There's something incredibly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown salmon patty that takes you right back to grandma's kitchen. These old fashioned salmon patties combine simple pantry ingredients with canned salmon to create a budget-friendly meal that's both nostalgic and delicious. Whether you're looking to recreate a cherished family recipe or trying salmon patties for the first time, this classic dish delivers the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
Why You'll Love These Classic old fashioned Salmon Patties
These old fashioned salmon patties are a beloved staple of American home cooking, popularized during the Great Depression when canned salmon provided an affordable protein option. Today, they remain a practical and delicious way to incorporate seafood into your weekly meal rotation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Equipment Needed
- Grandma’s Secret to Perfectly Crispy Salmon Patties: A Love-Filled Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
- FAQ
- Bringing Tradition to Your Table: The Timeless Appeal of Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
- Related
- Pairing
- Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
the Salmon Patties:
- Cans of pink salmon, drained and bones removed
- Breadcrumbs
- Large eggs, lightly beaten
- Diced onion
- Diced celery
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Old Bay seasoning
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
the Optional Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Dill pickle relish
- Lemon juice
- Dried dill
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Drain the canned salmon and transfer it to a large bowl
- Remove any visible skin and bones (though the bones are edible and provide calcium)
- Flake the salmon with a fork until well separated
Mix the Patty Mixture
- Add breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper to the salmon
- Mix gently with your hands or a fork until well combined, being careful not to overmix
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture
Form and Cook the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil
Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl
- Whisk until well blended
- Refrigerate until ready to serve
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Layer patties between wax paper in a freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
- Extra Crispy: Roll formed patties in additional breadcrumbs before frying
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the mixture
What to Serve with These old fashioned Salmon Patties
These versatile patties pair wonderfully with:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh green salad
- Rice pilaf
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Spatula
Grandma’s Secret to Perfectly Crispy Salmon Patties: A Love-Filled Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
The secret to these old fashioned salmon patties isn’t just in the ingredients—it’s in the hands that make them. My grandmother used to say that the best recipes are not measured by teaspoons but by memories. Every Friday night, the scent of sizzling salmon and warm spices filled her tiny kitchen, a comforting embrace after a long week. She always let the mixture rest—"Patience is the magic," she’d whisper with a knowing smile.
It allowed the flavors to meld, the breadcrumbs to soak up just enough moisture, and the patties to hold together like the family that gathered around her worn wooden table. As she flipped them in her cast-iron skillet, the golden crust crackled—a promise of something crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with love. Today, every bite takes me back to those cherished evenings, where a simple dish became a family tradition, proving that sometimes, the best-kept secrets are the ones made with heart.
FAQ
What Keeps Salmon Patties from Falling Apart?
Salmon patties fall apart when there’s too much moisture or not enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs. To keep them firm, drain the salmon well, mix thoroughly, and let the mixture rest for five minutes before shaping. Cooking on medium heat with minimal flipping also helps maintain their crispy, golden-brown structure.
What Is the Best Seasoning for Salmon Patties?
The best seasoning for salmon patties enhances their natural flavor without overpowering them. Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, paprika, and fresh parsley create a delicious balance of warmth and zest. A dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika adds depth, while dill or chives bring freshness for a perfectly seasoned patty.
Do You Put Mayonnaise in Salmon Patties?
Mayonnaise isn’t a traditional ingredient in classic old fashioned salmon patties, but it can be added for extra moisture and a tender texture. If you prefer a creamy touch, mix a small amount into the patty mixture or serve it as a dipping sauce with lemon juice, dill, and relish for extra flavor.
What Is the Binding Agent for Salmon Patties?
The key binding agents in old fashioned salmon patties are eggs and breadcrumbs, which help hold the ingredients together. The eggs provide structure, while the breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture, preventing the patties from falling apart. For a gluten-free alternative, crushed pork rinds or almond flour can be used while still maintaining a firm, crispy texture.
Bringing Tradition to Your Table: The Timeless Appeal of Old Fashioned Salmon Patties
There’s a reason old fashioned salmon patties have stood the test of time—they bring comfort, nostalgia, and an irresistible crunch to every bite. Whether you're cooking them for a quick weeknight dinner or recreating a cherished family recipe, these crispy patties prove that simple ingredients can deliver unforgettable flavors. Pair them with a fresh green salad or a side of creamy coleslaw, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
And if you’re in the mood to round out your dinner with something sweet, don’t miss these Chocolate Chip Cupcakes—a delightful way to end your meal on a high note. Or, if you're looking for another easy and delicious dinner idea, try our crowd-pleasing Taco Ring Recipe for a fun twist on taco night.
Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about the memories we create in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and enjoy the timeless joy of homemade old fashioned salmon patties—just like grandma used to make.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 14.75 oz cans salmon drained
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs substitute with gluten-free if needed
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
For Serving
- Fresh celery stalks
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Drain salmon and flake with a fork
- Mix salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, and seasonings
- Let mixture rest 5 minutes
- Form into 6 equal patties
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat
- Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
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