These salmon patties in a skillet are a treat to eat and are very easy and cheap to make. I grew up eating them and loved them.
Salmon patties, also known as salmon croquettes or salmon cakes, are a classic seafood dish made from cooked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning. They are shaped into patties and traditionally pan-fried. But can you take these tasty patties to the next level by deep frying them instead? The answer is yes! Deep frying is a delicious way to enjoy salmon patties with a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky.
An Overview of Deep Frying Salmon Patties
Deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil to cook it quickly and evenly. When deep fried, the salmon patties develop a golden brown, ultra-crispy crust that provides great texture contrast to the soft, savory interior. The hot oil cooks the patties rapidly while also sealing in moisture.
While pan frying is the traditional salmon patty cooking method, deep frying takes this dish to new heights. The high heat of the oil crisps up the breadcrumb coating beautifully. And the patties come out with a lovely round shape versus the flatter shape you get from pan frying.
Deep frying does require some special equipment and safety measures You’ll need a deep fryer, deep pot, or electric frying pan to hold enough oil to submerge the patties It’s also critical to heat the oil to the proper temperature – around 350-375°F works well. And take care when lowering the patties into the hot oil to avoid splattering.
Overall though. deep frying salmon patties is very doable at home with proper care and delivers outstanding results!
Why Deep Fry Salmon Patties?
There are several great reasons to deep fry salmon patties instead of cooking them in a pan:
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Crispy exterior – Deep frying creates an incredibly crispy, crunchy breadcrumb crust that you just can’t achieve through pan frying. This adds great texture.
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Seals in moisture – The high heat of deep frying seals in juices exceptionally well keeping the salmon patties moist and flavorful inside.
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Faster cooking – Deep frying cooks the patties very quickly, in just 2-3 minutes per side. The high heat penetrates to the center rapidly.
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Great shape—The patties keep their shape better when they’re deep-fried than when they’re cooked in a pan. You get perfect rounds or ovals.
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Oil infuses flavor – The hot oil imparts subtle flavor to the exterior of the patties.
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Foolproof results – It’s easy to nail the perfect golden color and doneness when deep frying.
How to Deep Fry Salmon Patties
If you want to move beyond pan frying and try deep frying salmon patties instead, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients
- Salmon patties, formed into rounds or ovals
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
Directions
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Form the salmon patty mixture into rounds or ovals that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Set up your deep fryer, pot, or electric frying pan with at least 3-4 inches of oil. Heat to 350-375°F.
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Beat eggs in one bowl and put flour and breadcrumbs/panko in two separate shallow bowls.
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Dredge each patty in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat completely in breadcrumbs.
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Carefully add patties to the hot oil without overcrowding. Deep fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Drain fried patties on a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and serve hot!
Tips
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Let oil return to temperature between batches. Overcrowding lowers oil temp.
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Flip patties gently with tongs or a slotted spoon to prevent sticking.
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Keep cooked and uncooked patties separate on plates.
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Fry in batches for consistent results. Don’t overload the fryer.
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Use high smoke point oil like vegetable, peanut, or canola.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Frying Salmon Patties
If you’re new to deep frying, you probably have some questions about the process and how to get the best results with salmon patties specifically. Here are answers to some common queries:
What’s the best oil to use for deep frying salmon patties?
Go with a high smoke point neutral oil like vegetable, peanut, or canola. These oils can withstand high frying temperatures up to 400°F without burning or imparting too much flavor.
Should I use fresh or frozen salmon patties?
You can absolutely use frozen patties. Just thaw them fully in the refrigerator before frying so they cook evenly. Fresh works too but frozen is more convenient.
How hot should the oil be for deep frying patties?
Heat your oil to 350-375°F. This allows the exterior to get crispy and brown without overcooking the interior. Monitor the temp with a thermometer.
What’s the right salmon patty size for deep frying?
Shape your patties 3/4 to 1 inch thick so they fry up with a nice round or oval shape. Go too thin and they’ll overcook. 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick is ideal.
How long do I fry the patties for?
Plan on 2-3 minutes per side. Flipping halfway through ensures even browning. Adjust time slightly up or down based on thickness.
How do I avoid oil splatter when adding patties?
Gently slide each patty into the oil away from you using a spatula or slotted spoon. Overcrowding the oil causes more splashing too.
What ingredients make the best deep fried coating?
Breadcrumbs or panko make the crispiest coating. For extra crunch, use equal parts breadcrumbs and crushed potato chips or cornflakes.
What’s the best way to serve deep fried salmon patties?
Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade sauce for dipping to cut through the richness. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or potato salad!
Reasons to Love Deep Fried Salmon Patties
If you’ve only had pan fried salmon patties before, you’re in for a treat by deep frying them instead. Here are some of the best things about deep fried salmon patties:
- Ultra crispy, crunchy breadcrumb coating
- Tender, flaky salmon inside
- Golden brown color
- Seals in moisture exceptionally well
- Subtle flavor from the frying oil
- Fun, quick cooking method
- Delicious with dipping sauces
- Endless serving possibilities – sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, mains!
For an easy weeknight dinner or fun appetizer to impress guests, give deep fried salmon patties a try. You’ll love the textures and flavors in this fresh take on a classic.
Canned Salmon Makes Delicious Fish Cakes.
A delicious dinner can sometimes start with a can. Salmon from a can is used to make tasty, golden fish cakes that are full of Omega-3 fatty acids. Some people make fish cakes with cod, but salmon is the best way to get kids to eat healthy fats. I grew up eating the fish cakes made with this recipe; I LOVED them. My mom would always serve these with boxed Mac & Cheese.
Are Salmon Patties Healthy?
From a health standpoint, canned salmon is chock full of Omega-3’s. One 1/4 cup serving, which is equal to one burger patty, has 470 mg of EPA and DHA, which is 294% of the Daily Value. Instead of baked fillets, try these fried treats instead. They’re also a great meal for your kids because they are made with canned salmon, which is high in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin D. So perfect for your loved ones!.