If you’re craving a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners or Sunday lunches, you’ll love this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. These golden, crispy patties offer a beautiful balance of flaky salmon and savory seasoning with a tender texture, making them both satisfying and easy to whip up on any busy day. Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic seafood dishes or just discovering salmon patties for the first time, this recipe promises a delicious and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe shows how uncomplicated components can come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that perfect crispy exterior.
- Pink salmon (1 can, 14.75 ounces): The star of the recipe, providing flaky, tender fish full of rich flavor and protein.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): A light binder that helps keep the patties together without weighing them down.
- Saltine crackers (10 crushed): Add crunch and absorb moisture for just the right patty texture.
- Yellow mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang and depth, enhancing the savoriness.
- Large egg (1, well beaten): Acts as a natural glue, binding all ingredients perfectly.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and a mild tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Finely diced onion (1/4 cup): Brings sweetness and a little crunch for balance.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient’s flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of spice and warmth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Used for frying, creating that golden and crispy patty edge.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a slightly nutty finish while frying.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by draining your canned pink salmon well. If you prefer, you can remove the skin and bones, although most are soft enough to blend into the patties seamlessly. Transfer the salmon to a large mixing bowl, ready to be transformed into something truly delicious.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the flour, crushed saltine crackers, mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, diced onion, salt, and pepper right to the bowl with the salmon. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine. This mixture needs a quick rest of about five minutes, a small wait that lets the flavors meld and the crackers soften just enough for perfect binding.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Scoop approximately a 1/4 cup of mixture at a time and mold it into a nice round patty using your hands. You should get around eight patties total. To help them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking, pop the patties into the fridge to chill for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter ensures a crispy, golden crust with a luscious, mild richness. Fry the patties in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels and serve them warm to enjoy the full comforting flavors.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish wonderfully. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon patties brightens their savory richness and adds a fresh zing. Chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a lovely pop of color and herbaceous aroma that complements the fish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Salmon patties pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a Southern twist, serve with creamy grits or baked beans. These sides balance the patties’ hearty texture and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Try serving your salmon patties stacked on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty tartar sauce for a fantastic salmon burger experience. Or crumble the patties on a vibrant salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a lighter, fresh take. This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is versatile enough to shine in many forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat gently to preserve their crispy texture.
Freezing
These salmon patties freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to be baked or reheated on demand.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat salmon patties in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven instead of a microwave. This method helps maintain their crispy exterior while warming the inside evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon works well too, just be sure to cook and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
What can I use if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can substitute saltine crackers with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Just keep the quantity about the same.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang, but you can substitute it with regular milk or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Can I bake the salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides.
What is the best way to serve salmon patties for a family gathering?
Serve the patties buffet-style with a variety of dipping sauces, fresh lemon wedges, and sides like coleslaw and potato salad. This allows everyone to customize their plate easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simple charm of this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s a dish that fills your kitchen with warmth while delivering all the soulful flavors of home-cooking. I encourage you to dive in, mix up a batch, and enjoy sharing these golden patties with the people you love. Once you try them, they might just become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Salmon Patties recipe offers a delicious, homemade way to enjoy canned pink salmon turned into crispy, flavorful patties. Made with simple pantry staples and lightly seasoned, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Ingredients
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon, drained
- 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 Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly. Optionally, remove skin and any bones, although salmon bones in the can are soft and barely noticeable. Place the salmon in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix ingredients: Add flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with salmon. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a uniform mixture. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow it to bind.
- Form patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each, shape into 8 equal-sized patties by hand. Arrange the patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape better for cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches if necessary, fry the patties until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Removing the skin and bones is optional as the bones are soft, but some prefer a smoother texture.
- Refrigerating the patties before frying helps them stay intact and cook evenly.
- You can serve these salmon patties with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- For a crispier texture, cook the patties in a mixture of oil and butter as recommended.
- Use fresh buttermilk or substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
