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.
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.
PinOld 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.
PinEasy 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.
031/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped tiny (optional, but makes it colorful)
041/4 cup onion, chopped super fine
051 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and broken up
→ Seasonings & Binders
061/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
071 teaspoon Dijon mustard (gives a punch if you add it)
081/2 teaspoon salt
091/2 teaspoon garlic powder
101 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
112 tablespoons mayo
→ For Cooking & Serving
12Fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on top while eating
132 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
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs are both tasty options
Make these ahead and keep 'em in the fridge until you're ready to cook
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.