BEST Recipe for Salmon Patties from Canned Salmon
These Easy Salmon Patties use lots of dried spices and lemon zest to turn canned salmon into a flavorful, nutrient-rich weeknight meal or appetizer.
These Canned Salmon Patties are so easy!
While I’ve already shared my recipe for salmon cakes from fresh salmon, I think it’s much more common to make salmon patties with canned salmon. You know I’m quite thorough when sharing salmon recipes, so I wanted to offer this option today.
What sets my recipe apart from others is I add a lot of dried spices, as well as lemon zest, to turn a canned pantry staple into a meal that’s anything but boring.
I also cook the patties by combining both pan frying on the stovetop with baking in the oven, so the end result is nice and golden brown, cooked through, but not too dark on the outside.
Why you will love Salmon Patties from Canned Salmon
- Convenience. Canned salmon makes these patties a breeze to prepare anytime.
- Versatility. Enjoy these patties on their own, made into a sandwich, or on top of a salad.
- Nutrient-Rich. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients for Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon
- canned salmon – the foundation of these patties. Be sure to drain it well.
- egg – acts as binder that will hold all of the ingredients together.
- lemon zest – adds a bright citrus flavor.
- spices – we’ll be using onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne and ground black pepper to season the patties and give them lots of flavor.
- panko breadcrumbs – helps bind the ingredients together and gives the patties a crispy texture.
- red bell pepper – adds sweetness and a little bit of color.
- sour cream – adds moisture to the patties.
- flour – thickens and binds the patty mixture.
- olive oil – for frying the patties and giving them a crispy exterior.
How to make Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon
1. WHISK. Place the egg, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. MIX. Add the salmon, breadcrumbs, red pepper, sour cream and flour and gently mix until combined.
3. FORM. Line a small rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. Form the salmon mixture into patties. Place on the pan and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
4. FRY. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook the patties in batches until they are golden brown on both sides.
5. BAKE. Transfer the patties to a small rimmed baking pan (you can use the one from earlier, just remove the parchment) and transfer them to oven to finish cooking for 4 to 6 minutes.
Home Chef Tips for Easy Salmon Patties
- Customize the flavor by substituting or adding herbs and spices. You can also use Old Bay seasoning in place of the spices.
- Serve these with my dill sauce for salmon patties to take them to the next level.
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How to serve this recipe for Salmon Patties from Canned Salmon
These patties are incredibly versatile. In addition to being served on their own with side dishes as a meal, they can be served in a number of other ways:
- SANDWICH – Serve them on slider buns or English muffins with lettuce, tomato and my tartar sauce recipe.
- SALAD – Serve them over a bed of fresh greens tossed with citrus salad dressing for a light and satisfying salad.
- APPETIZER – Serve them as a party bite! If you do this, feel free to form the patties smaller to make them more bite-sized. You’ll need to reduce cooking time if you do this.
Canned Salmon Patties storage
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze leftover patties for up to 2 months.
Salmon Patties Recipe with Canned Salmon FAQs
To prevent patties from falling apart, make sure the mixture has the right balance of binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg (follow the recipe below carefully). Also, do not skip the step of chilling the patties after they are formed, as this helps them hold their shape during cooking.
While the salmon mixture for both dishes is likely very similar, the difference is in the presentation. Burgers are larger and served on buns, whereas patties are usually a bit smaller and served as a main dish or appetizer.
Yes, canned salmon is pre-cooked during the canning process.
This is rare using canned salmon, but any white stuff is coagulated protein from the salmon called albumin. It’s completely safe to eat and doesn’t affect the taste of the easy salmon patties.
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Salmon Patties from Canned Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can salmon, drained 14.75 ounces
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup minced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 1 batch Sauce for Salmon Patties for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place egg, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in large bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Add salmon, breadcrumbs, red pepper, sour cream and flour and gently mix with fork until just combined.
- Line small rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. Form salmon mixture into generous 1/4-cupful patties that about 1/2-inch thick. Place on prepared pan and chill at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In batches if necessary, add patties and cook 4 to 6 to minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Transfer patties to small rimmed baking pan (you can use the one from earlier, just remove the parchment) and transfer to oven. Bake 4 to 6 minutes or until patties reach 165 degrees F in the center. Serve with Sauce for Salmon Patties, if desired.
Notes
- Customize the flavor by substituting or adding herbs and spices. You can also use Old Bay seasoning in place of the spices.
- Serve these with my dill sauce for salmon patties to take them to the next level.
I noticed the canned salmon has bones in it…..I found a boneless canned brand….will this affect dryness or the recipe in general ?
Hi Sean – this shouldn’t affect the recipe at all. Enjoy!
Would of liked to have measurements or amount of flour pako crumbs
Hi Maria – Exact amounts of each ingredient are in the recipe card.
These salmon patties are delish. They were a huge hit with our daughter as well. Salmon is front and center. Breadcrumbs just right. Veggies add a kick.