Salmon Patties
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, salmon patties are a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Whether you’re using canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon, these golden-brown patties are a true crowd-pleaser. With their crispy exterior and moist center, they deliver a satisfying bite every time. Plus, whipped up in just 20 minutes, they can easily fit into any busy schedule.

I still remember the first time I made salmon patties. It was a quick weeknight dinner, and I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious. Now, I turn to this recipe whenever I crave a tasty and nutritious meal that’s also budget-friendly. You’ll love how versatile and easy it is to enjoy these salmon patties! Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings!
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with the delightful taste of salmon, complemented by delicate green onions and a hint of seasoning.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden and crispy, these patties are as fun to look at as they are to eat!
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them gluten-free by substituting panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans salmon (6 oz each), drained very well: Canned salmon is both convenient and packed with flavor. You can also use 9 oz of cooked or leftover salmon if you have any on hand.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: These provide the perfect crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture will be slightly different.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping hold everything together.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness. Feel free to use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions: Infuse the patties with a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: A little kick to balance the richness of the salmon.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For frying, yielding that crispy crust we all love. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors.
- Creamy dill sauce (optional): Adds a delicious creamy note; perfect for dipping!
How to Make Salmon Patties
- Drain the Salmon: Start by draining the canned salmon thoroughly, pressing out any excess moisture using a fork or paper towels.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained salmon, ½ cup panko bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped green onions, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Mix Gently: Using a fork, mix the ingredients gently until combined, but be careful to keep some of the salmon texture for added bite.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a rustic look adds charm!
- Heat the Pan: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking.
- Cook Patties: Add the patties to the skillet, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. You should hear that satisfying sizzle!
- Serve Warm: Remove them from the skillet, and serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice and your favorite creamy dill sauce.
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover salmon patties, let them cool completely at room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each patty in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until heated through. Do note that freezing may affect their crispiness, but a quick re-fry can help refresh that lovely texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the salmon mixture; keeping some texture is key to a hearty patty.
- Make sure to drain your salmon well to prevent sogginess.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more panko to help bind it together.
- For an added zest, you could mix in some finely chopped bell pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
- For make-ahead options, prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Crispy salmon patties not only simplify dinner prep, but they also make a delicious, satisfying meal to enjoy with loved ones. You can experiment with different spices or serve them with a variety of dipping sauces to keep things interesting. Why not try whipping up this recipe for yourself? You might just discover a new favorite dish!

Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the salmon patties are done cooking?
Can I make these salmon patties ahead of time?
What can I serve with salmon patties?
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
More Dinner Recipes
- Spaghetti Salad
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Cheeseburger Casserole
- Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
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Salmon Patties
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salmon Patties are a quick and easy dinner option that’s bursting with flavor. Made with just a few ingredients like salmon, panko breadcrumbs, and green onions, they’re perfect for a healthy meal or hearty snack. Enjoy these crispy patties warm with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 cans salmon 6 oz each, drained very well
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- lemon juice optional
- creamy dill sauce optional
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon completely, pressing out excess moisture with a fork or paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine the salmon, panko, egg, mayonnaise, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until combined, maintaining some of the salmon's texture.
- Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve warmed with lemon juice and your favorite sauce.
Notes
For a twist, try adding herbs like dill or parsley to the mixture.
Serve with a homemade or store-bought dipping sauce to enhance flavor.
These patties can be frozen for later use; just reheat in a skillet until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg




