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Turn a can of salmon into crispy bites of goodness with this old-school method. You get flaky fish, tasty fresh flavors, and crunchy outsides in a dish that'll surprise you with how good it is for the price.
When I was a kid, my grandma made salmon patties all the time. She always said the little bones were good for you, so we'd never toss them out—extra calcium and all that.
Essential Ingredient Picks
- Frying oil: Go for a plain oil that doesn't smoke fast
- Seasonings: Squeeze in a little lemon for zingy freshness
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for an airy crunch
- Binding agents: Toss in eggs and mayo for just-right patties
- Fresh aromatics: Chopped onion brings loads of flavor
- Canned salmon: Wild-caught has better taste and nutrients
Making Awesome Patties
- Golden Finish:
- Cook in the hot oil, flipping once, until they're nice and brown
- Careful Frying:
- Drop patties into the pan only when it's really hot
- Initial Chill:
- Pop shaped patties in the fridge so they firm up
- Patty Formation:
- Shape them gently so everything sticks but stays light
- Mixture Creation:
- Stir together salmon, seasonings, and your binders
- Salmon Preparation:
- Peel off the skin but leave the tiny bones—they're good for you
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I loved shaping the salmon patties as a kid while Grandma told stories about making these when times were tight.
Serving Ideas
Dish them up with some homemade tartar and a few lemon slices for that classic touch.
Fun Twists
Mix in a handful of fresh herbs, dice up some celery, or add capers for a change. Try rolling patties in panko before frying for ultra crunch.
Easy Storage
Uncooked patties are good in the fridge for up to a day. Once fried, eat them in 48 hours for best flavor.
This dish is total comfort food—simple fish and pantry stuff that comes together with a little love and know-how to make something amazing.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Could fresh salmon work here?
- Sure, you’ll need around 2 cups of cooked fresh salmon, flaked.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What about freezing these cakes?
- Yep, freeze either before or after cooking for up to 3 months.
- → What pairs well with these patties?
- Serve them with rice, veggies, salad, or a dollop of tartar sauce.
- → Can I bake instead of frying?
- Absolutely, bake them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes per side.