Quick & Easy Salmon Patties: A Delicious Weeknight Meal

Salmon patties, also known as salmon cakes, are a classic comfort food dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a tasty appetizer. This recipe focuses on simplicity and uses readily available ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying salmon patties that the whole family will love.

## Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, these patties are a lifesaver on busy evenings.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Canned salmon is an affordable protein source, making this a great economical meal.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as a main course, in sandwiches, or as appetizers.
* **Delicious:** The combination of salmon, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a flavorful and satisfying bite.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your own preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 (14.75 ounce) can of salmon, drained and flaked:** Choose wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional value. Make sure to remove any bones or skin you find. While some people don’t mind the tiny, softened bones, removing them improves the texture of the patties.
* **1/2 cup breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a nice crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will also work. Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Experiment with different types like seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
* **1/4 cup mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise acts as a binder and adds moisture and richness to the patties. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor, but be mindful of the moisture content; you may need to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs.
* **1 egg, beaten:** The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the patties. A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) can be used as a vegan alternative.
* **2 tablespoons chopped onion:** Adds a savory flavor and aroma. Finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t overpower the patties. You can substitute with green onions, shallots, or even a pinch of onion powder if you’re short on time.
* **1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried):** Adds freshness and a pop of color. Other herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro can also be used.
* **1 tablespoon lemon juice:** Brightens the flavor and helps to cut through the richness of the salmon. Lime juice can be used as a substitute.
* **1 teaspoon Dijon mustard:** Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Yellow mustard or horseradish can be used as substitutes.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a subtle spice.
* **1-2 tablespoons oil, for cooking:** Use a neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Salmon:** Open the can of salmon and drain it well. Carefully remove any bones or skin. Flake the salmon into a medium-sized bowl. This step is crucial because excess liquid will make the patties fall apart. Use a fork to gently break the salmon into smaller pieces.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, chopped onion, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the flaked salmon. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties. A gentle folding motion works best.
3. **Form the Patties:** Divide the salmon mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before forming the patties. You can also lightly dust your hands with breadcrumbs.
4. **Cook the Patties:** Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the patties from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. **Cook Time:** Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a spatula to carefully flip the patties. Avoid flipping them too early, as they may fall apart.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Remove the cooked salmon patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Salmon Patties

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the salmon mixture can result in tough patties. Mix gently until just combined.
* **Chill the Mixture:** Chilling the salmon mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming the patties can help them hold their shape better.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the patties from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Flip Too Early:** Flipping the patties too early can cause them to fall apart. Wait until they are golden brown and firm enough to handle before flipping.
* **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the salmon mixture before cooking and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or other spices as desired.
* **Keep Warm:** Keep cooked patties warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Salmon Patties:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture.
* **Lemon-Dill Salmon Patties:** Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill and the zest of one lemon to the salmon mixture.
* **Mediterranean Salmon Patties:** Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped Kalamata olives to the salmon mixture.
* **Vegetable Salmon Patties:** Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or carrots to the salmon mixture.
* **Gluten-Free Salmon Patties:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
* **Egg-Free Salmon Patties:** Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) as a substitute for the egg.
* **Different Types of Salmon:** While canned salmon is the most common and budget-friendly option, you can also use leftover cooked salmon or even fresh salmon that has been cooked and flaked.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Experiment with different fresh herbs like chives, basil, or oregano to add more flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **As a Main Course:** Serve the salmon patties with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or rice.
* **In Sandwiches:** Serve the salmon patties on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and tartar sauce.
* **As Appetizers:** Serve the salmon patties with a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or sweet chili sauce.
* **With Eggs:** Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
* **On Top of Salads:** Crumble salmon patties over a green salad for a more substantial meal.
* **With Pasta:** Break up the cooked salmon patties and toss with pasta and a cream sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Prepare the Mixture:** You can prepare the salmon mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to save time on a busy weeknight.
* **Form the Patties:** You can also form the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Freezing:** Cooked salmon patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Skillet:** Reheat the salmon patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
* **Oven:** Reheat the salmon patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the salmon patties in the microwave until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

## Nutritional Information (per patty, based on 6 patties per recipe)

* Calories: Approximately 200-250
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Salmon Patty Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 patties
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (14.75 ounce) can of salmon, drained and flaked
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 tablespoons chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1-2 tablespoons oil, for cooking

**Instructions:**

1. Open the can of salmon and drain it well. Carefully remove any bones or skin. Flake the salmon into a medium-sized bowl.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, chopped onion, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the flaked salmon. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Divide the salmon mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove the cooked salmon patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious and easy salmon patties! They are a fantastic way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet and a great alternative to more complicated meals.