If you love seafood that comes together quickly yet feels like a heartfelt homemade meal, then you are going to adore this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe. These patties are packed with tender, flaky salmon, vibrant bits of red bell pepper and onion, and just the right blend of seasonings to make every bite pop with flavor. Best of all, they are straightforward to make, versatile for any meal, and perfect for satisfying your craving for something hearty and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these golden, crispy patties will become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role, delivering a balance of texture, color, and flavor that makes the patties truly special.
- Canned salmon: Well-drained canned salmon is the deliciously flaky base, bringing rich, omega-packed goodness with ease.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and frying, it adds a pleasant fruitiness and helps create the golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances richness and ensures perfectly browned edges without overpowering the flavors.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced and sautéed for sweetness and subtle bite that lifts the entire dish.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a gentle, fresh crunch to each patty.
- Panko bread crumbs: These light crumbs bind the patties and give them a wonderfully crispy texture.
- Egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together without heaviness.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a hint of creamy tang, helping keep the patties tender.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a subtle umami depth that brings the flavors to life.
- Garlic salt: Brings savory seasoning and a little punch, easily adaptable with garlic powder and sea salt if preferred.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild heat and aromatic lift.
- Fresh parsley: Finely minced for a burst of green freshness and herby brightness.
How to Make Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they turn golden and soften, about 7 to 9 minutes. This step is essential because it develops deep, sweet flavors that perfectly complement the salmon. Once done, remove from heat and let these flavorful bites cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Salmon Patty Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained flaked salmon with the sautéed onions and peppers. To this, add the panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and the finely chopped fresh parsley. Gently stir everything until just combined, making sure the mixture holds together without becoming overly dense. Using your hands, form the mixture into patties about 2 inches wide and roughly a third to half an inch thick—perfect for cooking evenly and keeping that lovely salmon texture intact.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Patties
Wipe your skillet clean and heat another tablespoon each of olive oil and butter over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the salmon patties in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook without crowding. Sauté each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms and the patties are cooked through. If you notice the patties are browning too quickly, lower the heat to avoid burning while ensuring the center cooks perfectly. Transfer finished patties to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then repeat with the remaining batches.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate your salmon patties to star status. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish instantly, while a little dollop of tartar sauce or a creamy dill yogurt dip brings delightful contrast. Chopped fresh herbs like extra parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Salmon patties shine with a variety of sides! For a light and refreshing balance, serve them alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus provide a nutritious and colorful plate. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of fluffy rice can soak up every bit of that delicious flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn these patties into sliders by nesting them on mini buns with lettuce and your favorite sauce. You can also crumble them over a salad for a protein boost or serve them as a topping on avocado toast for an inspired brunch twist. The Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is so versatile that you can get creative while impressing everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or a fast dinner option during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these patties later, they freeze beautifully. Arrange the uncooked or cooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and cook whenever you need a simple meal.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed salmon patties gently in a skillet set over medium-low heat to maintain their crisp exterior while warming through. Alternatively, a quick stint in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes will do the trick without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be cooked, cooled, and flaked to substitute canned salmon. Just ensure it’s properly cooked and drained to keep the patties from becoming too wet. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well too. Panko provides extra crispness, but these alternatives will still bind the patties nicely.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and a slight tang that keeps the patties tender, but you can replace it with Greek yogurt or even a bit of sour cream if desired. Just ensure the mixture stays moist enough to form patties.
How do I prevent the salmon patties from falling apart?
Using the right amount of binder like egg and breadcrumbs helps keep the patties together. Also, avoid over-mixing the ingredients and handle the patties gently when forming and flipping them in the pan.
Can these salmon patties be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe enough! It’s a delightful, fuss-free way to enjoy salmon that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these patties bring a fresh, comforting taste to your table. Give them a try and watch them quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 salmon patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy salmon patties are a delicious and quick-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual lunches. Made with canned salmon, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, these patties are pan-fried to a golden crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. They’re great served on their own, in a sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties
- 14–15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets (well drained)
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup, finely diced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic salt (or substitute with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder, or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley (finely minced)
For Cooking
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Set a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once heated, add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for 7 to 9 minutes until they become golden and softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Salmon Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained flaked salmon, sautéed onion and bell pepper, panko bread crumbs, lightly beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced parsley. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Then, form the mixture into patties about 2 inches wide and approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick, using about a heaping tablespoon of mixture per patty.
- Pan-Fry Patties: Heat a clean non-stick pan over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once hot, carefully place the salmon patties in a single layer. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent over-browning. Remove each cooked patty to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with the remaining patties, adding more oil and butter as required.
Notes
- Drain the salmon well to prevent soggy patties.
- If patties brown too quickly, lower the heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Mayonnaise adds moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Serve the patties with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or on a bun with your favorite toppings.
- Can be reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
