If you’re craving a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings back the warmth of home-cooked meals, then you’re going to absolutely love this Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. It combines flaky canned salmon with simple pantry staples to create golden, crispy patties that are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the modest list of ingredients fool you—each one plays an important role in shaping the delightful taste and texture of your salmon patties. From the tender, flaked salmon to the crunchy breadcrumbs, every component works together to give you classic flavor and perfect consistency.
- Canned salmon (14.75 oz): Provides the main protein, tender and flavorful, perfect for easy patties.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (1/2 cup): Essential for binding and adding a light crunch.
- Onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of bite.
- Bell pepper, finely chopped (1/4 cup, optional): Offers a mild crunch and a pop of color.
- Egg, beaten (1): Binds everything together, making the patties hold their shape.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Keeps the patties moist and adds a creamy richness.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Introduces a slight tang and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and aroma.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and a hint of color.
- Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons): For frying to the perfect golden crispness.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by taking your flaked salmon and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, optional bell pepper, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until it’s just combined—this is the base of your Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe and getting the right mix is key to tender, flavorful patties.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Next, shape the salmon mixture into 6 to 8 evenly sized patties. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; rustic is part of their charm! This shaping ensures each patty cooks evenly and fits nicely in your skillet.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat in a sturdy skillet. The heat should be steady—hot enough to sizzle the patties when they hit the pan but not so hot that they burn before cooking through.
Step 4: Fry the Patties
Carefully place your salmon patties in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are heated through. The crust is where flavor and texture really shine, so be patient and don’t rush flipping them.
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Transfer your cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps soak up excess oil, keeping your patties crispy rather than greasy, which is perfect for that classic homemade feel.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Your Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is ready to enjoy! Serve them while warm to savor the full flavor and texture. Pair them with your favorite condiments or garnishes for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salmon patties with garnishes like fresh lemon wedges for a zesty lift or dollops of tangy tartar sauce. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley adds brightness and a touch of color, making your dish even more inviting and delicious.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, or buttery mashed potatoes complement the patties beautifully. You can also offer roasted vegetables or even a simple rice pilaf to round out this hearty meal with balanced textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn your salmon patties into sliders with mini buns, crisp lettuce, and a smear of aioli for a fun twist. Or serve them alongside avocado slices and pickled red onions for a fresh, modern spin on this timeless dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage retains their flavor and texture so you can enjoy your Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe even the next day.
Freezing
Want to prep in advance? Layout your uncooked patties on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep up to 2 months frozen. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a bit more time to ensure they’re heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your salmon patties in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that crispy outside and tender inside texture that makes this Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for the Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be cooked, cooled, and flaked to replace canned salmon. Just keep in mind that fresh salmon might change the moisture level slightly, so adjust breadcrumbs accordingly to get the right patty consistency.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you prefer to skip mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as alternatives, providing moisture and a slight tang without overpowering the other flavors.
Are these salmon patties gluten-free?
You can make the recipe gluten-free by swapping regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart when cooking?
Ensuring the mixture is well combined and not too wet is key. Don’t overload the patties with wet ingredients, and make sure your skillet is hot before adding the patties so they sear quickly to hold their shape.
What’s the best dipping sauce for salmon patties?
Tartar sauce is the classic choice, but you can also try lemon garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the simplicity and flavor of this Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s a wonderful dish that blends tradition with ease, perfect for any day you want to enjoy a delicious meal without fuss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (6-8 patties)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties are a classic, easy-to-make dish featuring tender canned salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings, then pan-fried to a crispy golden brown. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they serve wonderfully with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for added zest.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, finely chopped onion, optional bell pepper, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 evenly sized patties, taking care to compress them well so they hold together during frying.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry Patties: Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are heated through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked patties onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Serve: Serve the salmon patties warm with your choice of tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, or a favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- If fresh bell pepper is unavailable or undesired, it can be omitted without compromising flavor significantly.
- Ensure the patties are well compacted to prevent them from falling apart while frying.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days; reheat gently to preserve texture.
