Easy Salmon Patties Recipe: Quick, Delicious & Foolproof

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March 13, 2025

Oh, the humble salmon patty! Does that bring back memories for anyone else? I remember my Grandma making these on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the smell filling the whole house. They were always perfectly golden and so incredibly satisfying. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to whip up!

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s a step up from your everyday weeknight dinner but still simple enough for a busy schedule, you’ve stumbled upon a gem. These Easy Salmon Patties are a lifesaver when you need something delicious on the table fast!

Why You’ll Love Easy Salmon Patties

Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Easy: Simple steps, minimal ingredients, and foolproof results.
Giftable: Make a batch and freeze them for easy future meals!
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters tend to love these flavorful patties.

Ingredients

14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained: This is the star of the show! Make sure to drain it really well to avoid soggy patties.
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided: For sautéing and getting that perfect golden crust.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps with browning.
1 medium yellow onion, 1 cup, finely diced: A little bit of sweet onion flavor goes a long way.
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs: Panko gives a lovely crispiness that’s irresistible.
1 large egg, lightly beaten: Our binder to hold all those delicious ingredients together.
2 Tbsp mayonnaise: For extra moisture and a little tang.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of savory flavor.
1 tsp garlic salt (or 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder): Boosts the savory notes. If you’re watching your sodium, feel free to adjust!
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Just a touch to liven things up.
1/4 cup parsley, finely minced: For a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Easy Salmon Patties

Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your apron and let’s do this together.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

First things first, let’s get those veggies softened up. Set a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, toss in your finely diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them until they’re nice and golden brown, about 7-9 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness! Once they look tender and lovely, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 2: Mix the Magic

Now, in a large mixing bowl, gently flake your drained salmon. Add the sautéed pepper and onion mixture, Panko bread crumbs, lightly beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and that fresh chopped parsley. Give it all a good stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, we want to keep some texture!
Step 3: Form the Patties

Time to shape our delicious creation! Grab about a heaping tablespoonful of the salmon mixture at a time and gently form it into patties. Aim for about 2 inches wide and 1/3 to 1/2-inch thick. They don’t need to be perfect – rustic charm is part of the appeal!
Step 4: Get Ready to Sizzle

Grab a clean non-stick pan (this is key for easy cleanup!). Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot, shimmering a little.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully place your salmon patties into the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if needed. Let them sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. If they’re browning too fast, just turn the heat down a notch.
Step 6: Drain and Enjoy!

Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove the salmon patties to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any extra oil. Repeat with the remaining oil, butter, and salmon patties. Serve them hot and get ready for the compliments!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling creative? These salmon patties are super adaptable!

Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
Veggies: Finely chopped celery or a pinch of smoked paprika can add extra depth.
Binder: If you don’t have Panko, regular bread crumbs will work, or even crushed crackers!
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a nice kick.
Serve them up: These are fantastic on their own, in a bun like a burger, or served with a side salad. If you’re looking for more delicious main dishes, you might want to check out my Garlic Butter Steak Bites or perhaps something sweet like these Banana Bread Cake!

Tips for Success

A few little secrets to make your salmon patties absolutely perfect:

Drain that salmon REALLY well: This is probably the most important tip for firm patties.
Don’t overwork the mixture: Gently combine the ingredients for the best texture.
Medium heat is your friend: Cooking them at medium heat ensures they cook through without burning.
Prep ahead: You can mix the salmon mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just form and cook when ready!
Make it a meal: Serve with a side of homemade tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon. For other quick and easy meals, you might enjoy these Air Fryer Chicken Fries!

How to Store Easy Salmon Patties

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

Refrigerate: Once cooled, store cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, place cooled patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a skillet or the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon? Yes, you can! You’ll need to cook about 1 pound of fresh salmon first, flake it, and then proceed with the recipe.
Are salmon patties healthy? Absolutely! Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and these patties are relatively low in calories, especially when pan-fried with minimal oil.
What can I serve with salmon patties? They’re incredibly versatile! Serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even on a bun for a salmon burger.

I hope you love these Easy Salmon Patties as much as I do! They’re a family favorite for a reason. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes!