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Salmon patties are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a nourishing meal that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. They can easily be adapted to various dietary preferences—even keto! If you’ve been craving comfort food just like grandma’s old fashioned salmon patties, or need a simple weeknight dinner, you’re about to discover your new favorite recipe. Do you love recipes that are both classic and easy, yet slyly full of nutrition? Let’s dive in together—it’s time for the best salmon patties recipe you’ll ever taste!
What Makes These Salmon Patties So Special?
Let’s set the scene: golden, crisp-edged on the outside, flaky and tender inside, and the aroma of a childhood kitchen. These aren’t just any salmon patties; they’re inspired by grandma’s old fashioned approach yet tweaked for the modern home cook. Whether you remember having salmon patties at a bustling family table or are making them for the very first time, this recipe stands out for a handful of reasons:
- Old Fashioned Flavor: This recipe draws directly from the tried-and-true methods our grandmothers swore by—simple, honest, and delicious.
- Versatility: It can be made with canned, fresh, or leftover salmon. No fussing over fancy ingredients!
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep.
- Healthy and Adaptable: These salmon patties can easily be made keto, gluten-free, or dairy-free according to your needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They freeze beautifully for future busy nights.
Don’t you think food tastes better when it’s rooted in tradition, but with a personal touch? Let’s see what you’ll need to start cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need an expansive pantry to craft perfect salmon patties. In fact, this recipe keeps things beautifully simple. Below you’ll find both the traditional (old fashioned and grandma’s style!) ingredient list and a few notes for keto and dietary swaps.
- Salmon: 1 (14.75-ounce) can of pink salmon, drained and checked for bones/skin or 1 ½ cups of cooked, flaked fresh salmon.
- Egg: 1 large (binds and enriches the patties).
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup. For keto, use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or coconut flour instead.
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (adds moisture and flavor).
- Diced Onion: ¼ cup (sweet or yellow recommended for classic flavor).
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, fresh (or 2 teaspoons dried).
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (for brightness).
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon each, or to taste.
- Old Bay or Other Seasoning: 1 teaspoon optional, for extra depth.
- Cooking Oil or Butter: For frying (avocado, olive, or traditional butter for grandma’s touch).
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chopped green onions for an extra kick.
- Minced celery or bell pepper for crunch and sweet flavor.
- Hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
- Fresh dill, tarragon, or chives for a herbal note.
See? Most of these are everyday, accessible ingredients—just like grandma’s old fashioned salmon patties recipe. Ready to whip up some deliciousness?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step into the kitchen! These salmon patties are incredibly easy to assemble and cook. Below, I’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing the mixture to frying (or baking, for a lighter touch).
1. Preparing the Salmon Mixture
- Drain and Flake:If using canned salmon, drain it well and check for large bones or skin. Don’t worry about tiny soft bones—they’re perfectly edible and packed with calcium (Grandma never tossed them out!). For fresh or leftover salmon, flake with a fork.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Stir in the mayonnaise, diced onion, parsley, and lemon zest.
- Combine and Season:Add your salmon, breadcrumbs (or keto substitute), salt, pepper, and optional seasoning to the bowl. Gently combine with a fork or spatula. You want a mixture that’s moist but holds together easily—add more breadcrumbs or a teaspoon of mayo if needed.
2. Forming the Patties
- Shape:Scoop a portion (about ⅓ cup) of the salmon mixture and gently shape it into a round, flat patty about ½ inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for the remaining mixture—you’ll have 6-8 patties, depending on size.
- Chill (Optional, But Recommended):If you have time, refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes to help them firm up. This makes them easier to handle, especially for a delicate old fashioned result.
3. Cooking the Patties
- Pan-Frying (Traditional Old Fashioned Method):Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, gently add the patties, making sure not to crowd the pan.
- Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp.
- Resist the urge to move them too soon—this lets the crust develop for that irresistible crunch!
- Baking (for Less Oil):Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush with oil or melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden on both sides.
- Air Fryer (Keto-Friendly, Less Oil):Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange salmon patties in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
4. Serving
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, a wedge of lemon, or a dollop of tartar sauce. See serving ideas below!
Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
Whether you share a love of nostalgic meals or simply want a foolproof dinner, these tips will take your salmon patties from good to unforgettable.
