Best Easy Salmon Patties Recipe for Quick Weeknight

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties

Get ready to fall head over heels for these incredible Salmon Patties! They’re not just a meal; they’re a revelation. Here are four irresistible reasons why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Effortlessly Delicious & Quick: Forget complicated recipes! These Salmon Patties are a breeze to whip up, taking less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but quick.
2. Healthy & Wholesome Goodness: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the salmon and olive oil, these patties are a guilt-free indulgence. They’re low-carb, nutrient-rich, and genuinely satisfying, making them ideal for a balanced lifestyle.
3. Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Thanks to the zesty lemon, aromatic parsley, and a hint of mustard, these Salmon Patties burst with fresh, vibrant flavors. They’re juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside – a true treat for your taste buds!
4. Versatile & Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or sophisticated palates, these Salmon Patties are a winner. They’re incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of sides, making mealtime exciting and adaptable for everyone.

Ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner that’s both exciting AND healthy? Well, wonder no more! We’ve got a superstar recipe that’s about to change your weeknight routine forever: these utterly delightful, incredibly easy, and ridiculously flavorful Salmon Patties! Forget bland, dry fish cakes – we’re talking about juicy, tender, zesty wonders that will have everyone asking for seconds. Seriously, these aren’t just good; they’re “did-you-just-order-from-a-fancy-restaurant?” good, but made right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share your meal) with these amazing Salmon Patties!

Ingredients for Your Perfect Salmon Patties

Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create these fantastic Salmon Patties. Freshness is key for that vibrant flavor!

• 🧴 4 tbsp Olive oil
• 🐟 14.75 oz Canned Pink salmon, drained (418g)
• 🧂 1 tsp Mustard powder
• 🍋 1 tsp Lemon Zest
• 🍋 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 🌿 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
• 🧅 2 Green Onions (finely chopped)
• 🥚 1 large Egg
• 🧂 1/2 tsp Salt
• 🧂 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
• 🍋 4 lemon wedges (for serving)

Detailed Steps: How to Make Your Own Salmon Patties

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create your golden-brown, zesty Salmon Patties.

1. Prepare the Salmon: First things first, grab your canned pink salmon and drain it super thoroughly. You want to get as much liquid out as possible. Transfer the drained salmon to a large mixing bowl. Now, take a fork and gently mash it. While you’re mashing, keep an eye out for any visible bones and remove them – though often, they’re soft enough to mash right in.
2. Combine the Flavors: To your mashed salmon, add the beaten large egg, mustard powder, zesty lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, and finely chopped green onions. Don’t forget the seasonings: sprinkle in the salt and ground black pepper.
3. Mix Gently: With a light hand, mix all the ingredients together until they are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender patty, not a tough one!
4. Shape the Patties: Divide your salmon mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. They should hold together nicely.
5. Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers, but not smoking.
6. Cook to Golden Perfection: Carefully place your Salmon Patties into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip and Finish: Gently flip each patty and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until that side is also golden brown and the patties are heated through.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer your glorious Salmon Patties to plates. Serve them piping hot with those fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of zest! Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Salmon Patties

These versatile Salmon Patties are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some fabulous ideas to elevate your serving game:

• Classic & Simple: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential! Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or a side of steamed asparagus for a healthy and elegant meal.
• Burger Style: Transform your patties into delicious sliders or full-sized burgers! Place them on toasted brioche buns or lettuce wraps with a dollop of tartar sauce, a slice of tomato, and some crisp lettuce.
• With a Dip: Offer a variety of dipping sauces. A creamy dill sauce, a spicy aioli, or even a simple Greek yogurt with herbs makes a fantastic accompaniment.
• Breakfast/Brunch Favorite: Yes, really! Serve Salmon Patties with a poached egg and a side of avocado slices for a protein-packed and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
• Bowl Power: Create a vibrant power bowl. Place a patty on a bed of quinoa or brown rice, add some roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes or broccoli), and drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Crumble the cooked patties and use them as a filling for fish tacos! Add shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of crema for a fun twist.

Storing Your Delicious Salmon Patties

Planning ahead or have leftovers? No problem! These Salmon Patties are excellent for making in advance or enjoying later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Once cooked, allow your Salmon Patties to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, but for best results, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and slightly crispy again. This helps maintain their texture.
• Freezing (Cooked): If you want to store them longer, cooked Salmon Patties freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Freezing (Uncooked): You can also freeze uncooked patties! Shape them, then flash freeze on parchment paper as described above. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge, then cook as directed.

FAQs About Salmon Patties

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
   Yes, absolutely! Cooked and flaked fresh salmon can be used. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing.
2. What if my patties are falling apart?
   This often means the mixture is too wet. You can try adding 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb) to help bind them.
3. Are there any substitutions for mustard powder?
   You can use a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a similar tangy flavor.
4. Can I bake these Salmon Patties instead of frying?
   Yes! Place patties on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. How can I make these spicier?
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick!
6. What kind of canned salmon should I use?
   Pink salmon is commonly used, but sockeye or red salmon also work well. Just ensure it’s well-drained.
7. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
   Yes, you can mix all ingredients and shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
8. Are these Salmon Patties gluten-free?
   As written, yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
9. Why do you remove bones from canned salmon?
   While canned salmon bones are often soft and edible (providing calcium!), some people prefer to remove them for texture.
10. Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
    Certainly! Finely minced bell peppers, celery, or grated zucchini (squeezed dry) can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.