Old-fashioned salmon patties are a timeless dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Made from simple ingredients like canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making them a go-to for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a way to use pantry staples, old-fashioned salmon patties are the perfect solution. In this post, you’ll discover the best ingredients to use, how to make these patties step-by-step, and helpful tips to make them even more delicious.
Table of Content
Why You’ll Love This Classic Salmon Patties Recipe
Delicious Comfort Food
Old-fashioned salmon patties have earned their place as a beloved comfort food, cherished by families for generations. There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that’s both simple and nostalgic, and these salmon patties tick all the boxes. Whether you’re having them for a quick weeknight dinner, a Sunday brunch, or even as a late-night snack, they always feel like a cozy, home-cooked meal.
Healthy & Nutritious
Salmon patties are not only delicious but also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. One of the key health benefits of this dish comes from using canned salmon, which is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats play a crucial role in supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain function. Omega-3s are often lacking in many diets, so incorporating salmon into your meals is an excellent way to boost your intake of these beneficial fats. Additionally, canned salmon is rich in high-quality protein, calcium (from the bones), and other essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12, which contribute to strong bones, improved energy levels, and overall wellness.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 oz) can pink or red salmon, drained (with bones and skin removed)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely crushed saltine crackers (about 12-15 crackers)
- 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper (red or green)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon well. Remove any visible bones and skin if desired (though they’re edible and provide calcium).
- In a large bowl, flake the salmon with a fork until no large chunks remain.
- Add the beaten eggs, crushed saltine crackers, diced onion, diced bell pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the salmon.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and dried dill (if using).
- Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the mixture into 6-8 patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. If the mixture seems too wet, add a few more crushed crackers. If too dry, add a touch more mayonnaise.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce or sides.
Tips for Making the Best Salmon Patties Recipe
- If mixture is too wet, add more cracker crumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
- For crispier patties, refrigerate formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 175 per patty (based on 6 patties)
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Calcium: 85mg
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Cook and flake about 1 pound of fresh salmon. Make sure it’s cooled before mixing with other ingredients.
How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined, include enough binder (eggs and crackers), and chill the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for better browning.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, we hope you’ll give this old-fashioned salmon patties recipe a try. The best part? You can experiment with different seasonings, spices, and even add-ins to suit your tastes. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe based on what you have available, or try out a spicy version with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an added kick.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your own variations of the recipe or let us know how your salmon patties turned out in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Or maybe you found a new trick to get them even crispier? Whatever your twist, we’d love to hear your thoughts and encourage others to try your version.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a can of salmon, gather your ingredients, and create your very own batch of delicious salmon patties!
« How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties: A Classic Recipe You’ll Love »
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain salmon thoroughly. Remove skin and bones if desired.
- Flake salmon in a bowl using a fork.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cooking oil to the bowl.
- Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape mixture into 6-8 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Press patties firmly to help them hold together while cooking.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a lighter version, these can be baked at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through
Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for extra flavor
Make sure not to overmix the patty mixture to keep them tender
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