An old-fashioned salmon patties recipe is a Southern favorite that turns simple pantry ingredients into a crispy, golden-brown delight. Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling, these salmon patties are a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal that has been enjoyed for generations.
Made with canned salmon, crushed crackers, eggs, and savory seasonings, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or homestyle Southern meals. These patties are pan-fried until crispy, delivering a golden crunch on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
Beyond being delicious and versatile, salmon patties are also nutritious. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction. It’s also high in protein and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for healthy eating. If you’re watching your caloric intake, check out this salmon croquettes calories guide for a detailed breakdown.
For those who love exploring variations, consider trying crispy salmon croquettes, which offers a slightly firmer texture and extra crunch with different binding methods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples, no expensive ingredients needed.
✔ Customizable – Experiment with different seasonings, herbs, and add-ins to suit your taste.
✔ Crispy Outside, Tender Inside – The perfect contrast of textures in every bite.
✔ Nutritious & High in Protein – Packed with omega-3s, healthy fats, and lean protein for a balanced meal.
Whether you serve them with creamy tartar sauce, a fresh side salad, or warm buttermilk biscuits, these classic salmon patties will instantly transport you back to homemade comfort food at its finest. 🍽️🔥
If you’re looking for side dishes to accompany these patties, pairing them with a spinach pesto recipe can enhance their freshness and taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Main Ingredients
To make classic salmon patties, you’ll need:
- Salmon (canned or fresh, cooked and flaked)
- Crackers (Ritz, saltines, or Panko breadcrumbs for binding)
- Eggs (help hold everything together)
- Lemon juice (adds brightness to the flavor)
- Green onions (or red onions for a sharper taste)
- Seasonings (Old Bay, salt, black pepper, garlic powder)
- Vegetable oil (for frying; you can also use olive oil for a healthier option)
Possible Substitutions
- Fresh Salmon – If using fresh salmon, bake or pan-cook it before flaking.
- Breadcrumbs Instead of Crackers – For a different texture.
- Alternative Binders – Try mashed potatoes for a softer consistency or almond flour for a low-carb version.
- Add More Herbs & Spices – Dill, parsley, or even a dash of Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Drain the canned salmon and remove any bones or skin (if necessary).
- Crush the crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Chop the green onions finely.
2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:
✔ Flaked salmon
✔ Crushed crackers
✔ Beaten eggs
✔ Lemon juice
✔ Green onions
✔ Seasonings
Mix until everything is well incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet, add extra crushed crackers. If too dry, add a splash of lemon juice or mayo.
3. Shape the Patties
- Use about ½ cup of mixture per patty.
- Shape into round, flat patties (~4 inches wide).
- Place on a plate lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to firm up.
4. Fry the Salmon Patties
- Heat ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place 3-4 patties in the pan (avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 8 minutes per side until golden brown & crispy.
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
For a healthier alternative, you can bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Best Side Dishes for Salmon Patties
Pair your crispy salmon patties with:
Classic Pairings
- Homemade tartar sauce & lemon wedges
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamy coleslaw
Healthy Options to Serve with Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties
If you’re looking to balance the crispy, savory richness of your old-fashioned salmon patties with something lighter and more nutritious, these healthy side dishes are excellent choices. They add freshness, vibrant colors, and extra nutrients to your meal while keeping it well-rounded.
1. Steamed Broccoli – A Nutrient-Packed Superfood
Broccoli is a superfood packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and powerful antioxidants. Its slightly bitter, earthy taste pairs beautifully with the savory, crispy salmon patties, offering a refreshing contrast.
💡 How to Prepare:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it.
- Add fresh broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but still bright green.
- Season with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
🔥 Pro Tip: Want a little crunch? Sprinkle toasted almonds or sesame seeds over the broccoli for an added layer of texture.
