Salmon patties are a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious fish, and they carry a comfort food vibe that’s hard to beat. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week in college when I needed quick meals that made my taste buds happy without taking ages to prepare. The joy of turning fresh salmon into crispy, golden patties quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
These salmon patties are not just tasty, but they are also a breeze to whip up. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily impress your family or guests with this dish. They are satisfying as a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering. You'll love how versatile this recipe is, allowing for tasty variations with the ingredients you have on hand.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These salmon patties come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the crispy texture and savory flavor, making it a hit for any meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or spices to create your own unique twist.
- Health Benefits: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, adding a nutritious boost to your meal in a delicious way.
- Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet needed for cooking, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Salmon – 2 lbs, skinless, boneless. The main ingredient that gives the patties their distinct flavor.
- Oil – 5-6 Tablespoons, divided. Used for sautéing and frying the patties to a perfect golden brown.
- Onion – 1, minced. Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs – 4 Tablespoons, for the cakes. Helps bind the ingredients together while adding texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 ½ cups, for breading. Creates a crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon inside.
- Egg – 1, lightly beaten. Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
- Mayonnaise – 2 Tablespoons. Adds creaminess and moisture to the mixture.
- Capers – 1 Tablespoon, minced. Provides a unique briny flavor that enhances the salmon.
- Lemon juice – 1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Brightens the dish with a fresh zing.
- Dijon mustard – 1 Tablespoon. Contributes a slight tanginess to the overall flavor.
- Hot sauce – 1 teaspoon. Adds a hint of heat to balance the flavors.
- Fresh parsley – 1 ½ Tablespoons, minced. Offers a refreshing herbal note to the patties.
- Salt – 1 ½ teaspoons. Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon. Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the patties.
How to Make Salmon Patties
Step 1: Pulse the Salmon
Use a food processor to pulse the salmon into small pieces, ensuring it remains chunky. This consistency helps the patties hold their shape while offering a bit of texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a nonstick skillet, heat ½ to 1 Tablespoon of oil. Add the minced onion and cook until it's tender and lightly golden. Set the cooked onion aside to cool slightly before adding it to the salmon mixture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pulsed salmon, the cooled onion, egg, mayonnaise, capers, lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, parsley, 4 Tablespoons of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Scoop out the mixture and shape it into 2-3 inch circles to form patties, which should yield approximately 14-16 patties. Make sure they are evenly formed to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 5: Bread the Patties
Dredge each salmon patty in the remaining panko breadcrumbs. This step adds a delightful crunch to the outside of the patties.
Step 6: Cook the Patties
Heat about 1 ½ Tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown. This will give them a nice crust while keeping the insides tender.
Step 7: Drain and Store
Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps them light and fresh.
Step 8: Serve and Store Leftovers
Serve the salmon patties hot or warm. For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They make a great snack or quick meal option.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Let the Salmon Rest – Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes after combining. This step helps the flavors meld together for a better taste.
✓ Use Fresh Ingredients – Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and freshly squeezed lemon juice. They significantly enhance the flavor profile of your patties.
✓ Ensure Even Cooking – Make sure to keep your patties uniform in size. This ensures they cook through evenly without burning the outside.
✓ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook the patties in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature, causing uneven cooking and soggy patties.
✓ Experiment with Seasoning – Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite seasonings. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The combination of fresh ingredients, like salmon and herbs, creates an amazing flavor profile that keeps this dish satisfying and enjoyable.
- Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. This texture contrast is one of the key attributes that make salmon patties irresistible.
- This recipe’s simple steps make it accessible to even novice cooks, providing confidence in the kitchen while delivering delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Patties
Yes, you can easily substitute canned salmon for fresh salmon. Just make sure to drain it well before using. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still work well in this recipe.
When the salmon patties turn golden brown on the outside and are firm to the touch, they are ready. Cooking them for about 3 minutes on each side usually ensures they are fully cooked, but you can break one open to check for doneness.
Absolutely! You can make the patties ahead of time, refrigerate them, and reheat them when ready to serve. Simply reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, closely monitoring to avoid overcooking.
If your patties are crumbling, consider adding a little more mayonnaise or an extra egg to the mixture, as these act as binders. Make sure all ingredients are combined well before forming the patties for best results.
Salmon patties pair well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon on top to enhance their flavor.
Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Salmon, skinless, boneless
- 1 medium Onion, minced
- 1 egg Egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Capers, minced
- 1.5 tablespoon Fresh parsley, minced
- 1.5 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Hot sauce
- 5-6 tablespoon Oil, divided
- 4 tablespoon Panko breadcrumbs
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs, for breading
- 1.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Pulse the salmon in a food processor into small, chunky pieces.
- Sauté minced onion in a nonstick skillet with ½ to 1 Tablespoon of oil until tender and lightly golden. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pulsed salmon, cooled onion, egg, mayonnaise, capers, lemon juice, mustard, hot sauce, parsley, 4 Tablespoons of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop out and shape the mixture into 2-3 inch circles to form approximately 14-16 patties.
- Dredge each patty in the remaining panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1.5 Tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook each patty for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain.
- Serve the salmon patties hot or warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Notes
- Let the salmon mixture rest for a few minutes after combining to meld flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.
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