Easy Canned Salmon Patties combine tender salmon with crisp green onion and celery for a delicious, filling dinner. The bread crumbs bind the patties together, while the mayonnaise and egg give them moisture and richness, ensuring their texture is spot-on.
Once formed, the patties are fried in butter, which deepens their flavor and gives them a golden, crispy outside. They’re a delightful companion to boiled potatoes, a hard-boiled egg and cream gravy, a comfort-food classic. Some lemon juice and a hit of dill give the patties a bright, pungent finish that balances the savory notes.
Serve with candied crunchy dill pickles for sweetness and crunch — perfect for an effective, balanced meal.
Why You Will Love These Canned Salmon Patties:
Convenient: Canned salmon makes this a fast and easy dinner on busy nights. With just a little prep and cooking, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
Asterisk: Those cost-effective foods are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and many other essential nutrients. Combined with modest ingredients, these patties are budget friendly and packed with nutrients.
Maintenance and Add-Ons: You can leave these patties as a meal, sandwich, or salad topping. And they’re simple to season with your choice of herbs and spices.
Perfectly Crispy: The butter fried patties get a golden crispy crust on the outside, an extremely juicy and flavorful inside so you get crunch in every bite!
Key Ingredients:
Salmon in a Can: Salmon is a great source of nutrients, and it comes in a very convenient packaging. It is important to drain it well and remove skin or bones if you want. For a smoother texture, you can also use skinless, boneless canned salmon.
ADD BREAD CRUMBS: You can use bread crumbs to bind the patties and hold them together. Regular or panko bread crumbs will work; panko will give you a little added crunch.
Green Onions: Green onions provide a light, mellow onion flavor without taking over the salmon. Dice them finely enough to disperse the flavor throughout the dish or mashed potato.
Celery: Brings some crunch and freshness which cuts the richness of the salmon. Be sure to chop it finely for an even texture.
Mayonnaise: In addition to contributing to creamy texture, mayonnaise adds moisture and keeps the patties tender in the middle. You could use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Egg: A binder that helps the patties stay together during cooking.
Butter: Butter creates an irresistible golden crust on these patties. You can use oil as well, but butter provides the best flavor.
Lemon And Dill: The lemon provides brightness, and dill is an classic herb that matches the flavor of the salmon. These garnishes brighten freshness and add color pop.
The full ingredient list with amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page
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Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon
Drain: Open the salmon can and drain well. Get rid of any bones and skin for a smoother texture.
Mix Ingredients
Mix: In a big bowl, combine prepared salmon, bread crumbs, green onions, chopped celery, mayonnaise and beaten egg.
Combine Well: Mix until all ingredients are well combined to a uniform batter.
Form Patties
Form Patties: With a measuring cup, scoop about a quarter of the mixture and shape each into a patty. You can eat these right away, or keep them as salmon burgers for the following day.
Cook the Patties
When you are ready, first melt a little butter in a large sauté pan over low heat.
Use your hands to form the patties, then add into the pan and cook medium heat until golden on both sides and heated through, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Serve
Serve with Sides: Serve the patties with boiled and diced potatoes, a hard-boiled egg, cream gravy and candied crunchy dill pickles for a meal.
Garnish: Dust the patties with a little dill seed and drizzle with a small amount of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions:
These salmon patties are wonderful as is, but here are some ideas to take the meal a notch higher:
Creamy Dip: Serve with a creamy dip — tartar sauce, dill aioli or a lemony yogurt sauce.
On a Salad: Arranged over a salad of mixed greens, cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a light, healthy meal.
In a Sandwich or Wrap: Turn them into salmon patty sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and a smear of mayo or Dijon mustard spread on a bun or wrap.
With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside fully roasted or steamed veggies, such as asparagus, green beans, or roasted sweet potatoes, for a balanced meal.
This is my go-to dish for a lunch or dinner, and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
These salmon patties are perfect for meal prep and later storage!
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat a few minutes on each side to keep them crispy or in the microwave for a fast option.
Freezing
Uncooked patties can be frozen for easy meal prep. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and then move them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as instructed.
Reheating
Heat leftover patties in a skillet for the best texture, or microwave if you’re in a hurry. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations to Try:
More: This recipe is so versatile and easy to modify. Here are some ways to change it up:
Spicy Salmon Patties
For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño to the mixture.
Lemon Herb Salmon Patties
Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs: parsley, dill or chives for flavor and a touch of brightness.
Mediterranean Salmon Patties
For a Mediterranean-inspired twist, mix in diced olives, crumbled feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Try serving with tzatziki sauce for a flavorful pair.
Cheesy Salmon Patties
Fold in 1/4 cup shredded cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan for a lush, umami flavor and extra gooey texture.
Low-Carb Salmon Patties
Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs to make these patties low-carb and keto-approved.
Conclusion:
Canned Salmon Patties are a great way to get a quick, delicious and nutritious meal. These patty, with their crispy golden exterior and tender savory inside, will always be a hit in front of the dinner table. This easy recipe can be served alongside salad, tucked into a sandwich, or served with classic sides, such as potatoes and pickles, making it a versatile, tasty choice for any night of the week.
So open up a can of salmon and grab some dried herbs, and make this easy, delicious dish that takes minutes to prepare.
Canned Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 1 can salmon 14.75 oz can, drained and cleaned
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg beaten
- 4 tablespoons butter for frying
- 1 lemon for garnish
- 1 dill for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the can of salmon thoroughly. Remove any skin and bones if a smoother texture is preferred.
- In a large bowl, combine the salmon, bread crumbs, green onions, celery, mayonnaise, and beaten egg. Stir until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape each into a patty. Set aside.
- In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.
- Plate the patties and garnish with fresh dill and a splash of lemon juice. Enjoy as-is or with a side of potatoes or salad.