With over two million pageviews and counting, my recipe for Salmon Patties is a reader favorite. I have made them countless times since I was a kid.
This post tells you everything you need to know to make the tastiest salmon cakes with canned salmon and a few other easy recipes. It’s a quick and easy dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Be sure to check out my other seafood recipes while you’re here. Also, my Southern Salmon Patties and my Lemon Basil Salmon Patties are great if you like this one. This recipe for salmon patties is also like my recipe for crab cakes. Both go well with homemade remoulade sauce or basil garlic aioli.
Salmon patties are a classic and delicious way to enjoy canned or fresh salmon. The base of salmon patties includes salmon, breadcrumbs or crackers, eggs, and seasoning. This simple combination makes a tasty patty, but you can elevate the flavor in so many ways by experimenting with different add-in ingredients. Read on for ideas, tips, and recipes for jazzing up your salmon patties.
Why Add More Flavor?
While basic salmon patties are quite good, adding extra ingredients enhances the flavor. Canned salmon in particular can benefit from added seasonings and flavors. Here are some of the benefits of boosting the flavors in your salmon croquettes:
- Masks any “fishy” taste of the salmon
- Provides texture contrasts like crunchy, creamy, or spicy
- Allows you to change up the flavors each time you make them
- Makes them more exciting and snack-worthy
- Takes them from basic to gourmet
So don’t settle for boring salmon patties! With just a few extra ingredients, you can give this classic budget-friendly dish a flavor makeover.
Easy Add-Ins for More Flavor
You likely have many items in your pantry and fridge that can add great flavor to salmon patties. Get creative with these ideas:
Fresh herbs
Chopped fresh soft herbs like dill, basil parsley chives, tarragon, or cilantro add a brightness and freshness that complements salmon beautifully. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen chopped herbs.
Spices and seasonings
Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, chili powder, and cumin are all flavors that pair well with salmon. Add about 1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste.
Citrus zest and juice
Lemon and lime juice and zest add bright acidity. For patties made from one 14-15 oz can of salmon add the zest of half a lemon or lime plus 1-2 tablespoons of juice.
Onions or shallots
Finely diced onions or shallots add aroma, crunch, and flavor. Saute first for added depth. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons per can of salmon.
Garlic
Minced or grated garlic adds a punch of flavor Use fresh or roasted garlic, Start with 1/2 to 1 clove per can
Peppers
A pinch of red pepper flakes, pickled pepper rings, or diced bell peppers add a little heat and crunch. Mix in 2 tablespoons diced or 1-2 rings.
Capers and olives
Chopped briny capers and olives add a tasty tang. Add 1-2 tablespoons of each.
Cheese
Finely shredded cheddar, Parmesan, feta, or pepper jack give a flavor and texture boost. Use 2-3 tablespoons per can.
Pesto or tapenade
Stir dollops of storebought or homemade pesto or olive tapenade into the salmon mixture. Use 1-2 tablespoons.
Mustard
Spicy brown, Dijon, or whole grain mustard adds tangy flavor. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons to start.
Hot sauce
A few shakes or drops of your favorite vinegary hot sauce gives a kick. Add to taste.
Worchestershire or steak sauce
Add umami flavor with a bit of these savory sauces. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Soy sauce
For Asian-inspired salmon patties, stir in a teaspoon or two of soy sauce.
Lemon-dill yogurt sauce
Top cooked patties with a dollop of tangy lemon yogurt sauce. Mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dried dill, and minced garlic.
Recipe Ideas
To give you an idea of how to creatively add extra flavors, here are some yummy recipe ideas:
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Mediterranean salmon patties – Add chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta, diced sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, garlic, and oregano.
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Buffalo salmon patties – Mix in shredded pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, chopped scallions, and Greek yogurt lemon sauce for dipping.
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Taco salmon patties – Add diced onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, shredded cheddar, avocado slices, and salsa on top.
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Pesto parmesan patties – Swirl pesto into the mixture and top cooked patties with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
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Eeverything bagel patties – Sprinkle in everything bagel seasoning and top with crispy fried onions.
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Southwestern salmon patties – Mix in canned diced green chiles, corn, bell pepper, cumin, garlic, and top with avocado.
Cooking Tips
To get the best results when adding flavorful mix-ins:
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If items need cooking, like fresh garlic or onion, saute first before mixing into raw salmon. This enhances the flavor.
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When adding crunchy ingredients like vegetables or nuts, dice or chop small so patties will hold together well.
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Use fresh, high quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Frozen vegetables work too.
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If patties won’t hold their shape well, add another egg or some breadcrumbs to bind the ingredients.
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Adjust seasoning once patties are cooked. The flavors may need a pinch of extra salt, pepper, herbs or citrus.
It’s easy to take basic salmon patties from bland to bold with the creative addition of herbs, spices, vegetables, cheeses and more. Let your imagination and pantry guide you to invent your own signature flavored patties. Just about any ingredients that pair well with salmon can be mixed right in to create your own gourmet, restaurant-quality salmon croquettes at home.
