Looking for a quick, budget-friendly, and delicious meal? You’ll love this homemade salmon patties recipe in minutes. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, salmon patties are perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or easy meal prep.
This recipe is simple and popular with home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
Ready in under 20 minutes
Uses pantry staples
Crispy, golden exterior
Great with fresh or canned salmon
Kid-friendly and versatile
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 6 Patties)
14–15 oz canned salmon, drained (or cooked fresh salmon)
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1–2 tablespoons oil for frying
Optional add-ins:
Lemon zest
Paprika or Old Bay seasoning
🔥 How to Make Salmon Patties (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prepare the Salmon
Drain canned salmon well
Remove skin and large bones (small bones are edible)
Flake salmon in a bowl
2️⃣ Mix the Patties
Add egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, onion, and seasonings
Mix gently until just combined
3️⃣ Shape the Patties
Form mixture into 6 equal patties
Chill for 5 minutes if mixture feels soft
4️⃣ Cook Until Golden
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy
Drain briefly on paper towels
💡 Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties
Don’t overmix—this keeps patties tender
If mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs
Use non-stick or cast-iron pan for best crust
Chill patties briefly for easier handling
🍋 Serving Suggestions
Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce
Pair with salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables
Make salmon patty sandwiches or sliders
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Flipping too early (wait until a crust forms)
Using too much oil
Overcooking (patties can dry out)
Skipping seasoning
🫙 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Freeze cooked patties up to 2 months
Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture
🌟 Final Thoughts
This homemade salmon patties recipe in minutes is a fast, flavorful solution when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Crispy, savory, and endlessly versatile, these patties are sure to become a regular on your meal rotation.