Salmon Patties
Salmon Patties are a delightful dish that brings together flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these patties are quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. The use of canned salmon makes them accessible while still delivering on taste. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, Salmon Patties are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these patties are not only filling but also beneficial for your diet.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own, in a salad, or as part of a sandwich – the possibilities are endless!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Salmon Patties efficiently, having the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring spoons
- Non-stick skillet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Fork: Perfect for mashing the salmon and combining ingredients evenly.
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures that the patties cook evenly without sticking, resulting in perfectly crispy edges.

Ingredients
Salmon Patties are very easy to make, quick to prepare and use canned salmon for convenience.
For the Salmon
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 14.75 oz Canned Pink salmon, drained (418g)
- 1 tsp Mustard powder
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 2 Green Onions (finely chopped)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
- 4 lemon wedges
How to Make Salmon Patties
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Drain the canned salmon of all liquid and place it into a large bowl.
- Remove any large or visible bones from the salmon.
- Mash the salmon with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In the same bowl, mix together the beaten egg, mustard powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh parsley, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Form the Patties
- Shape the mixture into four even-sized patties using your hands.
- Ensure they hold together well for cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the salmon patties and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious Salmon Patties served with fresh lemon wedges!
How to Serve Salmon Patties
Salmon Patties are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. They make for a perfect main dish or a delightful appetizer at any gathering. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Salad
- Green Salad: Pair the patties with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the flavors of the salmon patties beautifully.
On a Bun
- Salmon Burger: Serve the patties on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a tasty salmon burger.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with salmon patties and veggies.
With Dipping Sauces
- Tartar Sauce: A classic choice that adds creaminess and zest to each bite.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a spicy kick that pairs well with the patties.
How to Perfect Salmon Patties
Making perfect Salmon Patties is easy when you follow these helpful tips. With the right techniques, you’ll ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality salmon will enhance the overall flavor of your patties.
- Don’t over-mix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the patties tender instead of tough.
- Chill before cooking: Resting the patties in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Cook at medium heat: This allows for even cooking without burning, ensuring a crispy exterior and moist interior.
Best Side Dishes for Salmon Patties
Pairing your Salmon Patties with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings out natural sweetness.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers great texture.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to savory salmon patties.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and freshness to balance flavors.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf complements the richness of salmon while adding heartiness to the meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Salmon Patties is straightforward, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using too much liquid – Excess moisture can make your patties fall apart. Drain the canned salmon thoroughly before mixing.
- Overmixing the ingredients – Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed.
- Neglecting to season – Under-seasoned Salmon Patties lack flavor. Don’t skip the salt and pepper, and feel free to add more herbs.
- Cooking at too high a temperature – High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Cook on medium heat for even results.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling patties before cooking helps them hold their shape. Allow them to rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the patties are completely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezing Salmon Patties
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Salmon Patties
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Salmon Patties.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh salmon. Just ensure it is flaked and seasoned similarly.
How do I make Salmon Patties gluten-free?
You can replace any binding agents with gluten-free options like almond flour or oats, ensuring they are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve with Salmon Patties?
They pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a tangy dipping sauce like tartar sauce or aioli.
Are Salmon Patties suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They store well and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I add other ingredients to my Salmon Patties?
Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers or different herbs for added flavor!
Final Thoughts
These Salmon Patties are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you serve them as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, they offer great flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to create your unique version!
Salmon Patties
Enjoy these easy-to-make Salmon Patties packed with flavor! Perfect for dinner or meal prep. Try this delicious recipe today!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (4 patties) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 14.75 oz Canned Pink salmon, drained
- 1 tsp Mustard powder
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 2 Green Onions, finely chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon and place it in a large mixing bowl. Remove any visible bones and mash with a fork.
- Add the beaten egg, mustard powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, green onions, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into four evenly sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg