Salmon patties are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the sea without spending hours in the kitchen. With their crispy exterior and tender inside, these patties make for a fantastic lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Plus, using canned salmon or salmon packets means you can whip them up anytime you need a quick meal. In this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe, we’ll guide you through creating these delicious bites that are sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Easy Salmon Patties Recipe is not just simple; it’s also incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

– **Quick and Simple**: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Budget-Friendly**: Canned salmon is an economical protein source that doesn’t skimp on taste.
– **Customizable**: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
– **Meal Prep Friendly**: Make a batch ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.

What’s in the Bowl

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. For this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe, you’ll need:

14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic salt (or use 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup parsley, finely minced

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right equipment on hand:

Skillet: A large non-stick skillet works best for frying the patties.
Mixing Bowl: To combine all your ingredients.
Spatula: For flipping the patties without breaking them.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions and bell pepper.

Cooking Easy Salmon Patties Recipe: The Process

Ready to cook? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Easy Salmon Patties.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by finely dicing the yellow onion and red bell pepper. This will ensure they blend well into the patties for even flavor distribution.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Salmon

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained salmon, sautéed vegetables, Panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and minced parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Form the Patties

Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. You should get about 6-8 patties, depending on the size.

Step 5: Cook the Patties

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and tablespoon of butter. Heat over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Fresh Takes Through the Year

This Easy Salmon Patties Recipe can easily adapt to seasonal ingredients or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for fresh variations:

Summer Herb Twist: Add fresh dill or chives to the mixture for a bright summer flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an added zing.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition and moisture.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheese for a rich and gooey texture.

Mistakes That Ruin Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

While making salmon patties is straightforward, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results:

Overmixing: Be gentle when combining ingredients. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
Not Draining the Salmon: Make sure the salmon is well-drained to prevent soggy patties.
Skipping the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and peppers enhances their flavor and ensures they’re tender.
Too Much Oil: Using too much oil in the skillet can lead to greasy patties. Stick to the recommended amounts.

Save It for Later

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Salmon patties store well in the refrigerator or can be frozen for later use:

Refrigerating: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Quick Questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use cooked, flaked fresh salmon. Just ensure it’s properly cooked and seasoned to taste.

What can I serve with salmon patties?

They pair well with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a creamy coleslaw.

How do I keep salmon patties from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing, which can make them crumbly.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Make It Tonight

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to put on your apron and make this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe tonight. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious meal ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, these salmon patties are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful crunch and savory flavor as you dig in!

The beauty of this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor. You’ll find that once you try these tasty bites, they will become a regular in your meal rotation. So grab your cans of salmon and get cooking!