These Southern Fried Salmon Patties are an easy way to enjoy canned salmon without sacrificing flavor! Added bell peppers, onions, and a kick of spice make each crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patty. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course with sides, like mashed potatoes or coleslaw, or as a delicious snack on its own. Easy to assemble and fry, it’s a deliciously uncomplicated meal with classic Southern charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Low-Cost: This recipe relies on canned salmon and common pantry ingredients to keep it low-cost and quick to make.
Crispy and Flavorful: The cornmeal and flour give the outside a crispy exterior, and the onion, bell pepper, and seasonings add multiple layers of flavor.
Versatile: Eat these patties as part of a main dish, as an appetizer or even in a sandwich!
Key Ingredients:
Canned Salmon: Canned pink salmon is inexpensive, nutritious and packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. You may also use fresh, cooked salmon if you have it on hand.
Cornmeal: Just a few tablespoons of cornmeal bring crunch, coating the patties in a Southern-style crust.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These give flavor, moisture and some crunch to the patties. You can use a green, red, or yellow bell pepper.
Worcestershire Sauce and Hot Sauce: Worcestershire adds a savory depth, while a few dashes of hot sauce bring a gentle heat that brings out the flavor of the salmon.
Bread and flour: Crumbled bread holds the mixture together, and a little flour thickens it if necessary.
Shortening or Oil: For frying, it is best to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
Full ingredient list with amounts and instructions is in the recipe card below
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Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon:
Drain a can of salmon very well and chip away any large bones, if you like. Use a fork to flake the salmon into a large mixing bowl.
Add Ingredients:
Then, add to the salmon 2 eggs (beaten), ¼ cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup finely chopped bell pepper, ¼ cup cornmeal, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, and black pepper to taste.
Add at least one or two crumbled slices of bread to bind the mix.
Combine and Adjust:
Add and gently fold the ingredients together until well combine. If the mixture appears too wet to hold its shape, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of flour, until the mixture thickens very slightly.
Form the Patties:
Along with inspiration, the fearlessness required to throw caution to the wind must be divided into 4 portions of salmon mixture. Form each portion into a ½-inch thick patty.
Fry the Patties:
In a large skillet, heat enough shortening or oil over medium heat to coat the bottom of the pan lightly.
Heat and fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until golden-brown/red in colour and cooked through.
Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried patties from the oil to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve warm, with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Sides: Pair with Southern-style sides such as collard greens, coleslaw or cornbread.
In a Sandwich: Serve a salmon patty on a toasted bun, with lettuce, tomato and a squirt of tartar sauce, for a substantial sandwich.
For brunch: Top with a poached egg and hash browns on the side for a savory breakfast or brunch dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Storage: Any leftover patties can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
To reheat: Place in a skillet over medium heat and reheat until warmed through and crispy or place back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: These salmon patties can be also frozen. Wrap individually in plastic (or keep them in the freezer) and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet to transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Defrost in the refrigerator before heating.
Variations:
Add Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle over some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, dill or chives, for extra flavor. A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper also gives a sneaky kick.
Lemon-Dill Patties
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon dill to the salmon mixture for a bright, fresh twist.
Gluten-Free Option
These patties can be made gluten-free peeking gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour. You can also use it as a binder too if you like almond flour.
Mediterranean-Style
Or, substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt and throw in some chopped parsley, capers and a squeeze of lemon juice for Mediterranean flair.
Conclusion:
The best Southern Fried Salmon Patties recipe you’ll find for a classic comfort food that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please. These patties are so delicious with the combination of savory salmon, crunchy cornmeal and a hint of spice. This is the perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch — and it’s bound to become a family staple. Serve up with some of your favorite Southern sides or in a great sandwich!!
Southern Fried Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 12 oz canned pink salmon drained and flaked
- 2 whole eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper chopped
- 2 tbsp yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce e.g., Texas Pete
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 slice white bread crumbled
- 1/4 cup flour added slowly, as needed for consistency
- enough to fry shortening or oil
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon and remove any large bones if desired. Flake the salmon into a large mixing bowl.
- To the salmon, add the beaten eggs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, cornmeal, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Add crumbled bread to help bind the mixture.
- Gently mix the ingredients until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add flour gradually until it thickens slightly and can hold its shape.
- Divide the salmon mixture into 4 portions and shape each into a patty about ½-inch thick.
- In a large skillet, heat enough shortening or oil over medium heat to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.