This old fashioned salmon patties recipe is so tasty you will be writing this into your meal plan for weeks to come. This salmon patties recipe with canned salmon is easy to make and packed with protein and healthy fats with only six ingredients. So if you are wondering how to make simple salmon patties, this recipe is the answer you have been waiting for.
Ingredients For Homemade Salmon Patties Recipe
Salmon patties, aka salmon cakes or salmon croquettes, are similar to other fish cakes such as crab cakes. Traditionally salmon croquettes were made using leftovers that needed eating up. Nowadays, they have evolved into their own dish that is loved by top chefs and home cooks alike. The core ingredients of fish and egg are mixed with flavourings and finally shaped into patties and fried in oil.
Here are the 9 ingredients to make these healthy salmon patties:
- Canned Salmon
- Eggs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable Oil
- Black Pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Bread Crumbs
Looking for an eggless version of this recipe? You can use wheat flour, oat flour or mashed potatoes egg substitute for binder in salmon patties. Replace each egg with 1/3 cup of flour or mashed potato.
Why Canned Salmon?
The difference between salmon patties and salmon burgers is that the patties are usually larger and are exclusively served on a bun. Furthermore, the core difference is that salmon patties use canned salmon, while burger recipes use fresh salmon.
Canned salmon is well worth having on hand as another high-protein pantry staple. You can keep a can on hand for an easy lunch or dinner when you are running low on fresh ingredients.
Canned salmon is cheaper to purchase than fresh salmon, yet the nutritional content of the two is remarkably similar. Although many people expect canned salmon to be gross, it is surprisingly delicious.
Look for canned salmon that is boneless and skinless for optimal results. Alternatively, you may wish to use day-old, pre-cooked fresh salmon.
Nutritional Information
Canned salmon contains many essential nutrients and protein, as well as calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. The omega-3 fats are vital for a healthy heart, brain function and have even been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Eggs, the binding ingredient, are among the most nutritious foods out there and contains high-quality protein and vitamin D. Eggs also contain vitamins A, B12, B2, and choline.
As well as providing flavor to the dish, the onion and garlic in this easy salmon patty recipe also bring health benefits, including boosting the immune system and contain many vitamins, such as manganese and vitamin C.
This salmon patties recipe is suitable for people on the following diets:
- Pescatarian
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo
How To Bind Your Salmon Patties
As mentioned, the eggs in this recipe act as a binding agent. This recipe also uses mayonnaise and flour as binders. However, you can make this recipe a Keto salmon patties recipe; and avoid these binding agents. Instead you can use some almond flour to bring it all together.
If your Keto patties are struggling to hold their shape, you may wish to refrigerate the mix for 30 minutes to 1 hour before forming the patties. Allowing the mixture to cool in the fridge will prevent separation when using warm hands to shape the mix.
Another reason your patties might fall apart is if the mix is too wet to hold its shape. Ensure to drain the brine or water from the canned salmon before adding the other ingredients. You can use a clean tea towel to squeeze the excess liquid from the salmon.
Tips and Substitutions
Can you use other canned fish instead of salmon? Even though you may be more comfortable using canned tuna over salmon, we do not recommend tuna as a substitute in this recipe. This is because tuna is stronger in flavor and will likely overpower the more subtle flavors of the onion and garlic in this recipe. Tuna is also likely to cause trouble when shaping the mix as it is typically drier than salmon.
If you do not have an onion on hand, scallions (aka spring onions or green onions) will work well as a substitution. However, they are milder in flavor, so you may wish to use a couple more to enhance the onion flavor in the dish.
You may also be tempted to add salt into the mix to bring out that ‘fishy’ taste. However, please note that salt can draw water out of the mixture and cause problems when shaping the patties. So feel free to add salt when the patties are cooked just before serving.
Make it Gluten Free
By replacing the bread crumbs with almond flour, you can make this recipe gluten free. You can replace the bread crumbs at a 1:1 ratio.
Serving Ideas
As this old fashioned salmon patties recipe is light and fresh in flavor, you have many options when it comes to serving ideas.
They make a wonderful high protein addition to a simple salad or serve alongside whole grains, such as rice or quinoa, for a more filling dish. You may also wish to add some roasted asparagus or pan-fried tender stem broccoli. The additional crunch from the vegetables will complement the softer fish cakes. I would also recommend topping your side of grains with a squeeze of lemon juice and even chopped dill or parsley for a fresh, zesty finish.
For a more kid-friendly serving, you could try serving fish patties with these crispy American-style Tater Tots.
How To Store Your Patties
As with most fresh foods, these salmon patties are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After cooking, they will last about half a week (3-4 days) in the fridge.
When you are ready to serve the patties, simply reheat them in a pan with a drizzle of vegetable oil. Cook the patties on medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy on the outside and hot through to the center.
Can You Freeze The Salmon Patties?
Yes! If you love to prepare food in advance for a rainy day or just have too many patties that you can get through in the next few days, you are welcome to freeze them. They should last at least 3 months when frozen in an airtight container. Reheat the patties from frozen (do not thaw) in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until piping hot throughout.
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Can Pink Salmon
- 1 Medium Bell Pepper
- 1 Medium Sweet Pepper
- 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion
- 1/2 Medium Red Onion
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Tbs Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Large Garlic Cloves
Instructions
- In a large pan, sauté the diced onion, peppers and garlic until translucent and lightly browned. Set aside and let it cool.1 Medium Bell Pepper, 1 Medium Sweet Pepper, 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion, 1/2 Medium Red Onion, 3 Large Garlic Cloves
- In a small bowl, Whisk the egg, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce together. Now combine the Egg mixture with the cooled sautéed vegetables and add the bread crumbs.1 Large Egg, 2 Tbs Mayonnaise, 1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- Add the Salmon and mix blend with a fork.1 Can Pink Salmon
- Add 2 Table Spoons of Olive oil and 2 Table spoons of Butter to your sauce pan and bring it to medium heat.3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Use a table spoon to grab a palm full of patty mix and form it into a patty. Place the patty into the hot pan and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on each side.