Salmon Patties

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Combine crumbled salmon, breadcrumbs, lemon peel, fresh dill, and an egg. Form small patties, chill them briefly, then fry until golden-brown on both sides. Pair with a light herb sauce and lemon on the side. Turns into a tasty homemade meal in around 25 minutes.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:33:39 GMT
Golden salmon patties on a plate garnished with fresh dill, a side of creamy sauce, and lemon wedges. Pin it
Golden salmon patties on a plate garnished with fresh dill, a side of creamy sauce, and lemon wedges. | chefmelt.com

Hunting for an amazing fish cake formula? These golden, crunchy patties bring homestyle comfort to your dinner in minutes. With basic tinned salmon, this method whips up a fast meal that gets thumbs up from everybody.

Straightforward and Delicious

Wondering how to whip up salmon cakes like your grandma used to make? This traditional fish patty approach keeps everything straightforward and tasty. If you're cooking with limited cash or just want something that feels like home, these salmon cakes won't let you down.

What You'll Need

  • Tinned Salmon: Keep some liquid
  • Bread: Try to use fresh
  • Green Onions: Gives a zingy kick
  • Garlic: Just one clove, finely chopped
  • Fresh Dill: For authentic flavor
  • Bell Pepper: Gives extra texture
  • Flour: Acts as a binding agent
  • Egg: Holds everything together
  • Seasonings: Paprika, salt, pepper
  • Lemon: Use both juice and zest
  • Olive Oil: For cooking

Step by Step

Combine Everything:
Dump your salmon into a large mixing bowl. Break it up lightly using a fork, leaving some chunks for bite. Throw in your bread, veggies, and spices - just the way traditional family recipes call for.
Form Patties:
Create eight similar-sized cakes with your hands. Don't squeeze them too hard - you want them soft after cooking. This trick makes salmon cakes that stick together but stay tender.
Rest Them:
Pop your patties in the fridge for half an hour. This makes them easier to handle during cooking - a secret many family cooks swear by.
Start Frying:
Warm your pan with oil until it's hot. Cook each cake around 4 minutes on both sides until they turn golden and crispy. They're ready when they match what you'd expect from pictures in cookbooks.

Family History

Each household has their special take on salmon cakes. These wallet-friendly patties helped numerous families during tough financial times, becoming beloved comfort food. This modern version honors those traditions while adding contemporary touches.

Making Perfect Patties

Getting good quality canned salmon really makes these cakes stand out. Add fresh components and just the right amount of flavoring to showcase the fish. Try to make all your patties the same size so they cook evenly.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy your fish cakes with basic sides that don't steal the spotlight. A bit of lemon juice, some tartar sauce, or a handful of greens works great. Stick with simple accompaniments just like older generations did.

Storage Tips

These fish cakes stay good in your fridge for several days. Warm them up gently to maintain their texture. They're great for quick meals later when you don't feel like cooking from scratch.

A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices, accompanied by a side of creamy sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown salmon patties garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices, accompanied by a side of creamy sauce. | chefmelt.com

Choosing Good Salmon

Go for high-quality canned salmon for the tastiest results. Try to find wild-caught when you can, and don't stress about the small bones - they add nutrients and mash up completely in your mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do they fall apart in the pan?

Keeping them cold helps hold them together while cooking. Pack the patties firmly and avoid handling them too early while cooking. Patience pays off with these!

→ What if I can’t use regular breadcrumbs?

Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or rice-based ones. Check your labels before starting. These still bind well but might need an extra egg for stickiness.

→ What should I serve alongside them?

A fresh salad works beautifully. Steamed veggies are another great option. Or whip up a simple dipping sauce. Keep the sides minimal and light.

→ How can I prep them ahead of time?

Form the salmon cakes and chill them until it’s time to cook. Wrap them well and store in the fridge. Freshly cooked patties always taste the best, though!

→ Are dried herbs okay to use?

You can use dried herbs, but make sure to use less than fresh since their flavor is stronger. Fresh ones taste better, but don’t skip entirely!

→ Why are they getting too dry?

Add an extra egg to make the mix smoother. Be careful not to overcook them, and keep an eye on the pan’s heat. A little sauce on the side wouldn’t hurt either.

→ What if I want to bring them to a gathering?

Store them in a cold container. You can cook them at the location if possible or pack the sauce separately to keep everything fresh.

→ How can I make them quicker?

Get all your ingredients prepped beforehand. You can mix everything in one bowl and still get great results. A little chilling time is still needed, though.

→ How do I make a large batch of these?

Double the ingredients, but cook them in smaller batches to avoid crowding the pan. Keep the first ones warm while finishing the rest.

→ How do I boost their flavor?

Use extra fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Add garlic or chili for some kick. A touch of lemon zest always helps, but don’t overpower the salmon’s natural taste.

→ Why aren’t mine browning well?

Make sure your pan is hot enough. Dry the patties before frying and avoid overcrowding. Adding a bit more oil can also help.

→ What if the mixture seems too wet?

Use extra breadcrumbs to fix the texture. Let the mixture sit for a little while to absorb moisture. Be sure to drain and press the salmon properly before starting.

Conclusion

If you enjoy these salmon patties, give potato-fish cakes a shot next time. Or make hearty salmon burgers with the same method. They're always a hit!

Salmon Patties

Quick dinner with salmon patties.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 patties)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 can (400g) of salmon, reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid, break into small pieces.
02 1 thick slice of bread with the crusts removed, torn into small bits (around 1 cup, 50g).
03 A medium garlic clove, finely chopped.
04 3 tablespoons of spring onions, cut into small pieces.
05 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped up, or about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
06 3 tablespoons of green bell pepper, minced.
07 1 egg, large.
08 1/2 teaspoon of mild paprika.
09 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
10 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
11 Grated outer skin (zest) of one lemon, around 1 teaspoon.
12 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
13 Freshly ground black pepper, just a few twists.
14 3 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Using a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the salmon (including 2 tablespoons of its liquid), breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, parsley, bell pepper, flour, egg, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mix is uniform.

Step 02

Divide the mixture into 8 even portions and shape them into round, flat patties, around 1.5 cm thick.

Step 03

Place your patties on a plate, cover them, and chill for at least half an hour in the fridge to help them firm up and hold together later when cooking.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy the fantastic flavors.

Notes

  1. If your mix feels too wet, sprinkle in some extra breadcrumbs to make it firm enough. If it’s too crumbly, add a little bit of water, one tablespoon at a time.
  2. These salmon patties make a great addition to a French brunch or a quick hearty dinner.

Tools You'll Need

  • A mixing bowl.
  • A large frying pan.
  • A refrigerator.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Contains gluten.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 299
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 27 g