or oats as a filler. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a certified gluten-free breadcrumb.
- Avoid the Spreading: The single biggest mistake is not draining the salmon well enough. Excess moisture turns the patties into mush. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!
- Spice it Up: For a southern salmon patties recipe flair, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Oven-Baked Salmon Patties Recipe: If you prefer to avoid frying, preheat your oven to 190°C. Lightly brush the patties with oil and bake them on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings
These easy salmon patties are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Comfort: Serve them on a bun like a slider, with a slice of tomato and lettuce.
- Elegant Lunch: Pair them with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- The Perfect Sauce: Salmon patties beg for a dipping sauce. Try a simple dill-mayo sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes. For more side dish ideas, check out our guide on how to cook beef ribs in the oven at <– https://meatworldrecipes.com/how-to-cook-beef-ribs-in-oven/ –>.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between salmon patties and salmon cakes?
There is essentially no difference. The terms salmon patties and salmon cakes are used interchangeably and refer to the same dish: a mixture of flaked salmon, a binder (like egg or breadcrumbs), and seasonings, formed into a patty or cake and then fried or baked.
How long do salmon patties last in the fridge?
Cooked salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. They reheat wonderfully in a skillet or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Speaking of great cooking tools, you might enjoy our article on the Philips Dual Basket at <– https://meatworldrecipes.com/philips-dual-basket/ –>.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can! This will be a truly healthy recipe for salmon patties. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked, flaked fresh salmon. Simply bake or pan-sear a salmon fillet until cooked through, let it cool, and then flake it before proceeding with the recipe steps. Using fresh salmon requires a bit more prep time but is also incredibly rewarding.
Conclusion: Your New Weeknight Favorite
There you have it—the best recipe for salmon patties! Whether you’re making the easy recipe for salmon patties with canned salmon or going full gourmet with fresh fish, this dish is a winner. It’s a testament to the fact that quick, affordable meals can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
We hope you enjoy adding these delicious, crispy salmon patties to your meal plan. We at MeatWorldRecipes are always here to help you turn simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. For more simple, comforting recipes, don’t forget to check out our timeless articles like the one on the joy of cooked perfect meatballs at <– https://meatworldrecipes.com/joy-of-cooked-perfect-meatballs/ –>.
Try this recipe this week, and let us know how your homemade salmon patties turn out!
Happy cooking!
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