Okay, so you know those nights when you’re totally wiped and the last thing you want to do is spend ages in the kitchen? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these Salmon Patties. Seriously, they’re a lifesaver. You can whip them up from start to finish in barely any time at all, and they taste SO good. It feels like magic when you can get a delicious, healthy meal on the table this fast. They’re my go-to when I need something satisfying without the fuss. Trust me, these easy salmon patties are about to become your new best friend for those busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
Seriously, these salmon patties are a game-changer for so many reasons! They hit all the right notes:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking minutes, not hours. Perfect for when hunger strikes FAST.
- Effortlessly Easy: No fancy techniques here. Just mix, form, and fry!
- Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs, a little tang from the lemon and mustard – it all comes together beautifully.
- Weeknight Warrior: These are made for those nights when you need a delicious, wholesome meal without a ton of effort.
Quick Preparation for Busy Evenings
If your evenings feel like a whirlwind, you’re going to fall in love with how fast these come together. The prep is so straightforward, you can honestly have them ready to go from the can to the pan in about 15 minutes. No joke! It means you can enjoy a fantastic homemade meal even on your most hectic days.
Flavorful and Wholesome Ingredients
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; these patties are bursting with flavor! The combination of savory salmon with bright, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, plus that little zip from lemon juice and Dijon mustard, is just divine. Plus, you’re getting all that goodness from the salmon without any fuss.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Salmon Patties
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped for these amazing salmon patties! It’s all about having the right stuff ready to go. You’ll want to grab a can of salmon – make sure it’s drained really well. If yours has bones and skin, just take a minute to flake it apart with a fork and pick those bits out; it makes a world of difference. We’re also going to need one large egg, some creamy mayonnaise, and a little splash of lemon juice – fresh squeezed is always best if you ask me!
Then we’ve got our flavor boosters: Dijon mustard for a little tang, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that savory depth, and of course, our trusty panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy edge. Don’t forget your fresh herbs – finely chopped scallions, dill, and parsley really wake everything up. A sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper will make sure everything tastes just right. And for cooking? Just a couple of tablespoons of good old olive oil. Here’s a quick rundown of exactly what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Canned Salmon | 1 (14.75 ounce) can | Drained, flaked; bones and skin removed if present |
| Egg | 1 | Large |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup | |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed recommended |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon | |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | |
| Scallions | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped |
| Fresh Dill | 1 tablespoon | Chopped |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 tablespoon | Chopped |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground recommended |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | For frying |
How to Make Perfect Salmon Patties
Making these salmon patties is seriously so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them a million times already! The whole process is pretty straightforward, and the results are just fantastic. We’re going to break it down into a few simple steps so you can get those golden, delicious patties on your plate in no time.
Preparing the Salmon Mixture
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. You’ve already drained your salmon and flaked it, right? If you found any stubborn bones or skin, make sure they’re out. Now, toss in the rest of the goodies: the egg, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, those lovely chopped scallions, dill, and parsley. Don’t forget the garlic powder, salt, and pepper! Give it all a gentle mix with your fork. You don’t want to mash it into a paste; just gently combine everything until it’s *just* mixed. Overworking it can make them a bit tough, and we want tender patties!
Forming and Cooking the Salmon Patties
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape those patties. I like to use about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each one and form them into nice, even patties, about half an inch thick. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Now, get your skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil. Let it get nice and hot – this usually takes a few minutes. Carefully place your patties into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color. If you need to do them in batches, that’s totally fine! Just add a little more oil if the pan looks dry for the second batch.
Tips for Golden Brown Salmon Patties
For that perfect golden-brown crust, make sure your oil is properly heated before adding the patties. This helps them sizzle and get crispy right away, rather than just soaking up oil and getting soggy.
Essential Equipment for Salmon Patties
You don’t need a whole lot of fancy gadgets for these salmon patties, which is part of why I love them so much! Just a few everyday items will do the trick:
- A medium prep bowl for mixing
- A fork for flaking the salmon and combining ingredients
- Your usual measuring cups and spoons
- A good skillet for frying
- A spatula for flipping those beautiful patties
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Salmon Patties
A few little things can make a big difference when you’re making these salmon patties. Don’t stress too much, but a little attention to detail goes a long way for the best flavor and texture!
