Salmon Patties

Crispy, flaky, and beautifully flavored, this recipe for Salmon Patties is the tastiest way to get your omega-3’s in. This flavorful recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for serving as an appetizer, snack, or main course. 

Maybe you’ve been wondering how to use those cans of salmon that have been patiently sitting in the pantry for months, maybe you made baked salmon last night and aren’t sure what to do with the leftovers. Whichever the case, this is the recipe for you. These salmon cakes are so so good! 

These Salmon Patties are incredibly easy to make and come together from start to finish in under 15 minutes. I’ve used them in a variety of ways, from a quick snack to the main course at a family gathering. This recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and produces results that are seriously delicious. They also taste great when made with white fish or tuna, like these Fish Cakes.

You can prep a big batch at once for your family to snack on over the next few days, use them to top a salad for lunch, or pair them alongside rice and veggies for a healthy dinner idea. They are also delicious in a salmon rice bowl.

No matter how you choose to enjoy this dish, one thing is for sure—you’re going to love it. I feel like I should warn you… these patties tend to go quick!

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

One of the best parts about this dish is that you probably already have most of the ingredients at home. The key ingredients you will need for this dish include:

• Salmon: Canned salmon is the easiest to use for this recipe, but cooked flaked salmon works great as well. If cooking fresh salmon at home, this Pan Seared Salmon works great. You can also swap in canned tuna. 
• Red bell pepper: Finely chopped peppers add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness that brightens up the dish. Green peppers work as well if you don't have red peppers. If you aren't a fan of peppers, swap in some diced celery here or use half celery and half bell peppers. 
• Cilantro: This fresh herb adds a ton of fragrance and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have cilantro or aren’t the biggest fan, parsley or dill works well too.
• Panko breadcrumbs: I opt for whole wheat, but you can use whichever kind you like. Try to get the plain breadcrumbs rather than the pre-seasoned, otherwise, it could alter the flavor profile of the dish. Another tasty option is to swap in cornmeal for the breadcrumbs or even crushed saltine crackers. 
• Eggs: These act as our binders, holding everything together so our patties don’t fall apart!
• Greek yogurt: In addition to adding healthy probiotics and protein, this ingredient makes the patties extra moist. You could swap in mayonnaise. 
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds a ton of savory umami flavors to the dish. If you don’t have this at home, you can sub it out for soy sauce.
• Optional additions: Depending on your preferences, you could add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, chopped celery, minced onion, fresh dill, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat.

What to Serve with Salmon Patties

If you’re wondering what to serve with this salmon patty recipe, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite side dishes to pair with this recipe:

• Baked Parsnip Fries
• Roasted Vegetables
• Wild Rice Salad with Acorn Squash
• Garlic Sauteed Spinach
• Healthy Kale Caesar Salad

Serving and Substitution Tips

These are some of my favorite serving styles and substitutions for this dish:

• If you’re using canned salmon, make sure to get the kind without skin and bones. Picking out tiny bones can be a tedious task, so it’s best to save yourself time from the start.
• If you decide to use baked salmon for this recipe, make sure it hasn’t already been marinated or heavily seasoned. Keep it simple with salt and pepper, because you will get all the flavor you need from the other ingredients in the dish.
• Tartar sauce works great as a dipping sauce for this dish, but you can also make your own dipping sauce with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and the fresh herbs of your choice. These are also delicious with some homemade Tzatziki or Green Goddess dressing.
• You can use dried herbs in place of fresh and garlic powder in place of fresh garlic. 
• If you don’t have Greek yogurt at home, you can sub this ingredient out for mayonnaise.
• Make the patties slightly larger and turn this into a delicious salmon burger. 

How to Store This Dish

Leftovers of these delicious patties can easily be stored in one of two ways:

• In the fridge in an airtight bag or container for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer in an airtight bag or container for up to 1 month.

Flavor Ideas for Salmon Patties

If you’re looking to switch it up, here are some fun and tasty ideas to try out:

• Add drained grated zucchini for extra nutrients
• Add Old Bay seasoning
• Use fresh dill instead of fresh cilantro
• Add cayenne powder or minced chili peppers for an extra kick
• Add freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Add Dijon mustard for a punch of flavor and acidity

All About Using Canned Salmon

• There are two main types of canned salmon. One comes with the skin and bones of the salmon and one comes without the skin and bones. 
• If you buy canned salmon with the skin and bones, you have two options. First, you can eat the skin and bones. The salmon is cooked under pressure until the bones and kinds of really soft and it is all edible. It's also packed with nutrients. If you use this type of salmon, I recommend running a knife over it to make sure there are no large pieces of bone or skin. You can also pulse it a few times in a food processor. The other option is to carefully pick through the salmon and remove the skin and bones.
• If you buy the type without skin and bones (my preference), then just use it like you would use canned tuna. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

Can I freeze salmon patties?

Yes! To freeze the leftovers, transfer them first to a baking sheet and set them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Then, move them over to an airtight bag or container and store them in the freezer. They will keep like this for up to 1 month.

What should I serve with salmon patties?

I like to serve this dish alongside a creamy herbaceous dipping sauce. For side dishes, I tend to go for cooked vegetables, salad, rice, or potatoes. You can get creative! This dish is versatile and works well with a variety of side dishes. You could even serve them in between two buns as salmon burgers.

What kind of salmon should I use?

I use canned salmon for this recipe, but you can also use home-cooked salmon. Both options produce great results, I just prefer using canned salmon for the ease factor. If you cooked salmon the night before and aren’t sure what to do with the leftovers, this recipe is certainly a great way to use your leftover salmon filets!

What makes salmon patties stick together?

The eggs! These are an essential part of the recipe, as they bind the rest of the ingredients together to keep the patties from falling apart.

Can canned tuna be used instead of canned salmon?

Canned tuna is a great alternative to the canned salmon in this recipe and works great. Just swap tuna into the salmon mixture and then cook in a hot skillet until golden brown.

Can these be baked in the oven instead of a frying pan?

These easy salmon patties also work in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the salmon patties with olive oil on both sides. Bake for 15 minutes until the patties begin to brown on the bottom. Flip and cook for 5-7 more minutes until golden brown on both sides. They won't be quite as crispy as in a skillet but are still delicious. 

More Healthy Salmon Recipes:

• Baked Garlic Lemon Salmon in Foil
• Italian Salmon with Tomato Basil Salsa
• Dijon Baked Salmon
• Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
• Honey Garlic Broiled Salmon