Imagine a busy weeknight when you want a meal that's quick, easy, and satisfying. That's when I turn to my favorite Salmon Patties recipe. This dish brings together wholesome ingredients and bursts with flavor, making it a go-to option in my kitchen.

Salmon patties are more than just a convenient meal; they are a delicious way to enjoy fish without fuss. You can whip them up in no time, and they offer countless serving options that the whole family will love. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these patties will impress everyone around the dinner table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have these tasty patties ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like canned salmon means you can make this dish without a long shopping list.
- Flavor-Packed: A blend of sautéed onions, peppers, and seasonings delivers mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them with different sauces or sides, making for a new meal every time.
- Kid-Friendly: The soft texture and mild taste appeal to both kids and adults, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Canned salmon – 14-15 oz. This will be the main protein base for your patties.
- Olive oil – 2 Tbsp, divided. Use this for sautéing and frying for a nice crisp.
- Unsalted butter – 2 Tbsp, divided. Adds richness and flavor to the patties.
- Yellow onion – 1 medium, finely diced. Provides sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Red bell pepper – ½, seeded and diced. Adds color and a slight crunch.
- Panko bread crumbs – ½ cup. These create a light and crispy texture in the patties.
- Large egg – 1, lightly beaten. Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
- Mayonnaise – 2 Tbsp. Helps to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp. Adds a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic salt – 1 tsp. Brings out the flavors with its savory touch.
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp, freshly ground. Adds a bit of heat to the patties.
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, finely minced. Provides fresh flavor and color to the dish.
How to Make Salmon Patties
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they become golden and softened, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, sautéed pepper and onion, Panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Form the salmon mixture into patties, using about a heaping tablespoon for each one. Mold them with your hands into 2-inch wide by ⅓ to ½-inch thick patties.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
In a clean non-stick pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties in a single layer. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Drain the Patties
Carefully remove the finished patties and place them onto a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining oil, butter, and patties.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salmon patties warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Fresh Salmon Option – If you prefer to use fresh salmon, poach or grill it first, then flake and mix as directed.
✓ Keep the Patties Uniform – Make the patties consistent in size for even cooking. Use a measuring spoon for accuracy.
✓ Don’t Overcook – Keep an eye on the patties while they cook. They are done when golden brown and just cooked through to maintain moisture inside.
✓ Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add different spices like paprika or lemon zest to change up the flavor profile.
✓ Double the Recipe – Make a larger batch and freeze the extra uncooked patties. Just thaw and cook them when you're ready for a quick meal.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Serve these salmon patties with a side of tartar sauce or lemon aioli for dipping, adding some zing to each bite.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that complements the patties perfectly.
- For a twist, try adding some diced jalapeños to the mixture for a bit of heat and additional flavor.
- Top the patties with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh dill for a creamy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Patties
Yes, you can substitute canned salmon with freshly cooked salmon. Just make sure to flake it well before mixing with other ingredients.
The patties are cooked when they turn golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, just cook them fresh for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
If patties fall apart, it’s usually due to not enough binder. Make sure to add enough egg and breadcrumbs to hold everything together. Chilling the patties for 30 minutes before cooking can also help.
Salmon patties pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, quinoa salad, or baked sweet potatoes. You could also serve them on a bun for a delicious salmon burger.

Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 14-15 oz canned salmon
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ whole red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely minced
Instructions
- Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they become golden and softened, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, sautéed pepper and onion, Panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Form the salmon mixture into patties, using about a heaping tablespoon for each one. Mold them with your hands into 2-inch wide by ⅓ to ½-inch thick patties.
- In a clean non-stick pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties in a single layer. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Carefully remove the finished patties and place them onto a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining oil, butter, and patties.
- Serve the salmon patties warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon if preferred, keep patties uniform in size, do not overcook, experiment with spices, double the recipe to freeze uncooked patties.





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