I still remember the first time I pan-fried golden discs of Old Fashioned Salmon Patties, the sizzle of oil ticking away as I nervously flipped my very first batch. After three rounds of tinkering—tweaking cracker ratios, refining the seasoning—I landed on a blend that yields crisp edges and tender centers every single time. The aroma of parsley and lemon lingers in the kitchen, and each bite brings a comforting nostalgia. If you love seafood classics, you might also enjoy Grilled Shrimp Recipe for a bright, complementary dish.
About Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
This recipe hails from simple pantry staples: canned salmon, crackers, and a handful of seasonings that come together in under 20 minutes. I first made these patties on a busy weeknight, aiming for a budget-friendly meal that still felt special. Over multiple tests, I realized that gently folding the mixture keeps the patties tender, while just the right fry time locks in a golden crust. They’ve become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen, perfect for any season.
- Quick prep – ready in about 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly – uses pantry staples
- Family-friendly – mild flavor kids enjoy
- Ingredient insight: canned salmon provides vitamin D and omega-3s
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Canned Salmon: The star of the show. Ensure you remove skin and bones; tip: drain thoroughly to avoid watery patties.
- Egg: Binds ingredients; tip: beat well before folding into the mixture for even coating.
- Saltine Crackers: Add structure and crunch; tip: crush to fine crumbs so they blend smoothly.
- Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and richness; tip: use full-fat for creamier texture.
- Onion: Lends savory sweetness; tip: dice very finely to distribute flavor.
- Parsley: Brightens the patties; tip: chop right before mixing to keep color vibrant.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
- In a medium bowl, flake the salmon with a fork, discarding skin and bones.
- Add onion, egg, 1/4 cup crushed crackers, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
- Form mixture into 4 patties, about 3 inches wide, pressing the remaining crackers on both sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- On my first run, the mixture felt too loose—adding an extra tablespoon of crackers fixed the texture.
- A common mistake is overcrowding the pan; cook in batches so each patty gets a crisp edge.
- For a spicy twist, stir in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño before forming patties.
- Scaling is simple: double all ingredients for a crowd, or halve for two servings without changing cook time.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side or microwave for about 1 minute. In my storage test, leftovers kept their crisp edges when reheated in the skillet—a small win on busy mornings.
Serving Suggestions
These Old Fashioned Salmon Patties pair beautifully with a crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad or some smoky Grilled Vegetables. You can also tuck them into a soft brioche bun with lettuce and tartar sauce for an easy sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when salmon patties are done? Look for a deep golden crust on each side and an internal temperature of 145°F when checked with a thermometer.
- Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? Yes—cook and flake about 8 ounces of fresh salmon, then proceed with the recipe.
- Can I bake salmon patties instead of frying? Bake at 400°F on a greased sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- How do I prevent patties from falling apart? Don’t overmix and press gently—too much handling breaks down the crackers’ binding power.
- What’s the best make-ahead tip? Form patties and chill on a baking sheet, covered, for up to 2 hours before cooking to help them hold shape.
Final Thoughts
These Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a testament to how pantry staples can shine with minimal fuss. My favorite way is to serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dollop of herby yogurt sauce. Give this classic recipe a try and let me know how your batch turns out—your kitchen’s about to smell amazing!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Grilled Shrimp Recipe – brings complementary seafood flavors
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – a refreshing side to lighten the meal
- Grilled Vegetables Recipe for Beginners – smoky veggies pairing perfectly
- Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic – hearty potatoes to round out the plate
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can salmon 15-ounce can, drained and flaked, skin and bones removed
- 0.25 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Binders & Coating
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup saltine crackers crushed, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Main Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine salmon, onion, parsley, mayonnaise, beaten egg, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the crushed crackers.
- Gently form the mixture into 4 patties, pressing the remaining crackers onto both sides to coat.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve warm.