Choosing Your Salmon
I usually grab the regular canned salmon, the kind you find in the supermarket aisle. The key is to make sure it’s well-drained – nobody wants soggy patties! If yours has bones and skin, don’t skip removing them; it’s super easy to flake the salmon with a fork and just pick out those bits. If you can find boneless, skinless canned salmon, that’s a total time-saver and works like a charm!
Herb and Flavor Variations
The fresh dill and parsley really give these patties a bright, fresh taste, but if you don’t have them on hand, don’t sweat it! Dried dill works in a pinch, just use about a teaspoon. You could also swap out some of the parsley for fresh chives or even a little bit of fresh cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous. For a little extra kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be fun too!
Serving Suggestions for Your Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are so versatile, you can serve them with just about anything! My favorite way is with a dollop of cool tzatziki sauce – it’s so refreshing. A creamy remoulade sauce is also fantastic, or you can just whip up a quick garlic mayo with a squeeze of lemon. Seriously, any creamy, tangy sauce works wonders!
If you want to keep it super simple, a few fresh lemon wedges on the side are a must for that extra zing. They’re also great served over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal, or alongside some roasted asparagus or sweet potato fries. They really are the star of the show, no matter what you pair them with!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon Patties
So, you’ve got some delicious salmon patties leftover? Lucky you! They’re almost as good the next day. Once they’ve cooled down completely, the best way to keep them fresh is to pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay nice in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Don’t leave them out on the counter for too long, though!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you’ve got a couple of great options. For that lovely crispness, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat with just a tiny bit of oil. You could also pop them on a baking sheet in a moderate oven for about 10 minutes. Either way, they’ll be delicious!
| Storage Method | Timeframe | Reheating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container in refrigerator | 2-3 days | Gentle reheating in a skillet or oven |
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Patties
Got questions about these yummy salmon patties? I’ve got answers! People often ask about making them ahead or what to serve them with. Let’s dive in!
Can I make salmon patties ahead of time?
You totally can! You can mix up the salmon patty mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day before you plan to cook them. Just form them into patties right before frying. Or, if you’ve already cooked them, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them gently, and they’re almost as good as fresh!
What is the best sauce for salmon patties?
Oh, the sauce is key! My personal favorite is a simple garlic aioli or a creamy dill sauce. Tzatziki sauce is also fantastic because it’s so fresh and cool. A classic remoulade or even just a good quality tartar sauce works wonders too. Really, anything creamy and a little tangy will be delicious!
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes, you absolutely can bake them! If you prefer not to fry, just pop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the pan-fried version, but they’re still super tasty and a bit healthier!
Nutritional Information for Salmon Patties
Okay, so when we’re talking about nutrition for these amazing salmon patties, remember these numbers are just estimates! They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and, of course, how much you eat. But generally, you’re looking at a pretty balanced little meal here. They’re packed with protein from the salmon, which is fantastic for keeping you full. The fats are mostly good unsaturated ones, and while there’s some sodium, it’s usually moderate. It’s a great option if you’re trying to keep things healthy without sacrificing flavor!
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Fat | Moderate |
| Saturated Fat | Low |
| Unsaturated Fat | Moderate |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | Low |
| Fiber | Low |
| Protein | High |
| Cholesterol | Moderate |
| Sugar | Low |
| Sodium | Moderate |
Amazing 15-Min Salmon Patties
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Easy and delicious salmon patties perfect for a quick meal. These are pan-fried until golden brown and served with your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain the salmon and add it to a medium prep bowl. Flake the salmon with a fork. If your salmon isn’t boneless/skinless, mash the pieces or pick those pieces out.
- Add the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil to the bowl and mix gently.
- Form into 6 patties about 1/2″ thick.
- Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Heat the pan for a few minutes, then fry the patties in two batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned on both sides. Add more oil if needed for the second batch.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use canned boneless, skinless salmon for ease. If using salmon with bones and skin, remove them before flaking.
- Serve with tzatziki, remoulade sauce, or a garlicky mayo/aioli. Lemon wedges are a great addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American