
Turn basic canned salmon into crunchy, brown patties with this classic dish. These light but filling cakes mix flaky fish with fresh flavors and spices, making a cheap meal that tastes totally fancy.
When I was young, my grandma always made salmon patties. She told me that taking out the tiny bones actually lowers the calcium, so we always kept them in for better nutrition.
Smart Ingredient Picks
- Canned salmon: Go for wild-caught to get the tastiest flavor and best nutrients
- Fresh aromatics: Tiny chopped onions give the base flavor you need
- Binding agents: Fresh eggs and mayo help everything stick just right
- Breadcrumbs: Panko makes them fluffier than regular crumbs
- Seasonings: Fresh lemon cuts through the rich salmon taste
- Frying oil: Pick a plain oil that won't burn easily
Making Flawless Patties
- Salmon Preparation:
- Take off skin but keep the bones for extra nutrients and feel
- Mixture Creation:
- Mix salmon with flavorings and binders without overdoing it
- Patty Formation:
- Form into even cakes without pressing too much
- Initial Chill:
- Let patties rest in the fridge so they hold together better
- Careful Frying:
- Wait until oil looks wavy before adding patties
- Golden Finish:
- Fry until deep brown, flipping just once

I loved helping shape these patties as a kid while grandma told me stories about making them when money was tight.
Tasty Pairings
Serve with homemade tartar sauce and fresh lemon slices for the perfect combo.
Creative Twists
Throw in some fresh herbs, capers, or chopped celery for different flavors. Try rolling in panko for extra crunch.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep raw patties in the fridge up to a day. After cooking, they're best eaten within two days.
These patties are comfort food at its best - basic ingredients turned into something amazing through simple care and know-how.

Recipe FAQs
- → Could I swap canned salmon for fresh?
- Sure, use about two cups of cooked, flaked fresh salmon.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Put them in an airtight box and keep in the fridge for three days tops.
- → Can these patties be frozen?
- Absolutely, store raw or cooked in the freezer for as long as three months.
- → What pairs well with salmon cakes?
- Try some salad, roasted veggies, rice, or a dollop of tartar sauce.
- → Is baking an option instead of frying?
- Yes, bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes on each side.