The Best Salmon Patties – Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

Salmon patties are a delicious, versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings. This recipe for The Best Salmon Patties combines boneless, skinless canned salmon with simple ingredients to create a meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a flavorful seasoning blend, a light breading of panko crumbs, and a zesty touch of lime, these salmon patties are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with tartar sauce, on a bun, or as part of a salad, these golden brown patties deliver a satisfying taste of the sea.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to incorporate more fish into your diet, with the added benefit of using canned salmon, making it both affordable and convenient. The light, crispy exterior contrasts perfectly with the moist, flavorful salmon inside, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Plus, these salmon patties are quick to cook, so you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute meal prep.

2. Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

The panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy crust, while the salmon inside remains moist and flavorful.

3. Packed with Flavor

With a combination of seasoned salt, cilantro, onion powder, and parsley, these patties are bursting with fresh and savory flavors.

4. Affordable and Convenient

Using canned salmon makes this dish both budget-friendly and easy to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand.

5. Versatile Serving Options

These salmon patties can be served on their own, in a sandwich, or as a topping for salads, making them a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.

Ingredients

• Canned boneless, skinless salmon (3 cans, 5 oz each)
• Milk
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Seasoned salt
• Cilantro
• Onion powder
• Parsley
• Oil for frying
• Fresh lime
• Tartar sauce for dipping

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Try adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or celery to the salmon mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spicy Salmon Patties: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Crispier Patties: If you prefer extra crunch, dip the patties in flour before coating them in breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Herb Variations: Swap the cilantro and parsley for other herbs like dill or chives to create a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Drain the cans of salmon and remove any bones or skin. Flake the salmon with a fork in a large bowl, breaking it up into small pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In the bowl with the flaked salmon, add the milk, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, cilantro, onion powder, and parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 6-8 patties depending on the size.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil for frying. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Fry the Patties

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Fry the salmon patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the patties and serve with tartar sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be sure not to overwork the salmon mixture, or the patties might become tough.
• Use Cold Salmon: Using cold salmon helps the patties hold together better, so it’s a good idea to chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes before frying.
• Test the First Patty: If you’re unsure of the seasoning, fry a small test patty first and taste it to adjust the seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the patties in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Keep the Patties Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked patties warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

These salmon patties are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer with tartar sauce, in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato, or on a salad for a light yet filling meal. They also pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, fries, or a simple rice dish. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders with small buns and your favorite condiments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat the patties in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating:

To reheat the patties and keep them crispy, the air fryer works best, but you can also use the oven. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, fresh salmon can be used. Just cook the salmon fillets, flake them, and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

2. Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

3. Can I make these salmon patties gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

4. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensure that the mixture is well-bound with breadcrumbs and egg. If needed, refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes before forming the patties to help them hold together better.

5. How do I make these patties spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the salmon mixture for a spicy kick.

6. Can I freeze the patties before cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze the patties before cooking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake them from frozen when ready.

7. Can I make these salmon patties without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg or another egg substitute, but the texture may change slightly.

8. How long will these salmon patties last in the fridge?

They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

9. What’s the best way to reheat salmon patties?

Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

10. Can I add vegetables to these patties?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the salmon mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

The Best Salmon Patties are a simple, tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal. With crispy, golden outsides and tender, flavorful insides, these patties are sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to make, affordable, and versatile, they can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Whether served with tartar sauce or on a bun, these salmon patties are a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a twist.

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