This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe with Canned Salmon is a comforting, nostalgic recipe made with simple pantry ingredients and quick prep. This vintage-style dish is perfect for busy families and home cooks looking for an easy, satisfying dinner.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Air Fryer Fish Fingers or these Baked Crab Cakes with Panko.
Old-fashioned salmon patties are a well-loved dish in many households. These patties, made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, have been a go-to recipe for generations. It's quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Love this seafood recipe? Try our Cast Iron Salmon or our Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe.
Jump to:
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a versatile family meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that are often pantry staples.
Old Fashioned Salmon Patty Recipe Ingredients
- Canned Salmon: Opt for pink or red salmon for a rich flavor and texture.
- Breadcrumbs: We like to use panko for extra crunch, but plain or seasoned breadcrumbs can be used as well.
- Red Pepper and Shallot: Finely diced to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green Onion: Adds a mild, fresh taste.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic spice blend that enhances the seafood flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
- Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard: For a slight tanginess that complements the salmon.
- Egg and Mayonnaise: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the patties moist.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, citrusy note.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
About Canned Salmon and Bones
- Benefits: The soft bones in canned salmon are rich in calcium.
- Texture and Taste: These bones are softened and blend into the mixture. They are usually unnoticeable once cooked.
- Removing Bones: Remove larger bones by flaking the salmon with a fork before mixing.
- Safety: If you are serving the patties to small children or elderly with chewing difficulties, remove all bones for added safety.
Substitutions & Variations
- Breadcrumbs: Swap with crushed saltine crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Dijon Mustard: Substitute with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard.
- Diet: Use low-fat mayonnaise and whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier version.
- Flavor: Add chopped dill or capers for extra flavor.
- Spice: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
How to Make Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon
Step One: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the canned salmon and a small amount of liquid with breadcrumbs, red pepper, shallot, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, beaten egg, paprika, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly until well combined, adding more breadcrumbs if needed.
Step Two: Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into 6 or 7 equal-sized patties, about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and hold together well during frying.
Optional: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help patties hold their shape.
Step Three: Cook the Patties
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon patties in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step Four: Serve the Patties
Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces like tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet. If too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise.
✔️ DO Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to prevent sticking.
✔️ DO Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking so patties can hold their shape.
❌ DO NOT Overmix. Overworking will lead to tougher patties.
Storage
Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to maintain their crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. To do this, cook the fresh salmon first, let it cool, then flake it into small pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the seasoning and moisture content since fresh salmon doesn't contain the same amount of liquid as canned salmon.
Old fashioned salmon patties pair well with a variety of side dishes. Popular options include coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a classic touch, serve them with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
To prevent salmon patties from falling apart, the mixture has the right balance of moisture and binders. The egg and mayonnaise in the recipe act as binders, while breadcrumbs help absorb excess moisture. Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape.
More Seafood Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Did You Try This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below. Don't forget to share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. Thank you! 💛
📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties (Canned Salmon)
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 14.75 ounces pink or red canned salmon, large bones removed lightly drained (reserving one tablespoon of liquid if needed to moisten mixture)
- ¾ to 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red pepper finely diced
- 2 tablespoons shallot finely diced
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped use both white and green parts
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- pepper to taste
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain most of the liquid from the canned salmon (reserving about 1 tablespoon). Flake it with a fork, removing any large bones. The small, soft bones are edible and will break down easily when mixed. See *Safety tip below.
- In a large bowl, combine the canned salmon and some liquid with breadcrumbs, red pepper, shallot, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, beaten egg, paprika, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, adding more breadcrumbs if needed.
- Form the mixture into 6 or 7 equal-sized patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon patties in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and drain them on paper towels or a wire rack. Serve hot with flaky salt and lemon wedges.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Video
Notes
- Breadcrumbs: Swap with plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, crushed saltine crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dijon Mustard: Substitute with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard.
Jami Powell says
Great weeknight meal!