If you’re looking for a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings together the rich flavors of salmon with a crispy, golden crust, the Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This classic recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, marrying basic pantry ingredients into patties that are tender inside and satisfyingly crisp outside. Whether you’re reminiscing about family meals or discovering this Southern staple for the first time, these salmon patties are guaranteed to become a beloved go-to for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from tender salmon to the crunch of saltine crackers, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Pink salmon (1 can, drained): Provides a flavorful and flaky protein base that’s easy to work with.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Acts as a light binder to help hold the mixture together.
- Saltine crackers (10, crushed): Add subtle crunch and absorb moisture, ensuring patties hold their shape.
- Yellow mustard (1 teaspoon): Offers a mild tang that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Large egg (well beaten): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the patties’ tender texture.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and a slight tanginess that balances the dish.
- Onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Brings a touch of sweetness and crunch for depth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Highlights all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle warmth for subtle spice.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for frying, creating that perfect crisp crust.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps brown the patties beautifully.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Mix Ingredients
Start by draining the canned pink salmon thoroughly. You can remove the skin and bones if you prefer, but they’re usually soft enough to blend right into the patties, adding calcium and texture. Place the salmon in a large bowl and add the flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until combined and then let the mixture rest for five minutes. This pause allows the crackers to absorb moisture, making the patties easier to shape.
Step 2: Shape into Patties
Using about a quarter-cup of mixture for each, form the salmon mixture into patties with your hands. This recipe should yield around eight patties. Once shaped, place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling firms the patties up, making frying a much smoother process without losing their shape.
Step 3: Cook the Patties to Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil shimmers, carefully add the salmon patties, cooking them in batches if necessary. Fry each patty for four to five minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve these warm for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
To make these salmon patties pop, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of vibrant green color. A dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness that complements the savory patties perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad balance the meal. For a Southern twist, serve alongside creamy grits or baked beans. The patties’ richness pairs beautifully with these hearty, comforting sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the salmon patties as sliders on mini buns with lettuce and pickles, turning this classic into a fun, finger-food option for gatherings. Alternatively, set them atop a bed of arugula with a drizzle of homemade aioli for a modern, elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days, making them a great option for next-day quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked salmon patties by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen, they’ll last up to three months. Just thaw overnight before cooking for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat salmon patties, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to restore their crispy exterior without drying out. Microwaving works too, but may soften the crisp crust. For a quick fix, pop them in a toaster oven for even reheating and extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon can be substituted, but you’ll want to ensure it’s flaked well and fairly dry so the patties hold together properly.
Do I have to remove the bones from canned salmon?
Removing the bones is optional. They are usually very soft and blend into the patties without affecting texture or taste, plus they add calcium.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
Crushed breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work well as alternatives, offering similar binding and crunch.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a greased sheet, flipping halfway through, offers a healthier cooking method though the patties won’t be quite as crispy.
How can I make these patties gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and saltines for gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, makes use of simple ingredients, and delivers on both flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, these patties bring a bit of timeless, homey goodness to any meal. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—once you taste those golden, savory patties, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a classic, comforting dish made with canned pink salmon, combined with flavorful ingredients and pan-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 10 saltine crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Drain the canned salmon, removing excess liquid. If you prefer, remove the skin and bones; however, the bones are generally soft and barely noticeable in the patties. Place the salmon in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: To the salmon, add the all-purpose flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the flour to hydrate.
- Form Patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each, shape the salmon mixture into patties with your hands. You should be able to make approximately 8 patties. Place the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes; chilling helps them firm up and hold together during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until hot. Cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each patty for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until they develop a golden brown crust and are heated through. Remove the cooked patties and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the salmon patties warm as a main dish or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Removing the skin and bones is optional; the soft bones add calcium and are edible.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding herbs like dill or parsley if desired.
- Allowing the patties to chill before frying helps them stay intact.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- These patties can be reheated in a skillet or oven for leftovers.
