Crispy Salmon Patties

These crispy salmon patties are a perfect blend of tender, flaky salmon and a flavorful, crunchy crust that delivers both texture and taste. The lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten the dish, making it a refreshing yet comforting meal option.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these patties come together quickly and use simple ingredients you likely have on hand. They pair beautifully with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables and can be easily customized with your favorite spices or dipping sauces. Enjoy a healthy, satisfying seafood dish that everyone will love!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and chopped

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.

2. Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter.

3. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

4. Add the salmon patties to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.

5. Remove patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

6. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4-6 servings

Discovering the Versatility and Flavor of Homemade Salmon Patties

Salmon patties, also known as salmon cakes, are a time-honored dish loved for their simplicity, affordability, and adaptability. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a high-protein addition to a salad bowl, these savory cakes deliver on all fronts. The version featured on Well Plated by Erin Clarke revitalizes the classic recipe with a healthy, modern twist, making it even more accessible to home cooks.

In this article, we’ll explore the background of this beloved dish, delve into what makes Erin’s version stand out, highlight key cooking tips and tricks, and share ideas for variations and serving styles. Plus, we’ll unpack the nutritional perks and end with a practical conclusion on why this recipe deserves a place in your kitchen.

A Nod to Tradition with a Modern Upgrade

Salmon patties have been a staple in many American homes for decades. Historically, they offered a practical way to use leftover cooked salmon or affordable canned fish. Their popularity spans regions from the Southern-style salmon croquettes enjoyed in Louisiana to the fresh, Pacific Northwest takes found in places like Seattle.

Erin Clarke’s salmon patty recipe pays homage to these regional variations while making it more accessible for everyday cooks. Instead of fresh or leftover salmon, the recipe utilizes canned salmon affordable, shelf-stable, and just as nutritious. With clever enhancements like Greek yogurt for creaminess and Dijon mustard for tang, this version is lighter and more flavorful, while still honoring the rustic roots of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Exceptional Versatility

One of the greatest strengths of this salmon patty recipe is its flexibility. The patties can serve as a main dish, snack, or sandwich filling. You can enjoy them on a toasted bun like a burger, lay them over greens for a salmon cake salad, or serve them solo with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a lemon wedge.

They are compact, easy to pack for lunches, and reheat well making them ideal for meal prepping. You can also serve them hot or cold depending on your mood or schedule.

2. Budget-Friendly Yet Gourmet

Thanks to canned salmon, this dish is easy on the wallet while still offering a gourmet feel. While fresh salmon can cost upward of $15 per pound, a high-quality can of wild-caught salmon can be under $5. This makes the recipe accessible without compromising taste or nutrition.

Lemon juice, mustard, and fresh herbs mask the sometimes strong taste of canned fish, creating a flavor profile that feels fresh, vibrant, and satisfying.

3. Healthy Swaps

Erin’s recipe smartly substitutes traditional mayonnaise with nonfat Greek yogurt. This tweak not only cuts calories and saturated fat but also boosts the protein content while adding a pleasant tang. Likewise, using whole wheat bread crumbs enhances the fiber content.

These thoughtful substitutions make the dish suitable for those watching their fat intake, managing cholesterol, or seeking high-protein, balanced meals without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties

Mastering salmon patties is straightforward, but a few tips can make the process even smoother:

• Use Boneless Canned Salmon: While many canned options contain small bones (which are edible and rich in calcium), boneless versions offer better texture and less fuss. If the can isn’t labeled, check the nutrition facts higher calcium often signals the presence of bones.

• Mix Gently: Over-mixing can break down the fish too much and lead to dense patties. Use your hands or a fork to combine the ingredients gently, preserving a tender, flaky texture.

• Preheat Your Pan Fully: A hot, lightly oiled skillet ensures a crisp, golden exterior without burning. Cast iron is particularly effective for even browning.

• Don’t Rush the Flip: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side. This ensures a well-formed crust and prevents them from falling apart.

Variations and Customization Ideas

While the original recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily tailor it to suit different preferences and dietary needs:

• Fresh Salmon Option: If you have leftover cooked salmon or prefer using fresh fillets, simply flake the fish into the mixture. This elevates the texture and flavor while reducing the sodium often found in canned varieties.

• Spice It Up: Want more kick? Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. You could even mix in chopped capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.

• Dill and Other Herbs: Fresh dill pairs beautifully with salmon and can be swapped for or added to parsley. Chives, cilantro, or tarragon are also excellent additions.

• Crab or Tuna Cakes: The same base can be adapted for other seafood, such as canned tuna or lump crab meat. Just be sure to adjust lemon juice and spices to suit the new protein.

• Air Fryer Method: For a lighter version, try cooking the patties in an air fryer. Preheat to 400°F, spritz the patties with oil, and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method cuts down on oil and yields an extra-crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

These salmon patties are incredibly easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion:

• Classic Plate: Serve with roasted potatoes or rice and a side salad.

• Bun Style: Top a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a yogurt-based sauce or tartar sauce.

• Salad Bowl: Add to a bowl of arugula, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a light but filling meal.

• Brunch-Worthy: Serve on a toasted English muffin with a poached or fried egg on top.

• Appetizer Style: Make mini versions and pair with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or spicy aioli for parties.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

These patties are excellent for leftovers and meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Uncooked patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Cooked patties will last 2–3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon patties for up to three weeks. Wrap them individually and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a bit of oil or water to maintain moisture and crispiness.

Health Benefits of Salmon Patties

These patties don’t just taste good they’re good for you too. Canned salmon retains the same rich nutrients as fresh, including:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart health and brain function.

• Protein: Helps with muscle repair and satiety.

• B Vitamins: Important for metabolism and energy production.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Especially if using bone-in salmon, these are critical for bone health.

Combined with Greek yogurt and whole wheat breadcrumbs, these patties strike an excellent balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Conclusion: 

If you’re looking for a dish that’s affordable, nutritious, and endlessly customizable, this salmon patty recipe from Well Plated deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s the kind of meal you can turn to on busy weeknights, for family dinners, or when entertaining guests with something a little different.

Its use of pantry staples, short cooking time, and compatibility with different diets (pescatarian, low-carb, high-protein) make it a true kitchen MVP. Whether you stick to the original version or explore creative variations, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor every single time.