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Easy Salmon Patties

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

These flaky salmon patties are easy to prepare with canned or cooked salmon. With a golden, crisp exterior and tender bite, they combine sautéed onion, bell pepper, bread crumbs, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a quick meal, they pair wonderfully with tartar sauce or your favorite condiment. Enjoy these patties as a snack, appetizer, or main course and refrigerate or freeze leftovers to savor later.

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Clare Greco
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 22:46:14 GMT
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A plate of crab cakes with a white sauce. | recipesim.com

This hearty salmon patty recipe has been my family's go-to solution for quick, satisfying dinners for years. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful interior packed with flaky salmon that makes these irresistible for even picky eaters.

I first created these salmon patties during a particularly busy week when I needed something nutritious that my children would actually eat. Now they request these patties weekly, especially with a side of homemade tartar sauce.

Ingredients

  • Canned salmon: 14-15 oz provides the main protein and flavor without requiring fresh fish
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium adds sweetness and depth when sautéed properly
  • Red bell pepper: 1/2 contributes sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast
  • Panko bread crumbs: 1/2 cup creates the perfect light texture unlike regular breadcrumbs
  • Egg: 1 large works as the crucial binder that holds everything together
  • Mayonnaise: 2 Tbsp adds richness and helps keep the patties moist
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp introduces that umami flavor that makes people ask for your secret
  • Garlic salt: 1 tsp seasons throughout better than adding garlic separately
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup brightens the flavor profile with herbaceous notes
  • Olive oil and butter combination: creates the perfect searing medium for golden patties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Cook diced onion and bell pepper in 1 Tbsp each butter and olive oil over medium heat for 7-9 minutes until they become golden and softened. This slow cooking process caramelizes the vegetables slightly which builds tremendous flavor foundation for the patties.
Mix the Patty Base:
Combine the flaked salmon with the sautéed vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to break up any large chunks of salmon for consistent texture throughout your patties. Add the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix thoroughly but gently to keep some salmon texture intact.
Form the Patties:
Using a heaping tablespoon of mixture for each patty, form them into discs about 2 inches wide and approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Press firmly enough that they hold together but not so hard that you compress all the texture out. The patties should feel slightly delicate but hold their shape.
Pan Fry to Perfection:
Heat the remaining tablespoon each of butter and oil in a clean nonstick skillet until hot but not smoking. Carefully place several patties in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. The inside should be hot throughout. Transfer finished patties to a paper towel lined plate and repeat with remaining mixture.
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Two pieces of meat on a plate with sauce. | recipesim.com

The secret to truly exceptional salmon patties is taking time with the vegetable sauté. I once rushed this step and the difference was remarkable. The slow cooking develops natural sweetness in the onions that complements the salmon perfectly, creating that craveable flavor that makes these disappear so quickly from the dinner table.

Make Ahead Magic

These salmon patties shine as a make ahead option. You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated before forming and cooking the patties. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more flavorful final product. I often double the recipe specifically to have extras for later in the week.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these salmon patties reach new heights when served on a soft brioche bun with lettuce, tomato and homemade tartar sauce for a stunning salmon burger. For a lighter option, place them atop a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. They also pair wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a creamy cucumber salad for a complete meal that feels special but comes together with minimal effort.

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Two pieces of meat with sauce on a plate. | recipesim.com

Perfect Texture Solutions

The texture of your salmon patties depends greatly on the moisture balance. If your mixture seems too wet to form proper patties, gradually add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency. Conversely, if the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise will help bind everything together. The perfect salmon patty should hold its shape when formed but still maintain a tender, moist interior after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of salmon works best for patties?

Canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon both work well. Ensure it's boneless, skinless, and flaked before mixing.

→ How can I avoid dry patties?

If the mixture is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. This helps bind the patties and keeps them moist.

→ Can I freeze salmon patties?

Yes! After cooling, store patties in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

→ What is the best cooking method?

Pan-frying is recommended for a crispy exterior. Use a mix of olive oil and butter to ensure a golden finish.

→ How do I serve salmon patties?

Serve with tartar sauce, over a salad, or in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato for a delicious meal.

Easy Salmon Patties Flaky

Flaky, tender salmon patties with crisp edges made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 14 Servings (14 salmon patties)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained
02 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
03 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
04 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (1 cup)
05 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
06 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
07 1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
09 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
10 1 tsp garlic salt or substitute with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder
11 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
12 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced

Instructions

Step 01

Set a medium skillet over medium heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add diced onion and bell pepper and saute until golden and softened, 7-9 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine flaked salmon, sautéed pepper and onion, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into patties using approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per patty. Mold with your hands into rounds about 2 inches wide and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.

Step 04

In a clean non-stick pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat until hot. Add the patties in a single layer and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too fast, reduce heat. Remove cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 05

Repeat cooking with the remaining oil, butter, and salmon patties until all patties are cooked.

Notes

  1. You can substitute canned salmon with leftover cooked salmon if it’s boneless and skinless. Flake the salmon before use.
  2. If the mixture is too dry to hold a patty shape, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. If too moist, add more bread crumbs.
  3. Store leftover patties in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Non-stick pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (Panko bread crumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 94
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~