Delicious and Easy Potato Salmon Patties: A Recipe for a Quick and Healthy Meal

Potato salmon patties are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a tasty appetizer. They combine the heartiness of potatoes with the rich flavor and health benefits of salmon, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating perfect potato salmon patties every time, along with helpful tips and variations to suit your taste.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, while potatoes provide carbohydrates and fiber.
* **Versatile:** These patties can be served in various ways – as a main course, in a sandwich, on top of a salad, or as a snack.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Salmon patties are a great way to use canned salmon, making them an affordable meal option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon:** 1 (14.75 ounce) can of salmon, drained and bones removed (or about 12 ounces cooked fresh or frozen salmon, flaked)
* **Potatoes:** 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cooked
* **Egg:** 1 large, lightly beaten
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
* **Onion:** 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives (or a combination)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Olive Oil or Cooking Spray:** For cooking

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Mixing Bowl
* Potato Masher or Fork
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Skillet or Frying Pan
* Spatula
* Plate lined with paper towels

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Potatoes

* **Peel and Boil:** Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
* **Drain and Mash:** Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
* **Cool Slightly:** Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to handle and prevent the egg from cooking when you add it.

### 2. Prepare the Salmon

* **Drain the Salmon:** If using canned salmon, drain it well in a colander. Remove any bones and skin. You can leave some of the skin if you like the flavor and texture, but most people prefer to remove it.
* **Flake the Salmon:** Gently flake the salmon into smaller pieces using a fork. Be careful not to over-mash it.

* **If Using Fresh or Frozen Salmon:** Cook your salmon as desired, whether baking, pan-frying, or grilling. Make sure it’s fully cooked, then flake it into smaller pieces with a fork, removing any skin or bones. Let it cool slightly before adding to the potatoes.

### 3. Combine the Ingredients

* **In a Large Bowl:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled mashed potatoes, flaked salmon, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, fresh herbs, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* **Mix Gently:** Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to your liking.

### 4. Form the Patties

* **Divide the Mixture:** Divide the salmon potato mixture into 6-8 equal portions.
* **Shape the Patties:** Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
* **Chill (Optional):** For firmer patties, place the formed patties on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape better during cooking. However, this step is not necessary if you’re short on time.

### 5. Cook the Patties

* **Heat the Skillet:** Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
* **Cook the Patties:** Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. You can gently press down on the patties with a spatula while they are cooking to ensure even browning.
* **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy

* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the potato salmon patties immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
* **Garnish:** Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of your favorite sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious ways to serve your potato salmon patties:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or roasted asparagus.
* **In a Sandwich:** Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or lemon-dill sauce.
* **On Top of a Salad:** Crumble the patties over a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller patties with a dipping sauce for a party appetizer.
* **With Eggs:** Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

## Tips for Perfect Potato Salmon Patties

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the ingredients can make the patties tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
* **Use Cold Potatoes:** Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before mixing in the other ingredients. This will prevent the egg from cooking and help the patties hold their shape.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cooking the patties in batches ensures that they brown evenly and get crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in soggy patties.
* **Adjust the Breadcrumbs:** If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor to the patties. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Chill the Patties:** Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the pan.
* **Control the Heat:** Maintain a consistent medium heat to ensure that the patties cook evenly and don’t burn.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Types of Salmon:** Use fresh, frozen, or canned salmon. You can also use smoked salmon for a more intense flavor.
* **Different Types of Potatoes:** While Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Russet or red potatoes.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the mixture, such as diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Ensure the breadcrumbs are dairy-free and omit the Dijon mustard or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
* **Add Cheese:** Mix in shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, for extra flavor.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store cooked potato salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Uncooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave. For crispy patties, reheat them in a skillet or oven.
* **Freezing:** Freeze cooked patties individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per patty)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 8-12g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 2-3g

*Note: Nutrition information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Potato salmon patties are a delicious, easy, and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy. With this recipe, you can create perfect patties every time, and you can customize them to your liking with different variations and substitutions. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish is. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, potato salmon patties are a fantastic choice.