Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these old-fashioned salmon patties are a timeless dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. Made with simple pantry staples like canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a touch of seasoning, they come together quickly for an easy, budget-friendly meal. Whether served with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a dollop of tartar sauce, or alongside a fresh salad, these salmon patties are packed with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner.
old fashioned salmon patties recipe
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes258
kcal20
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
418 g 14 3/4 oz salmon
60 g 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
1 1 egg
2 tablespoon 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional Toppings & Serving Ideas:
Fresh lemon wedges
Tartar sauce or remoulade
C hopped green onions
Equipment
Mixing Bowl- fork
- Medium skillet
- wooden spoon
- Cups (US measurement)
- spoon
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture
- Drain the canned salmon and remove any large bones or skin (optional, as they are edible). Flake the salmon with a fork in a mixing bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, diced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until well combined. The mixture should hold together when shaped. If too dry, add a little more mayonnaise; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into round patties about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick.
- Fry the Patties
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatula.
- Serve
- Remove from heat and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- To prevent crumbling, let the patties rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Healthier alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?
Yes! If using fresh salmon, cook it first by baking, steaming, or pan-searing, then flake it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?
To help them hold together:
- Make sure to drain the salmon well.
- Use the right ratio of binder ingredients (egg and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers).
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before forming patties.
- Avoid overhandling the mixture, as it can make it too loose.
Can I make these patties in the air fryer?
Yes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly grease the basket, and air fry the patties for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Can I bake salmon patties instead of frying them?
Yes. To bake, place the patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as pan-fried, but they will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can use:
- Crushed saltine crackers
- Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Mashed potatoes for a softer texture
- Almond flour for a low-carb option
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled patties on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
What should I serve with salmon patties?
These patties pair well with:
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple garlic aioli
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, shape and cook the patties as directed.
