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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Recipes

    Easy Salmon Patty Recipe

    Published: Jun 4, 2022 ยท Modified: Jan 6, 2025 by Christina Jolam ยท This post may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more information. ยท 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review
    stack of 3 salmon patties with creamy sauce

    Looking for a Foolproof Salmon Patty Recipe that's both nostalgic and restaurant-quality? These crispy salmon patties combine flaky salmon with fresh herbs and vegetables, all held together with the classic binding power of crushed saltine crackers. Whether you're using canned or fresh salmon, these patties come out perfectly seasoned and never dry.

    platter of salmon patties with lemon wedges and parsley.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Ready in 35 minutes (plus chilling time).
    • Works perfectly with either canned or fresh salmon.
    • Crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful center.
    • Make ahead and freezer-friendly!

    Add these to your tinned fish weeknight rotation along with Mediterranean Tuna Salad, Blackened Sardine Tacos and Mackerel Pan Bagnat.

    Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

    ingredients for recipe on a table labeled.

    Before we get into the step by step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients:

    • Salmon: Fresh cooked or canned both work great (drain canned very well).
    • Crackers: Saltines are traditional, but buttery Ritz-style crackers add rich flavor.
    • Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley, or substitute chives (use 2 teaspoons if dried).
    • Vegetables: Celery and onion are classic, but try carrots or shallots.
    • Binding: Eggs and mayo keep patties moist and hold them together.

    Full ingredient list and measurements included in printable recipe card below.

    Pro Tips for Success

    • Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes - this prevents crumbling when frying.
    • Don't skip dredging in breadcrumbs - creates the perfect crust.
    • Keep oil at medium heat - too hot will burn the outside before the middle warms through.

    Why do my salmon patties fall apart? 

    Make sure to thoroughly chill the patties and don't flip them too early when cooking.

    Can I bake these instead of frying? 

    Yes! Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes per side on a lightly oiled sheet pan.

    Can I make these ahead? 

    Form patties up to 24 hours ahead and keep chilled until ready to cook.

    Quick Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 1: Build flavors

    Saute veggies until tender.

    Step 2: Mix salmon patties

    Mix salmon with crackers, eggs, and seasonings

    egg mixture poured into bowl with flaked salmon, saltine cracker crumbs and vegetables

    Step 3: Form and chill patties

    6 large fish patties, shaped and dusted in breadcrumbs on a platter

    Step 4: Pan-fry until golden brown

    3 salmon patties cooking in a skillet.

    4. Garnish and serve

    Once cooked, move each batch to a rimmed baking sheet and keep in a 200โ„‰ oven until all the salmon patties are cooked and ready to serve.

    finished recipe on a platter and served with lemon dill sauce
    salmon patties on a platter served with a small dish of lemon dill sauce.

    Serve homemade salmon patties with lemon wedges and Tartar Sauce or Lemon Dill Salmon Patty Sauce.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    three patties stacked with a spoonful of creamy sauce on top

    Easy Salmon Patty Recipe


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Christina Jolam
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 6-7 patties
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These salmon patties are crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect every time. The best salmon patty recipe!


    Ingredients

    1 cup celery, finely diced

    1 cup red onion, finely diced

    ยผ cup olive oil, divided

    2 large eggs

    2 tablespoons mayonnaise

    2 tablespoons fresh dill

    2 tablespoons fresh parsley

    1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

    Zest of 1 lemon (cut and serve lemon wedges with salmon patties)

    36 crushed saltines

    2 cups cooked, flaked salmon (from 1 pound of cooked fresh salmon, or canned salmon)

    ยฝ cup fine bread crumbs, for coating

    ยฝ teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus more to taste

    ยฝ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste


    Instructions

    1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced celery and onion to the hot oil. Season with ยฝ teaspoon salt and pepper. Sautรฉ 4-5 minutes, until tender. Transfer the sautรฉed vegetables to a small bowl and set aside until cooled to room temperature.
    2. In the meantime, combine eggs, mayonnaise, fresh dill and parsley, Dijon and lemon zest in a large bowl. Mix well. Add 2 cups of flaked salmon, saltine cracker crumbs and cooled sautรฉed vegetables to the seasoned egg mixture. Mix gently until combined. Use โ…“ cup measuring cup to shape patties, then lightly dredge top and bottom in the fine breadcrumbs. Place patties on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Fry patties gently for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Once each patty is cooked, move it to a rimmed baking sheet and keep in a 200โ„‰ oven until all patties are cooked and ready to serve.

    4. Garnish with lemon wedges and easy salmon patty sauceย 

    Notes

    • Storage: Cooked patties keep 3 days refrigerated
    • Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties up to 3 months
    • Make Ahead: Form patties 24 hours before cooking
    • Yield: Makes 6 patties (โ…“ cup each)
    • Reheating: Warm in 350ยฐF oven for 10 minutes
    • Prep Time: 15
    • Cook Time: 20
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American, Seafood

    Ready to make this recipe?

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    About Christina Jolam

    Christina Jolam is a fish-forward recipe developer, photographer, and food writer. She creates easy and impressive seafood-focused recipes that home chefs of all levels can make and share. Her recipes and seafood expertise have been featured on CNNHealth, MSN, Pip and Ebby, Savoring the Good, Eat Blog Talk and more. She spends most of her time in a seaside village in Portugal with her adventure-loving husband, Ramesh.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anton D.

      June 13, 2022 at 10:18 am

      YUMMY! I am making this one tonight! Those pictures themselves made me hungry. Great job!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Easy Salmon Patty Sauce - Weekday Pescatarian says:
      June 4, 2022 at 11:38 pm

      […] this easy salmon patty sauce if my Homemade Salmon Patties are on the menu this week. You will not regret whipping up this 5 minute sauce to serve alongside […]

      Reply
    2. Napa Cabbage Slaw - Weekday Pescatarian says:
      June 26, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      […] Looking for more slaw-friendly fish recipes? Make Classic Salmon Patties next! […]

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    3. Blackened Grouper Sandwich - Pan Seared Fish Sandwich Recipe says:
      June 27, 2022 at 10:35 am

      […] Homemade Salmon Patties with Crackers […]

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Christina! Here at Weekday Pescatarian, youโ€™ll find delicious seafood recipes, tips for adding more fish to your diet, and a little about my life as an American living in Portugal.

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