The Best Fresh Salmon Patties (A Quick & Healthy Meal!)
Hello, my friends, and welcome to a recipe that is a true classic for a reason. These incredible homemade Salmon Patties are a delicious, versatile, and wonderfully easy way to enjoy salmon. Forget any dry, bland salmon cakes you’ve had in the past. We’re using fresh, flaky baked salmon, perfectly seasoned, to create patties that…
Hello, my friends, and welcome to a recipe that is a true classic for a reason. These incredible homemade Salmon Patties are a delicious, versatile, and wonderfully easy way to enjoy salmon. Forget any dry, bland salmon cakes you’ve had in the past. We’re using fresh, flaky baked salmon, perfectly seasoned, to create patties that are tender and moist on the inside with a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the outside.
This is one of my go-to recipes for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. They are fantastic as a light main course served with a side salad, perfect as a sophisticated appetizer for a party, and they even make an amazing salmon burger on a toasted bun. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dollop of creamy tartar sauce, this is a simple, elegant dish that will become a new staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Be Absolutely Obsessed With These Salmon Patties
This recipe is a true winner, and here’s why you’ll make it again and again:
- Made with Fresh Salmon: Using freshly baked salmon instead of canned results in a superior flavor and a wonderfully moist, tender texture that is simply unmatched.
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: The steps are simple and straightforward, and the patties cook up in just a few minutes, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Pan-frying the patties in a hot skillet creates a delicious, golden-brown crust while keeping the interior perfectly moist and flaky.
- So Versatile: These patties are a fantastic canvas for your favorite flavors. Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or in a sandwich. They’re great for meal prep, too!
Gather Your Fresh & Simple Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This impressive dish comes together with a handful of wholesome, flavorful ingredients.
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound fresh salmon filet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Patties:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Crafting Your Salmon Patties: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s build these delicious patties. The key is to start with perfectly baked salmon.
- Bake the Salmon: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet on the baking sheet, skin-side down. Drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Let it rest until it’s cool enough to handle.
- Flake the Salmon: Once the salmon has cooled a bit, use two forks to gently flake the meat into a large bowl. Be sure to discard the skin and check for any small bones.
- Form the Patties: To the bowl with the flaked salmon, add the eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, Old Bay seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a fork or your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Form the mixture into 8 patties, each about 2 inches wide and ½-inch thick.
- Pan-Fry to Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the skillet in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip and Finish: Gently flip the patties over and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and heated through. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salmon patties warm, with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing and a side of your favorite tartar sauce for dipping.
Wise Tips for the Best Salmon Patties
- Don’t Overmix: Just like with meatballs or meatloaf, use a light hand when mixing the patty ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough texture.
- Finely Chop the Onion: Taking the time to finely chop your onion ensures it will cook through and become tender inside the patty, adding flavor without a raw, crunchy bite.
- Get a Good Sear: Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before you add the patties. This is the secret to getting that beautiful, crispy, golden-brown crust.
- The Fresh Salmon Difference: While you can make this recipe with canned salmon, using freshly baked salmon provides a much cleaner flavor and a superior, flakier texture. It’s worth the extra step!
Delicious Variations & Creative Twists
- Add Some Herbs: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh, chopped dill or parsley to the patty mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Make them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Switch up the Binder: If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or even crushed pork rinds as a binder instead of regular bread crumbs.
- Make Salmon Burgers: Form the mixture into 4 larger patties and serve them on toasted brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for an amazing salmon burger.
Fresh Salmon Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until flaky. Let it rest until cool enough to touch.
- Use two forks to flake the salmon into a large bowl. Discard the skin and any bones.
- To the bowl, add the eggs, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, old bay seasoning, and salt. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into 8 patties that are about 2 inches wide by ½-inch thick.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and brown for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary.
- Set the cooked patties on a paper towel to drain. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Notes
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ) – Salmon Patties Recipe
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can cook these in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the patties and the basket with a little oil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
You can form the uncooked patties, place them on a parchment-lined plate, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook them.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes to help them crisp up again.
Conclusion
These fresh Salmon Patties are a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious way to shake up your dinner routine. They are quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Enjoy!