Don’t Overmix the Mixture
Gentle mixing keeps your salmon patties flaky—just like grandma’s. Overmixing can make them tough.
Use a Binder — But Don’t Overdo It
The egg, mayo, and breadcrumbs (or their keto substitutes) are vital for holding your patties together, but adding too much can mask the salmon’s natural flavor. If the mixture feels too loose, refrigerate for 15 minutes before forming patties.
Choose Your Oil Wisely
For that authentic old fashioned flavor, fry in butter or a mix of butter and neutral oil (it prevents burning). For a keto version, avocado oil or ghee works wonderfully.
Let the Patties Set Before Flipping
Give your patties a few minutes undisturbed in the pan. They’ll form a lovely crust that releases easily from the skillet, keeping your patties intact.
Add Flavor With Seasonings
A sprinkle of Old Bay, cayenne, or fresh herbs can transform your patties from good to truly crave-worthy. Try a dash of smoked paprika for a unique, smoky depth.
Looking for Keto?
Simply swap breadcrumbs for pork rind crumbs, almond, or coconut flour. All the flavor, with none of the carbs!
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Uncooked patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a hot skillet or oven for best texture.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Old Fashioned Pairings
- Classic Side Dishes: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, coleslaw, or a tossed green salad—these evoke the ultimate grandma’s dinner table.
- Bread: Serve on a soft hamburger bun or between thick slices of white bread for a down-home salmon patty sandwich.
- Dips and Sauces: Tartar sauce, homemade remoulade, lemon aioli, or just a generous squeeze of fresh lemon.
Keto & Low Carb Sides
- Cauliflower mash or rice
- Simple sautéed asparagus or spinach
- Crispy roasted broccoli or air-fried green beans
- Avocado slices or a garden-fresh tomato salad
Modern & Fresh Twists
- Top with a runny fried egg for a hearty brunch
- Serve mini patties as appetizers with dipping sauces
- Break up leftovers to make salmon patty tacos or salad bowls
- Try seasoning with curry powder and serve with raita for a fun, global spin
There are endless ways to enjoy these salmon patties—what will you try first?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are salmon patties healthy?
Absolutely! Salmon patties pack a punch of high-quality protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fats, and a spectrum of B vitamins and minerals. Use whole food ingredients and avoid deep frying to keep them wholesome. Keto versions cut down carbs dramatically, too!
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Any cooked salmon will work; just flake it well. Old fashioned recipes always made use of what was on hand—so don’t stress about using canned or fresh.
How do I keep my patties from falling apart?
The right ratio of binder (egg and crumbs) is crucial. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs (or keto-friendly flour). Chilling before frying also helps.
What about tiny bones in canned salmon?
Tiny soft bones are totally safe and actually rich in calcium. Most traditional recipes include them for this reason. If you prefer, just pick out any larger bones.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape and refrigerate patties up to 24 hours ahead, or freeze cooked patties for quick meals later.
Is this recipe keto and low carb?
It’s easy to make keto: swap out breadcrumbs for almond flour or pork rinds, and use a low-carb side. The result is still crisp, satisfying, and 100% delicious!
Can I bake or air fry these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! For a lighter touch or less mess, baking or air frying is perfect. See instructions above for times and temperatures.
What kind of salmon should I buy?
Any wild or responsibly farmed salmon works. For canned, look for “wild Alaskan pink salmon” for best flavor. Traditional recipes often used whatever canned salmon was available!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s a general idea of what you’ll get from one medium-sized salmon patty (values vary by ingredients and prep method):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 16-18g
- Fat: 10-13g (higher on keto version)
- Carbohydrates: 4-10g (as low as 1g on keto)
- Fiber: 0-2g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 650mg+
- Sodium: 250-350mg
For exact numbers, run your chosen ingredients through your favorite online nutrition calculator. These patties are so nourishing that you can feel good about serving them often!
Bringing It All Together
There you have it: the best salmon patties recipe, inspired by hearty old fashioned meals and improved for today’s busy cooks and healthy eaters. Whether you love the taste of grandma’s old fashioned salmon patties or want a keto, low-carb classic, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—so why not make a double batch?
What memories do salmon patties bring back for you? Or is this your first time making them at home? Either way, these flaky, full-flavored beauties are about to become a dinner time favorite. Don’t forget to share your results, tips, or favorite side pairings with us!
Happy cooking and even happier eating!