2. Roasted Asparagus – A Flavorful, Low-Calorie Side
Roasted asparagus brings a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the crispy salmon patties. It’s also low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with folate and vitamins A and C—a great choice for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
💡 How to Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the woody ends off a bunch of fresh asparagus.
- Toss the spears with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until the tips are crispy and slightly charred.
🔥 Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting to enhance the flavor.
3. Spinach Salad – A Fresh & Light Pairing
A fresh spinach salad adds brightness and crispness, making it an excellent side dish for salmon patties. Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin K, promoting heart health and energy levels while keeping the meal light yet filling.
💡 How to Prepare:
- Toss fresh baby spinach with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and cucumber for a refreshing mix.
- Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Top with sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
🔥 Pro Tip: For a protein boost, add a hard-boiled egg or chickpeas to the salad, making it even more nutritious.
Modern Twists
For an upgraded pairing, serve your salmon patties with spinach pesto or enjoy them with a warming bowl of garlic soup for a comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties Every Time
✅ How to keep them from falling apart?
- Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet or too dry.
- Let the patties rest before frying for better cohesion.
✅ How to get them extra crispy?
- Use a hot skillet with just enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Avoid flipping too early—wait until the edges turn golden brown.
✅ How to store and reheat leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or use an air fryer for better crispiness.
FAQs – Answering Common Questions
1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh salmon is a fantastic alternative to canned salmon and can add even more depth of flavor to your old-fashioned salmon patties recipe. To use fresh salmon:
- Cook the salmon first – You can bake, poach, or pan-sear it before flaking it into the mixture.
- Remove the skin and bones – Unlike canned salmon, fresh salmon usually needs to be deboned and skinned before use.
- Adjust the binders – Fresh salmon tends to have less moisture than canned, so you may need to add an extra egg or a bit more crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to help the patties hold together.
- Enhance the flavor – Since canned salmon often contains natural fish oils, consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil or a little lemon juice to maintain moisture and richness.
Using fresh salmon creates firmer, meatier patties, perfect for those who love a fresh-cooked seafood taste.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to frying, baking your salmon patties is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Arrange the salmon patties in a single layer with at least 1 inch of space between each patty.
- Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter for added crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- The patties are done when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Pro Tip:
For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This helps the exterior crisp up, mimicking the pan-fried texture without using excess oil.
3. How do I freeze salmon patties?
Salmon patties are perfect for meal prep because they freeze well and can be cooked directly from frozen if needed.
How to Freeze Uncooked Salmon Patties:
- Prepare the patties as instructed but do not cook them.
- Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Once frozen, transfer the patties into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Separate each patty with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label with the date – they can be stored for up to 3 months.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon Patties:
- For pan-frying: Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as usual.
- For baking: Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For air frying: Cook at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
By freezing them uncooked, you can have a quick, homemade seafood meal ready anytime with minimal effort!
Final Thoughts on This Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
These old-fashioned salmon patties recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal—it’s a nostalgic dish that brings comfort, flavor, and versatility to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it as a weeknight dinner, a budget-friendly seafood meal, or even as a meal prep option, these crispy salmon cakes are always a hit.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The mild, flaky salmon pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of crackers or breadcrumbs, while the seasonings and lemon juice enhance its depth of taste.
If you’re someone who enjoys customizing recipes, this dish is a blank canvas for creativity. Whether you add a dash of Cajun spice for a Southern twist, mix in fresh dill for a hint of brightness, or substitute almond flour for a low-carb version, there are endless ways to tailor this recipe to your preferences. You can even bake, air-fry, or pan-fry them based on your dietary needs.
For more seafood safety tips, check out the USDA’s guide on handling fish and seafood to ensure your salmon is fresh and properly prepared. Additionally, if you’re curious about the nutritional benefits of eating salmon, this Harvard School of Public Health article explains how salmon contributes to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
No matter how you serve them, one thing is certain—these old-fashioned salmon patties are a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
👩🍳 Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your experience! Drop a comment below and let us know how you made yours unique. 😊
