Golden, crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Salmon Patties are the ultimate quick seafood comfort food. Made with canned salmon, fresh herbs, lemon, and simple pantry ingredients, they come together easily and cook in just minutes.
Perfect for budget dinners, quick lunches, or healthy weeknight meals, these classic salmon cakes are flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Serve them with tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or over a fresh salad.
table of contents
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 8 patties
SEO Keywords: salmon patties recipe, canned salmon patties, easy salmon cakes, crispy salmon patties, budget seafood dinner
Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained (reserve 2 Tbsp liquid)
- 1 large slice bread, crust removed and shredded (1 cup)
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 3 Tbsp minced green bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine:
- Salmon (with 2 Tbsp reserved liquid)
- Shredded bread
- Green onion
- Garlic
- Dill
- Bell pepper
- Flour
- Egg
- Paprika
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Mix just until combined.
2️⃣ Form Patties
Shape mixture into 8 patties, about ½ inch thick.
3️⃣ Chill
Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
This helps the patties hold together while cooking.
4️⃣ Cook
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5️⃣ Serve
Serve warm with:
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce
- Fresh herbs
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
✔ Chill patties before cooking
✔ Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Flip gently to keep patties intact
Ingredient Substitutions
Bread Substitute:
Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Fresh Herbs:
Parsley or chives work well instead of dill.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Fresh Salmon Option:
Use cooked flaked salmon instead of canned.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store up to 3 days in airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze cooked patties up to 2 months.
Reheat
Reheat in skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 17g
FAQs
Why are my salmon patties falling apart?
The mixture may be too wet or not chilled long enough.
Can I bake salmon patties?
Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I air fry them?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used. This content is provided for informational purposes only.
Crispy Salmon Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine salmon, shredded bread, green onion, garlic, dill, bell pepper, egg, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix until well combined and form the mixture into 8 small patties.
- Place patties on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Crispy Salmon Patties are a timeless comfort food that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. With their golden crust, tender interior, and bright lemony freshness, they’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.
Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.