The Best Crispy Salmon Patties

Ingredients

• Salmon – Instead of canned salmon, we start the recipe by roasting a salmon filet. It really is the best way to make salmon patties.
• Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise helps hold together the salmon cakes without adding too much filler.
• Dijon Mustard – Mustard adds a hint of tang to the binding agents. You can leave it out if you prefer.
• Worcestershire Sauce – The salty umami flavor you need for all seafood recipes, you can sub with fish sauce or soy sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
• Eggs – Eggs are the magic glue that holds everything together.
• Bread Crumbs – Panko bread crumbs are my favorite because they’re light and airy creating a tender salmon cake that’s not dense. If you prefer, you can also use crushed crackers, we love saltine crackers or ritz crackers for their mild flavor.
• Seasonings – kosher Salt, black pepper and parsley is all we use here but you can add your favorite seasonings to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of Old Bay Seasoning for a Maryland style flavor.

For a full list of ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Salmon Patties

No need to grab a can of salmon when you can serve your family something fresh from the sea (or seafood counter.) BUT you can also make these with canned salmon if time is short during the week. I won’t judge.

1. Preheat oven.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon on the baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Cool to room temperature.
4. When the fish is cool enough to handle, flake the roasted salmon into bite sized pieces using a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, dijon, worcestershire sauce, egg, pepper and parsley.
6. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the salmon and, carefully, fold together being careful not to break up the fish too much. Gently fold in the breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.
7. Form the salmon mixture into 6 patties and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Chill for 15-20 minutes.
8. While the salmon cakes chill, make the sauce.
9. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Add the salmon cakes and cook over medium high heat until golden. Turn the salmon cakes over with a spatula. Cook until golden brown, crispy and cooked through.

How to Make Salmon Patty Sauce

The Lemon Dill Sauce whips up in about a minute with just a handful of simple ingredients, including fresh lemon juice and fresh dill. I whisk it together in a small bowl while the salmon is roasting then pop it in the fridge until I’m ready to serve the Salmon Cakes.

These southern Salmon Patties are also fantastic with this simple Roasted Garlic Aioli or Homemade Tartar Sauce. To be honest, the sauce is best if made a bit in advance because the longer it sits the better it is…..it’s like giving it more time for all the flavors to mingle and introduce themselves.

AND the recipe for the Lemon Dill Sauce makes a ton so you’ll have some leftover to spread on just about anything you can get your hands on….like tomorrow’s tuna salad sandwich. Mmmmmhmmmm.

What are Salmon Patties?

My grandfather has a “famous” fish cake recipe that the family has adapted over time and this is my version of Grandpop’s Fish Cakes, this Easy Salmon Patties Recipe with Lemon Dill Sauce is so totally fabulous and made completely from scratch. 

Also known as Southern Salmon Croquettes or salmon cakes, they’re generally made with canned salmon, egg, panko breadcrumbs and herbs then fried until crisp. They’re a super easy option for a weeknight dinner.

If you like my crab cakes, you’ll love these salmon cakes, too. We also make our Tuna Patties in much the same way.

How To Freeze Salmon Patties

One more thing that makes these simple salmon patties even more amazing is that you can assemble them and FREEZE them in advance.

AND you don’t even have to thaw them before cooking making a weeknight dinner super snappy!!! Seriously, what’s better than a home cooked meal that comes together faster than a frozen pizza.

The answer is nothing….nothing is better than a home cooked meal that comes together faster than a frozen pizza. Right?

Serving Suggestions

Some of my favorite side dishes to serve with easy Salmon Patties are:

• Easy Scalloped Potatoes are a family favorite
• Simple, savory German Potato Salad...amazing.
• Keep it simple with Classic Coleslaw!
• Super Southern Black Eyed Pea and Corn Salad (SOOO GOOD!)
• Easy Brown Butter Peas with mint

More Easy Salmon Recipes

• Sweet Chili Orange Glazed Baked Salmon
• Easy Oven Roasted Salmon
• Salmon Nicoise Salad….this is a meal all by itself
• Sweet and Spicy Thai Salmon Flatbread
• Easy Smoked Salmon Canapes
• Miso Glazed Salmon