Easy Salmon Patties Recipe: A Delicious and Simple Meal for Any Day

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love, this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is your answer. With a 4.96-star rating from over 518 votes, these salmon patties are a crowd-pleaser. They’re flaky, tender, and packed with flavor, featuring crisp edges and big bites of flaked salmon. Whether you’re using leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon, this recipe is incredibly versatile and always disappears fast! Serve them with tartar sauce for the ultimate experience.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious salmon patties, share tips for perfecting the recipe, and provide storage and reheating instructions. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Budget-Friendly: Canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon makes this dish affordable without sacrificing flavor.
3. Versatile: Serve these patties as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sandwich.
4. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: These patties store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep.

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Ingredients for Easy Salmon Patties

Here’s what you’ll need to make 14 salmon patties:

• 14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained (You can also use leftover cooked salmon—just make sure it’s boneless and skinless.)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided (for sautéing and frying)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided (for added richness and flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (adds a pop of color and sweetness)
• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (for binding and a crispy texture)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (acts as a binder)
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (adds moisture and richness; you can adjust the amount if needed)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for a savory, umami kick)
• 1 tsp garlic salt (or substitute with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (for a hint of spice)
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced (adds freshness and color)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter.
2. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 7-9 minutes, or until the vegetables are golden and softened.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, sautéed onion and bell pepper, Panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Patties

1. Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the salmon mixture and use your hands to mold it into a patty. Aim for patties that are about 2 inches wide and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Patties

1. Heat a clean non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter.
2. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the salmon patties in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly, reduce the heat to prevent burning.
4. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining patties, adding more oil and butter as needed.

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 The Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is often hailed as a superfood, and for good reason. It’s packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. One of the standout benefits of salmon is its high omega-3 fatty acid content. These healthy fats are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. Omega-3s have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure, decreasing triglyceride levels, and improving cholesterol profiles.

In addition to omega-3s, salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. A single serving of salmon provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs, making it a great option for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Salmon is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells, while vitamin D supports bone health and immune function. Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, and potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

Incorporating salmon into your diet, whether through this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe or other dishes, is a delicious way to reap these health benefits. Plus, using canned salmon makes it an affordable and convenient option for busy households.

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 Why Panko Bread Crumbs Are a Game-Changer

When it comes to creating the perfect texture for salmon patties, Panko bread crumbs are a game-changer. Unlike traditional bread crumbs, Panko is made from crustless bread that’s coarsely ground, resulting in a lighter, flakier texture. This makes Panko ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the patties tender and moist.

One of the key advantages of Panko is its ability to absorb less oil during cooking. This means your salmon patties will be less greasy and have a more delicate crunch. The larger, airier crumbs also create a more even coating, ensuring that every bite is perfectly textured.

Another benefit of Panko is its versatility. While it’s commonly used in Japanese cuisine for dishes like tonkatsu and tempura, it works equally well in Western recipes like these salmon patties. You can also season Panko with herbs, spices, or grated cheese to add extra flavor to your dishes.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free Panko options are available, making it easy to adapt this recipe to suit your needs. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air-frying, Panko bread crumbs are a must-have ingredient for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.

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 Creative Ways to Serve Salmon Patties

While these Easy Salmon Patties are delicious on their own, there are countless ways to serve them that can elevate your meal. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire you:

1. Salmon Patty Sliders: Miniature versions of these patties make perfect sliders. Serve them on small buns with a dollop of tartar sauce, a slice of avocado, and a sprinkle of microgreens for a fancy appetizer or party snack.
2. Salad Toppers: Crumble a salmon patty over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed salad. The crispy texture of the patty adds a delightful contrast to the fresh vegetables.
3. Breakfast Hash: Pair a salmon patty with a hearty breakfast hash made from diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Top it off with a fried egg for a satisfying morning meal.
4. Grain Bowls: Add a salmon patty to a grain bowl featuring quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Include roasted vegetables, a drizzle of tahini or lemon dressing, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a balanced and nutritious lunch or dinner.
5. Taco Night Twist: Break up the salmon patties and use them as a filling for tacos. Serve with shredded cabbage, lime crema, and a side of salsa for a fun and flavorful twist on taco night.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties

1. Drain the Salmon Well: Whether you’re using canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon, make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid a soggy mixture.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If the mixture is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. If it’s too wet, add more bread crumbs.
3. Don’t Overcook: Cook the patties just until they’re golden brown and heated through to keep them tender and juicy.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and high-quality mayonnaise can make a big difference in flavor.
5. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced celery, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

These Easy Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Classic Style: Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of coleslaw or a green salad.
• Sandwich Style: Place a patty on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious salmon burger.
• Appetizer Style: Make smaller patties and serve them as bite-sized appetizers with a dipping sauce.
• Breakfast Style: Pair with a poached egg and avocado for a hearty breakfast.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• To Store: Allow the patties to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in an air fryer until warmed through.

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Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Easy Salmon Patties contains approximately:

• 94 calories
• 3g carbohydrates
• 7g protein
• 6g fat

This makes them a light yet satisfying option for any meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked salmon. Simply flake it and ensure it’s boneless and skinless before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour.

3. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

4. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, delicious, and nutritious meals. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and burst of flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has earned such high praise. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, these salmon patties are sure to become a favorite.