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The other afternoon I found myself standing in front of the pantry with the door wide open, doing that familiar stare. You know the one. Not quite dinner time yet, but close enough that you should probably have a plan. I saw a can of salmon, a box of cornmeal shoved way in the back, and one last bell pepper rolling around in the fridge drawer like it was waiting for instructions.

And that’s how dinner started.

There’s something kind of comforting about those nights. No grand ideas, no special ingredients, just making do and hoping it turns out tasty. Most of the time, it does. And sometimes — if you’re lucky — it turns into one of those meals you keep coming back to, not because it’s fancy, but because it just works.

These salmon patties are exactly that. Simple, a little old-school, and surprisingly satisfying. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory in the middle, and full of that cozy, familiar flavor that feels like it’s been around forever. The cornmeal gives them that little crunch that makes you want to go back for another bite, and the onion and pepper keep everything from feeling dry or heavy.

It’s not flashy food. It’s good food. And most nights, that’s what I’m after.

Why I Keep Coming Back to These

I’ve made these more times than I can count, and here’s why they never get old around here:

They’re made from things I usually already have
They come together fast, even when I’m tired
They’re just as good for lunch the next day
You can dress them up or keep them plain
Everyone seems to like them, even the picky ones

And let’s be honest for a second — it feels pretty good when dinner doesn’t require a second trip to the store. That alone earns a recipe some extra points in my book.

Let’s Talk Ingredients (Nothing Complicated, Promise)

This is one of those recipes where the measurements are helpful, but your eyes and hands matter just as much. Some days the mixture needs a little more help holding together, and some days it doesn’t. That’s just cooking.

Canned Salmon

I usually grab pink salmon because it’s easy to find and easy on the budget. You’ll probably see some bones and skin in there. Totally normal. The bones are soft and safe to eat, but if the idea bothers you, just pick out the bigger pieces. I do a quick once-over and move on with my life.

Cornmeal

This is what gives you that nice little crunch on the outside. Not a thick crust, just enough texture to keep things interesting. Yellow or white both work. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use more bread, but you’ll miss that Southern snap just a bit.

Onion and Bell Pepper

They add flavor and keep the patties moist. I chop them pretty small so they blend right in. If all you’ve got is a different color pepper, use it. This is not the time to be precious about produce.

Bread and Flour

The bread helps bind everything without making it dense. Just tear it up with your hands — no need to get fancy. The flour is your backup plan. If the mixture feels too loose, sprinkle some in. Easy.

The Flavor Makers

Worcestershire sauce, a little hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Nothing wild, just enough to make the salmon taste like it got some attention.

And yes, mayonnaise. Not a ton, just enough to keep the inside tender. You won’t taste it, I promise.

How It All Comes Together

This is not a fussy process. If you can stir and shape, you’re good to go.

First Things First

Drain the salmon really well and put it in a bowl. Flake it up with a fork. This is where I pull out any big bones I spot, mostly because I know someone at my table will find them if I don’t.

Build the Mixture

Add your eggs, onion, bell pepper, cornmeal, bread, and all the seasonings. Stir gently. You’re not making meatloaf here, so don’t mash it into submission.

Check the Feel

Scoop up a little and see if it holds together. If it feels wet and floppy, add a bit of flour. A tablespoon at a time. Stir, check again, repeat if needed.

You want it to hold its shape without feeling stiff.

Shape and Heat

Form four patties and set them aside while your skillet heats up. Medium heat is your friend here. Too hot and they’ll brown before the middle warms through. Too low and they’ll soak up oil.

Fry Until Golden

Lay them in gently and let them be. Don’t poke, don’t press, don’t rush. After a few minutes, when the edges look set and the bottom is nicely browned, flip them and do the same on the other side.

This is where the magic happens, so let it happen.

Drain and Eat

Set them on paper towels for a minute, then move them straight to plates while they’re hot. That crispy edge waits for no one.

How We Eat Them Around Here

Most often, these land on a plate with whatever sides are easiest. I’m not above serving them with a scoop of coleslaw from the deli and calling it a day.

Sometimes they go into sandwiches with lettuce and tartar sauce. Other nights, they sit next to scrambled eggs and sliced tomatoes for an easy supper that feels like breakfast-for-dinner, which I will never get tired of.

If I’m feeling extra homey, I’ll make grits. Not fancy grits. Just regular, buttery grits, and suddenly the whole meal feels like something your grandma would nod approvingly at.

When You Feel Like Switching Things Up

Once you’ve made these a couple of times, you start wanting to play with them a little. Totally normal.

Add lemon and dill for a lighter, brighter feel
Stir in parsley and capers for something a little different
Kick up the heat if your crowd likes spice
Keep it plain when kids are involved and save the hot sauce for the table

I’ve even tossed leftover patties onto salads and called it lunch. No regrets.

About Those Leftovers

If you’ve got extras, they keep well in the fridge for a few days. I reheat them in a skillet when I can, because that brings the crust back to life. The oven works too if you’re warming several at once.

They also freeze nicely. I like to freeze them flat first, then stash them in a bag. That way I can grab just what I need later, which feels very responsible, even if the rest of my freezer says otherwise.

A Little Real Talk Before You Go

This isn’t a show-off recipe. It’s not meant to impress dinner guests or rack up social media likes. It’s meant to feed people, quietly and kindly, with what you already have on hand.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

So if your pantry is looking a little bare and dinner is creeping up on you, I hope you remember these salmon patties. They’ve saved more than a few of my evenings, and I have a feeling they might do the same for you.

If you make them, tell me how you served them. Or if you changed something, I want to hear about that too. Recipes like this are meant to be lived in, not followed like rules.

Now go see what’s in your pantry. You might be closer to dinner than you think