The weeknight meal rotation can quickly become a rut instead of a routine. When I feel food boredom setting in, I like to take a good look at my pantry for inspiration. A can of salmon or tuna is the perfect canvas for patties, salads, and sandwiches. And if you’ve got kids, you know what “Mom, I’m hungry!” sounds like. Fast and easy saves the day. Not only does canned salmon work, but leftover grilled salmon is incredible in patties. Oh, yeah! But even more than that is how versatile they are. These guys also provide a perfect party appetizer! Make them smaller, fry them up, and put a toothpick in them as you arrange them on an appetizer platter for a great impression.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Prep Salmon – Place salmon on a cutting board and chop with a sharp knife until finely chopped. Set aside. (Photos 1-2) Cook – Add oil to a small fry pan or skillet, and heat on medium-high. Then, add onions, celery, and garlic. Saute for 2-3 until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. (Photo 3) Make Salmon Mixture – Mix salmon, onion mixture, eggs, Cajun seasoning, ¼ cup of bread crumbs, white and cayenne pepper, salt, red pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. For easier handling, cover and refrigerate the salmon mixture for an hour or more until firm. (Photos 4-5)
Form Patties – Grab 3-4 tablespoons of the salmon mixture, flatten, and form about 1-inch thick patty. It should make about 6 patties. (Photo 6) Breadcrumb Coating – This step is optional but makes a crispier crust. Dredge the patties in more breadcrumbs. Set aside. (Photo 7) Fry – Heat a small non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat, then add oil. Heat oil until it reaches 350℉/177℃ (the oil will shimmer but not smoke). Fry patties in hot oil until golden and cooked through (3-4 minutes per side). You may have to do so in batches. (Photo 8) Serve – Transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve warm with remoulade sauce.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
The beauty of this recipe is being able to freeze these patties uncooked. Arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze until they’re completely solid. Then, remove them from the baking sheet and freeze them in a freezer bag or container for up to 6 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and cook per the recipe.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Yes, old-fashioned salmon patties are best hot and fresh as a main course or on a sandwich like a burger. You can freeze leftover salmon patties for a month or two or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. I love leftovers sandwiched in a hamburger bun, slathered with tartar sauce, and topped with pickle relish, lettuce, and cheese.
What to Serve With Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties
These make an excellent cookout entree with Southern potato salad and coleslaw. If you want to serve salmon patties as the main dish, bacon-wrapped asparagus or smoked Brussels sprouts with scalloped potatoes is a sure winner.
More Incredible Salmon Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Get ready to impress and be impressed with this incredible old-fashioned salmon patty recipe. Did your grandmother have her own special recipe? Tell me about it in the comments.😍 This blog post was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated with additional tips and new photos
