Salmon Patty Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Perfect for Weeknight Meals

Is your dinner routine feeling stuck in a rut? Discover how to transform simple salmon into restaurant-quality patties with this foolproof recipe. These Salmon Patty are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? This Salmon Patty recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the complicated steps. Let’s dive into creating the perfect meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious Salmon Patties:

• 1 pound boneless salmon fillet, with skin on for easier handling
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
• Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for dipping

Looking for a gluten-free alternative? Replace the flour and breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free varieties. To add some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. The fresh herbs in this recipe significantly enhance the depth of flavor.

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cook time. That’s 20% faster than standard salmon recipes, making it the perfect weeknight solution.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Pattie Mix

Start by placing the salmon fillet in a food processor or large bowl. Pulse or blend until the salmon is finely minced but still holds some texture. This ensures your patties will maintain their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Create the Bind

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a perfect binder that will hold your patties together without making them soggy.

Step 3: Combine Salmon and Bind

Add the minced salmon to the egg mixture and stir gently until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your patties tough. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties, about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 4: Season the Patties

Lightly brush both sides of the patties with oil. Season well with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. For added flavor, you can drizzle some lemon oil from the optional lemon wedges.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon Patties

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan, skin-side down first if you used it. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and flaky on the outside but still moist in the center.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Take the patties off the heat and let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and keeps them intact. Serve right away with your preferred dipping sauce.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your patties. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety. For extra crispy patties, you can double the cooking time and use less oil.

Nutritional Information

• Per serving (4 patties):
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• These Salmon Patties make for a balanced meal, especially when paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make these Salmon Patties even healthier? Here are some modifications:

• Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost the fiber content.
• Use air-popped popcorn instead of breadcrumbs for a lower-calorie crust
• Replace the oil with cooking spray to cut calories by 75%
• Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra nutrients
• Use lemon juice and herbs instead of salt for flavor enhancement

These adjustments maintain the delicious flavor while boosting the nutritional profile, making these patties suitable for various dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile Salmon Patties pair beautifully with:

1. A simple Greek yogurt dip for a tangy contrast
2. Crusty bread for mopping up the delicious pan juices
3. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
4. A refreshing side salad with lemon vinaigrette
5. Mash potatoes for an extra creamy meal
6. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish

For a complete meal, try pairing these patties with a light grain like quinoa or brown rice. The lemon zest and herbs in the recipe work especially well with Mediterranean flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are common pitfalls when making Salmon Patties and how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the batter: This leads to tough patties. Mix just until combined.
• Using too thin patties: Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness to ensure they don’t fall apart.
• Overcooking: Salmon dries out quickly. Cook just until it flakes when gently pressed.
• Not chilling the patties: Chilling for 15 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape.
• Using acidic ingredients too early: Add lemon juice or vinegar at the very end to preserve the salmon’s delicate flavor.

By following these tips, you’ll consistently achieve perfect Salmon Patties that are moist, flaky, and full of flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Make ahead and store these patties for convenience:

• Refrigerate patties for up to 24 hours before cooking. They actually taste better the next day!
• Seal tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Flash freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For reheating, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm them in a skillet or oven.
• For the best results, don’t cook more than you plan to eat at once, as they lose crispiness quickly.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term use.

Conclusion

This easy Salmon Patty recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture with minimal effort. The result is a meal that tastes far more expensive than homemade. From the simple preparation steps to the mouthwatering outcome, these patties are sure to become a family favorite.

Ready to try this recipe? Print it out and make it tonight! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Share your favorite dipping sauce combinations or serving suggestions to help others enjoy this delicious meal too!