How to Make Salmon Patties
Full detailed instructions are listed in the recipe card below.
Step 1: If using canned salmon with bones and skin, separate the meat or just mix everything together. Drain any liquid.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the canned salmon with the remaining ingredients (except for the oil). Heat a very large skillet over medium high heat and add the oil.
Step 3: Make the salmon patties by hand and spread them out in a single layer in the hot pan. The bottom should be golden brown and crispy. Flip them over once to make the other side crispy.
Step 4: When done, serve the salmon croquettes hot with your favorite sides.
Throughout the years I’ve been constantly changing this recipe to add variation. My readers have made some really great suggestions too!.
- There are a few other things you can use instead of panko bread crumbs. Crushed Saltine crackers or Ritz crackers work great. If you want a great texture, mix cornmeal and breadcrumbs together. If you need to avoid gluten, you can use almond flour or hazelnut meal instead.
- Whenever I make salmon, I always use eggs to hold the things together. Many readers have suggested using mayonnaise. It makes them moist and flavorful. Mayo is basically eggs and oil, so it works well.
- You can use minced yellow onions instead of fresh green onions. Cook them in oil over medium heat before adding them to the other ingredients. Also great are crispy fried onions, like the ones you put in green bean casserole. You can also cut up a bell pepper and add that too.
- With any salmon recipe, lime juice tastes great, but you can easily use lemon juice instead. It tastes even better with lime or lemon zest added.
- Other seasonings—You can add a lot of different things to your salmon patties to make them taste great. Many fresh herbs, like basil, thyme, and especially fresh dill, taste great. You can add some hot sauce or Dijon mustard to make it taste better. Old Bay seasoning is fantastic in recipes like salmon patties. Of course, salt and black pepper can always be added.
Fry salmon patties in oil on the stove for the best taste. You can also bake them or use an air fryer.
- For the oven method, put the patties on top of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray or brush with olive oil. Before putting it in the oven, heat it to 400°F. After 5 to 10 minutes, flip it over, spray or brush it with more olive oil, and bake for another 5 minutes. They won’t be as crispy, but you can make them crispy by broiling each side before turning them over.
- Spray or brush olive oil on both sides of each patty for the air fryer method. Put them in the basket and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy.
Because of the popularity of this recipe, I get a ton of reader comments, suggestions, and questions. Here is some additional information to help you make the best salmon cake recipe.
While the recipe is designed for canned salmon, you can use fresh salmon. Just ensure it’s cooked and flaked before proceeding.
If the patties lose their shape, add another whole egg, an egg yolk, or some mayonnaise. This will help them stay together better.
Yes, you can shape the patties and freeze them before cooking. Ensure proper wrapping to prevent freezer burn, and adjust cooking time accordingly when ready to use.
I almost always serve these with brown rice and a green salad. Popular choices also include mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or green beans.
Leftover salmon patties should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. They are best if consumed within 3-5 days.
Why My Salmon Patty Recipe Works
- This recipe is a family favorite and one of my most-used ones. People who don’t normally like salmon tend to really enjoy these salmon patties. I love making them for dinner more than anything else.
- Foods that you always have on hand: Need to make dinner but only have frozen meat on hand? Or have hungry people to feed but haven’t had time to go to the store yet? This is the best backup dinner because it uses canned salmon. Because of these reasons, I always keep some in the pantry.
- Quick and easy: You can make a full and simple weeknight dinner in less than 30 minutes, no matter what else you have going on.
- There are so many ways to make salmon patties. The recipe below is a tried-and-true one, but I’ve made them a million times with different combinations of ingredients. There’s a good chance you already have something that will work if you don’t have any of the ingredients on the recipe card below.
For a full ingredient list with quantities, scroll down to the recipe card below. For variations, scroll down to see how you can swap ingredients.
- Canned Salmon: Red salmon tastes better, but pink salmon tastes just as good and costs less.
- Eggs: These hold the fish patties together.
- Bread Crumbs – I prefer to use panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese – this makes them wonderfully golden brown
- Green onion – they add great flavor
- Lime – Citrus juice tastes fantastic with salmon
- Oil – for frying
Salmon Patties – Old Fashioned, Southern Recipe!
FAQ
How to make canned salmon taste better?
What can I add to salmon patties?
For extra citrus flavor, you can even mix in lime or lemon zest. Other seasonings – There are so many other ingredients you can mix into your salmon patties to give them great flavor. Fresh herbs including basil, thyme, and especially fresh dill taste amazing. You can mix in a bit of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to boost the flavor.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
How do you make salmon patties?
Mix cooked salmon, egg, mustard, mayo, onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, portion the salmon mixture and form them into 8 evenly sized patties. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
What can I use instead of lemon for salmon patties?
Lemon: both lemon juice and lemon zest offer a bright acidic component to freshen up the salmon patties and add great flavor. Parsley: for even more color and flavor. Fresh herbs are my preference, but you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of dried parsley flakes when necessary.