Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe

Three old-fashioned salmon patties stacked on a plate with the one on top cut in half to show the inside.

5 from 13 votes

Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe

These old-fashioned salmon patties with mayonnaise are a budget-friendly classic made with canned salmon, simple seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, flaky center, they’re quick to make and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Prep Time15

Cook Time6

Total Time21

Servings:

Calories: 371kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

2 cans (14.75 oz) salmon drained and cleaned
¼ cup panko crumbs divided, or breadcrumbs
1 green onion
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Breading and Frying

1 cup panko crumbs or breadcrumbs
1 cup vegetable oil

Serving

Copycat Kraft Tartar Sauce or your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

Mix the Salmon Patty MIxture

Open your 2 cans, drain them and dump into a good sized mixing bowl. Flake your salmon with a fork. Remove any skin and bones if you want.
Add mayo, crumbs, green onions, onions, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Gently combine and set aside.

Shape the Salmon Patties

Place a cup of the crumbs in a shallow bowl or plate. Set aside.
Make 6 patties, discs or hockey pucks, approximately 1 inch thick and 3 to 4 inches wide. Carefully coat each cake in crumbs, on top, bottom and sides, and place on parchment paper.
If patties will not hold their shape you have two options. If they are dry and won't hold together add one tablespoon of mayo until they will. If the burgers are too moist add crumbs, one tablespoon at a time until the hold their shape.

Fry

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, heat your oil until shimmering or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
Place salmon cakes, one a time, into your skillet. I usually cook 3 at a time.
Cook the salmon cakes without moving, until a nice golden brown, usually about 3 minutes per side. I usually nudge them a little to make sure they aren't sticking. I just can't help myself. Also, I lift the edge to check them just after at least 2 minutes, just to make sure I don't burn them. You only want to flip these once.
Place cooked cakes on to a paper towel lined plate or platter.
Serve immediately with mayo, tartar sauce, lemon or anything else you desire. Enjoy!

Baked Salmon Patties

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Prepare your patties in the same way as the frying method. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the patties from sticking. Place your salmon patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until they're a golden brown and crispy. After 10 minutes, flip the patties carefully to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Video

Notes

Flip Once: Let patties cook to golden brown before flipping; avoid turning them multiple times.
Adjust Mixture: Too wet? Add more breadcrumbs. Too dry? Mix in a little mayo.
Remove Bones: Pick out salmon bones for a smoother texture, even though they’re edible.
Shape Evenly: Make patties the same size for even cooking.
Heat Pan Well: Oil should shimmer or sizzle when a drop of water hits the pan.

Nutrition