The Best Salmon Patties Recipe

Looking for a simple and delicious seafood dish that everyone will love? These Salmon Patties are the perfect answer! Packed with flavor and a crispy golden exterior, these salmon patties are a fantastic way to enjoy salmon in a new and exciting way. Made with canned boneless, skinless salmon, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The blend of panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and a variety of seasonings like onion powder, parsley, and a hint of cilantro results in a flavorful patty that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The addition of lime and tartar sauce brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. Whether you serve these patties with a side of veggies or over a bed of greens, they make for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salmon Patties are perfect for those looking to get more seafood into their diet without spending too much time in the kitchen. The use of canned salmon makes this recipe incredibly convenient, while the panko breadcrumbs and seasonings ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve with almost anything—whether it’s a simple side salad, fries, or even a light sauce like tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime. These patties are also a great option for meal prep, as they store well and can be enjoyed as leftovers. They’re a true crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly they disappear!

Ingredients

• 3 (5 oz.) cans boneless skinless salmon
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• A few dashes of seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp cilantro
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp parsley
• Oil for frying
• 1 fresh lime
• Tartar sauce for dipping

Variations

There are many ways to customize this Salmon Patties recipe to fit your personal taste:

1. Add Veggies: You can add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the salmon mixture for added flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
3. Gluten-Free: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
4. Herbs: Switch up the herbs by using dill, thyme, or even basil to match your preferences or the flavor profile of your meal.
5. Cheese: Add some grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the patties for an extra savory twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the salmon

Start by draining the cans of boneless skinless salmon and placing the salmon in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up the salmon into smaller flakes.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

Add the milk and eggs to the salmon. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients and seasonings

Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, cilantro, onion powder, and parsley. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs until you reach the right consistency.

Step 4: Shape the patties

Using your hands, take a portion of the salmon mixture and shape it into a patty. You should get around 8-10 patties, depending on the size you prefer.

Step 5: Heat the oil

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying the patties.

Step 6: Fry the patties

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—fry the patties in batches if necessary.

Step 7: Drain and serve

Once the patties are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve the patties with a fresh lime wedge and a side of tartar sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Salmon: While canned salmon works perfectly for this recipe, fresh cooked salmon can be used for a fresher flavor.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the patties in batches to prevent them from sticking together and ensure they cook evenly.
• Check the Texture: If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk to achieve the right consistency.
• Tartar Sauce Alternatives: If you want a twist on the classic tartar sauce, try pairing the patties with aioli, Greek yogurt, or a spicy dipping sauce.

How to Serve

These Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a simple dinner, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. You can also enjoy them in a sandwich or on a bun as a salmon burger, topped with fresh veggies and a dollop of tartar sauce. For a more casual meal, pair them with French fries or potato wedges for a classic seafood experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore their crispy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these Salmon Patties for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet until crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the patties in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh salmon, just cook it first and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients.

2. How many patties does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 8-10 patties, depending on the size you shape them.

3. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative to frying.

4. Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked patties for later use.

5. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute.

6. Can I add other seasonings to the patties?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding dill, garlic powder, or lemon zest can give the patties a fresh twist.

7. How can I make these patties spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.

8. Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these patties gluten-free.

9. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to bind the mixture well with eggs and breadcrumbs. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.

10. Can I use a different kind of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil.

Conclusion

These Salmon Patties are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich taste of salmon in a fun and crispy form. The addition of panko breadcrumbs, a variety of seasonings, and a squeeze of fresh lime elevates this dish, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why these Salmon Patties are the best!

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