Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a simple, tasty dish that brings together flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, and just a few basic seasonings. These golden brown patties have a nice crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside that’s comforting and satisfying. It’s a humble recipe that’s easy to whip up but full of classic flavors that never go out of style.
I love making these salmon patties when I want something quick yet hearty. One tip I always follow is to make sure the mixture isn’t too wet before shaping the patties—this helps them hold together better and get that perfect crust in the pan. Plus, adding a bit of chopped onion or herbs gives the patties a little extra zing that makes them extra special.
Serving these patties with a simple squeeze of lemon, a dollop of tart tartar sauce, or even just some ketchup really hits the spot for me. They’re great alongside a crisp salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal. I often think of these salmon patties as a cozy, old-fashioned dinner that feels like it’s made with care and lots of good taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Canned salmon is easy and convenient. I prefer skinless, boneless for a smoother texture, but leaving in skin and bones adds extra flavor and calcium if you don’t mind a bit of crunch.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and create a crispy crust. Plain breadcrumbs work fine, but seasoned ones add a bit more flavor. You can also use crushed crackers or panko as a crunchy alternative.
Eggs: Eggs are your binder here. They help hold the patties together. For a vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute, though texture will differ.
Onion & Parsley: Finely chopped onion adds a mild sharpness, and parsley gives freshness. You can swap parsley for dill or chives, depending on flavor preferences.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: These add moisture and a bit of tang. You can skip them or replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Salmon Patties Without Falling Apart?
Keeping your salmon patties intact and crispy is all about mixing and cooking right.
- Mix Gently: Combine ingredients carefully but don’t overwork the mix. Too much stirring breaks up the salmon.
- Check Texture: If the mix feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to firm it up before shaping.
- Shape Evenly: Make flat, evenly sized patties so they cook uniformly.
- Use Proper Heat: Cook over medium heat. Too hot may burn the outside before the inside is done; too low can make them soggy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leave space when frying so they brown nicely without steaming.
- Flip Carefully: Use a wide spatula and gently flip only once to keep them from breaking.
Following these steps helps you get golden, crispy patties that hold together well and taste great every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining salmon and other ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the seasoning and binders just right.
- Non-stick or heavy skillet – ensures the patties brown evenly without sticking.
- Spatula – a wide, flat one makes flipping the patties easy and keeps them intact.
- Paper towels – handy for draining excess oil after frying so patties stay crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for canned tuna or cooked crab for a tasty twist on the classic patties.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or celery to add crunch and freshness.
- Add Old Bay seasoning for a little extra zing, especially if you like a bit of heat.
- Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a melty, rich addition inside the patties.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.75 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked (skin and bones removed if preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for moisture and binder)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Tartar sauce or your favorite condiment (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and mixing the salmon patties takes about 10-15 minutes. Cooking each batch in a skillet will take about 8-10 minutes, depending on your stove and pan size. Overall, plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes to drain and plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salmon and Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained, flaked salmon with the finely chopped onion. Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise (if using), mustard, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but well until everything sticks together. If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a tiny splash of water or extra mayonnaise.
2. Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into patties about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Try to make them evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties carefully without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip patties gently with a spatula to keep them intact.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce like tartar sauce. These patties go great alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for These Patties?
Yes! If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid soggy patties.
How Can I Make These Salmon Patties Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This keeps the patties crispy while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix and form the patties, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the outside crispy.
