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Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Classic Old Fashioned Salmon Patties deliver crispy, golden-brown patties made from tender canned salmon combined with simple pantry staples. This nostalgic recipe is easy to prepare, packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack. Crispy on the outside with rich, savory flavor inside, these salmon patties are a timeless comfort food that you can customize with herbs, spices, and healthier alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (14-15 oz) pink or red salmon, drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free cracker crumbs / almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or mustard (or Greek yogurt for healthier version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for frying (neutral or light oil such as vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain the canned salmon well, removing any large bones if preferred, and flake the fish into a large bowl. Finely chop the onion and have all other ingredients ready to combine.
  2. Mix the Patty Batter: In the bowl with salmon, add bread crumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, mayonnaise or mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir gently just until combined to distribute ingredients evenly without overmixing.
  3. Form the Patties: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into evenly sized patties about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and roughly half an inch thick to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
  4. Heat the Pan and Fry: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place patties in the hot pan without crowding. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite sides or garnishes for a perfectly satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Don’t overwork the mixture to keep patties tender, not dense or tough.
  • Refrigerate formed patties for 15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better.
  • Ensure the oil is hot before adding patties to achieve a crisp, even crust.
  • Pat salmon dry if too wet to improve texture.
  • Test-cook one patty to check seasoning and texture before frying the whole batch.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon patties, old fashioned salmon cakes, crispy salmon, seafood appetizer, easy salmon recipe, gluten free salmon patties, omega-3 recipe