Salmon patties are a beloved comfort food that have stood the test of time. This vintage recipe, made with canned salmon, offers a simple and affordable way to enjoy the rich flavors of salmon without breaking the bank. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these grandma’s old fashioned salmon patties are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a hearty breakfast.
1. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14.75 oz) can of pink or red salmon, drained
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra moistness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying (or butter for richer flavor)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet for frying
- Spatula for flipping patties
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Drain the canned salmon and remove any large bones and skin, if desired. (Some prefer to leave the small bones in as they are soft and rich in calcium.)
In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon, egg, breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), onion, parsley, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard (if using). Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet. If it’s too crumbly, add a bit more egg or mayonnaise; if it’s too wet, mix in more breadcrumbs.
Step 2. Form the Patties
Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size. Flatten them slightly to ensure even cooking.
Step 3. Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the heat by dropping a small bit of the salmon mixture into the pan – if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Step 4. Fry the Salmon Patties
Gently place the salmon patties into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the patties halfway through. Be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking them apart.
Once both sides are crispy and the patties are cooked through, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5. Serve
Serve the salmon patties warm with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. They’re delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce (tartar sauce or a lemon dill aioli works wonderfully).
2. Tips for the Best Salmon Patties
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
Chill the Patties: If your mixture feels too soft or wet, refrigerate the patties for about 15 minutes before frying. This will help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh parsley and dill add a pop of flavor and brightness to the patties.
Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying, as they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavor of the salmon.
3. Serving Suggestions
As a Main Dish: Serve the salmon patties with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Salmon Patty Sandwich: Place the patties on a hamburger bun or sandwich roll with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of tartar sauce or mayonnaise for a delicious salmon burger.
Appetizer Style: Make smaller patties and serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli.
4. Variations
Spicy Salmon Patties: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for a little kick.
Cheesy Salmon Patties: Fold in ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a cheesy twist.
Gluten-Free Salmon Patties: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: To freeze, place the cooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tuna instead of salmon?
Yes, you can substitute canned salmon with canned tuna if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but the recipe works just as well with tuna.
Can I bake the salmon patties instead of frying them?
Absolutely! To bake the patties, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Do I have to remove the bones from canned salmon?
It’s up to you. The bones in canned salmon are soft and edible, and they’re a great source of calcium. Some people prefer to remove them for texture reasons, but they’re completely safe to eat.
Now that you know how to make grandma’s old fashioned salmon patties perfectly at home. I hope that after reading this article, you can enjoy these tasty salmon patties any night of the week. Give this classic recipe a try, and enjoy the timeless flavors of a dish that’s been loved for generations.
