Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Category: Evening Meal Excellence

Super fast salmon patties—only 30 minutes—made with canned salmon and things you probably have. Crispy shell, soft inside. Six big patties that make dinner easy any busy night.
Ranah
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 19:36:44 GMT
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Pin
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties | chefemmakitchen.com
Turn basic pantry finds into tasty, crunchy patties everyone loves. These crispy salmon rounds blend tender fish with easy veggies and spices, giving every bite a cozy mix of crunch and soft, fresh flavor—just like when you gather with family. I've whipped up these patties over and over at home. They're more than food; they're a little piece of family. The smell when they hit the skillet always reminds me of time spent with my grandma.

Irresistible Ingredients Lineup

Wild Canned Salmon: Grab for full flavor and great nutrients Firm Onion: Pick out ones that feel heavy with no mushy bits Bell Pepper: Crunch and color in every forkful Lemon: Gives the dish its zippy, fresh taste Mayonnaise: Keeps things rich and makes everything stick together Breadcrumbs: Panko for crunch, regular ones for that classic feel

Your Path to Patty Perfection

Let It Rest Rest for a bit after cooking so they set up in the middle. Fry To Golden Make sure your pan's nice and hot—golden is the goal! Shape 'Em Up Be gentle when shaping, no need to mash them tight. Mix It Up Stir up your ingredients soft so the texture stays great. Get Set Drain your salmon and flake it with a fork to start it all off.
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Pin
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties | chefemmakitchen.com
Mom always said to keep canned salmon around. She'd joke, 'You can whip up a real meal in just 20 minutes!' She's right: this trick saves me every time.

Boost The Sides

Pair these crunchy patties with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a lively salad. For a fun change, try them on toasted buns with lettuce and a dollop of remoulade.

Switch It Up

Try tossing in some parsley or dill, or maybe some capers if you want a salty kick. Shred in Parmesan for a deeper flavor. If gluten's not your thing, swap in gluten-free crumbs or even ground pork rinds.

Keep It Fresh

You can keep the uncooked mix in the fridge for a day. After frying, patties stay good for about three days. Reheat them in a pan to get that crunchy bite back. Making these over time taught me a secret: it's all about gentle mixing and finding the right balance in your ingredients. These simple patties show that with a little care, even everyday food can be pretty special.
Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Pin
Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties | chefemmakitchen.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Should I take out bones from canned salmon?
Your call—those bones are really soft, so you can eat them and get some calcium. If you don't like them, just pull 'em out. They'll break up fine if you mix everything well.
→ Why do my patties not stick together?
Squeeze out all the extra liquid from your salmon, and don't forget the egg—it glues stuff together. If they're falling apart, toss the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
→ Is baking an option instead of pan-frying?
You can! Just stick them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Flip them over once. They’re a little less crunchy but still turn out tasty.
→ What sides go nicely with salmon patties?
Serve them with some crunchy coleslaw, roast up a tray of veggies, or toss together a basic salad. They’re awesome on a bun for a fish sandwich too.
→ Can I stash these in the freezer?
Definitely! Pop uncooked patties in the freezer, separated with wax paper. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook them like usual.

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Golden, crispy rounds made from canned salmon and kitchen staples. Great comfort food you don’t have to break the bank for—all ready in just 30 minutes.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
By: emma

Category: Dinner

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 patties)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 large egg, beaten
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or smashed saltine crackers
03 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped tiny (optional, but makes it colorful)
04 1/4 cup onion, chopped super fine
05 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and broken up

→ Seasonings & Binders

06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
07 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (gives a punch if you add it)
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 2 tablespoons mayo

→ For Cooking & Serving

12 Fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on top while eating
13 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking in the pan

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Toss your cooked patties onto paper towels for a sec so the oil drips off, then pass around while hot with a side of lemon to squirt over each one.

Step 02

Gently lay your patties in the hot oil. Let them fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side till they're crispy and golden. Do a few at a time if your pan's not big enough.

Step 03

Pour the veggie oil into your pan and set it to medium. Let it get hot but not so hot it's smoking.

Step 04

Scoop the mix into six lumps and press them into patties, making each one about half an inch thick. They shouldn't fall apart easily.

Step 05

Grab a big bowl. Dump in your broken-up salmon (fish out those big bones if you want), onion, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, lemon juice, mustard, and all the seasonings. Stir everything together till it sticks.

Additional Notes

  1. Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs are both tasty options
  2. Make these ahead and keep 'em in the fridge until you're ready to cook
  3. Fresh chopped dill or parsley makes these even yummier

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Spatula to flip
  • Paper towels for draining

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Has eggs
  • Has fish (salmon)
  • Has gluten (if you use normal breadcrumbs)