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Salmon Patties: A Crispy, Flavorful Homemade Recipe

Salmon patties are a classic comfort-food recipe made with flaky salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and simple seasonings. They are golden and crispy on the outside, tender and moist inside, and full of savory seafood flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, family dinner, meal prep, or even as an appetizer served with dipping sauce.

One of the best things about salmon patties is how simple they are. You can make them with canned salmon for an easy budget-friendly meal, or use freshly cooked salmon if you want a more elevated version. Either way, the result is delicious, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

What Are Salmon Patties?

Salmon patties, also called salmon cakes or salmon croquettes, are small round cakes made by mixing salmon with binding ingredients such as egg and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped into patties and cooked until golden brown.

They have a slightly crispy crust and a soft, flavorful center. They can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried, but pan-frying gives the most traditional golden finish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cans salmon, about 14–15 oz each, drained
2 large eggs
¾ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons oil for frying
1 tablespoon butter, optional for flavor

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped green onions
Fresh dill
Red bell pepper
Celery
Cayenne pepper
Old Bay seasoning
Grated parmesan cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Open the cans of salmon and drain the liquid well. Place the salmon in a large mixing bowl.

Use a fork to break the salmon into small flakes. If your canned salmon contains skin or soft bones, you can remove them if you prefer. Some people leave the soft bones in because they are edible and add calcium, but removing them gives a smoother texture.

If you are using fresh salmon, cook it first by baking, steaming, or pan-searing. Let it cool, then flake it into small pieces.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Ingredients

To the bowl of salmon, add the chopped onion, parsley, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Mix gently until the salmon is coated with the seasonings.

The mayonnaise keeps the patties moist, the mustard adds a mild tangy flavor, and the lemon juice brightens the taste of the salmon.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Breadcrumbs

Add the eggs to the salmon mixture and stir until combined.

Then add the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Mix gently until the mixture starts to hold together.

The eggs and breadcrumbs are important because they bind the patties. Without them, the salmon patties may fall apart while cooking.

The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add another spoon of mayonnaise or a small splash of lemon juice.

Step 4: Shape the Patties

Scoop a portion of the salmon mixture and shape it into a round patty using your hands.

Make each patty about ½ inch thick. This thickness allows the inside to heat through while the outside becomes crispy.

Place the shaped patties on a plate or tray.

For best results, chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and reduces the chance of breaking.