Southern Salmon Patties are a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of Southern cooking with the health benefits of fish. These crispy salmon cakes, often made from canned salmon, are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual lunch, these patties embody the essence of Southern comfort food. Traditionally served with homemade tartar sauce, they are a staple in many households. Whether you’re crunched for time or looking for a healthy salmon dinner option, this recipe is your go-to for flavorful fish cakes that are sure to please the entire family. Originating from the coastal regions of the Southern United States, these patties are a testament to the resourcefulness of home cooks who have made the most out of pantry staples. The combination of salmon and seasonings creates a savory experience that transports you to a Southern kitchen with each bite.

Ingredients

• For the patties:
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) of pink salmon, drained and flaked, preferably wild-caught for better flavor and texture
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for a different texture, such as saltines or Ritz)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, yellow or white onion works best for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green), which adds color and sweetness
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought, for creaminess
  • 1 large egg, beaten, as a binding agent to hold the patties together
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, adding a subtle tanginess
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for depth of flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning), which enhances the overall taste with its aromatic blend
  • Salt and pepper to taste, ensuring proper seasoning
• For frying:
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or enough to cover the bottom of the frying pan), such as canola or peanut oil, which have high smoke points
• For serving:
  • Homemade tartar sauce (recipe below), which complements the flavor of the patties beautifully
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish), which add a fresh, zesty finish

Steps / Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed, ensuring that the onion and bell pepper are finely chopped for optimal flavor.
2. Add the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir until fully combined. The mixture should hold together but remain moist; add a little extra mayonnaise if it seems too dry.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. You should yield around 6-8 patties, depending on the size. Make sure to press firmly so they hold together during cooking.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by adding a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle upon contact, indicating it’s ready for frying.
5. Carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning; the goal is a beautiful golden crust.
6. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step helps keep them crispy.
7. Serve the Southern Salmon Patties warm, garnished with lemon wedges and a side of homemade tartar sauce. Enjoy your creation hot with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness!

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier option, consider baking the patties instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the patties on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. This method significantly reduces the amount of oil used.
• If you’re short on time, you can prep the salmon mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• To avoid dry patties, ensure not to overmix the ingredients. Just enough mixing to combine is ideal. The mixture should be moist and cohesive.
• Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain their crispiness, adding a splash of oil if necessary to revitalize them.
• Common mistakes include adding too much filler or not enough binding agent. Adjust breadcrumbs and egg as needed to achieve the right consistency; they should easily hold together without crumbling.

Variations

• For a twist, add cooked corn or diced jalapeños into the mixture for extra flavor and texture. These additions can give the patties a fun, regional flair.
• Substitute canned salmon with tuna or crab for different seafood variations, broadening the appeal of the dish. Each type of seafood brings its own unique flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers; the texture will still be satisfying without the gluten.
• Seasonal herbs like dill or parsley can be added for a fresh taste that complements the salmon. Fresh herbs bright up the dish and introduce new dimensions of flavor.

Southern Salmon Patties

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

6-8

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

20 min

🔥

Calories

—

PIN PRINT SHARE

Southern Salmon Patties are a delightful dish that brings together the comfort of Southern cooking with the health benefits of fish. These crispy salmon cakes, often made from canned salmon, are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual lunch, these patties embody the essence of Southern comfort food. Traditionally served with homemade tartar sauce, they are a staple in many households.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 can (14.75 oz) of pink salmon, drained and flaked, preferably wild-caught for better flavor and texture
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for a different texture, such as saltines or Ritz)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, yellow or white onion works best for sweetness
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green), which adds color and sweetness
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought, for creaminess
• 1 large egg, beaten, as a binding agent to hold the patties together
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, adding a subtle tanginess
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for depth of flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning), which enhances the overall taste with its aromatic blend
• Salt and pepper to taste, ensuring proper seasoning
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or enough to cover the bottom of the frying pan), such as canola or peanut oil, which have high smoke points
• Homemade tartar sauce (for serving), which complements the flavor of the patties beautifully
• Lemon wedges (for garnish), which add a fresh, zesty finish

Directions

1.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed, ensuring that the onion and bell pepper are finely chopped for optimal flavor.

2.

Add the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir until fully combined. The mixture should hold together but remain moist; add a little extra mayonnaise if it seems too dry.

3.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. You should yield around 6-8 patties, depending on the size. Make sure to press firmly so they hold together during cooking.

4.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by adding a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle upon contact, indicating it's ready for frying.

5.

Carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning; the goal is a beautiful golden crust.

6.

Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step helps keep them crispy.

7.

Serve the Southern Salmon Patties warm, garnished with lemon wedges and a side of homemade tartar sauce. Enjoy your creation hot with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness!