Crispy Southern Salmon Patties Recipe: A Homestyle Delight

Southern salmon patties blend coastal comfort with hearty home cooking in a dish that speaks pure Southern charm.

Crushed crackers and flaky fish create a perfect texture that melts in your mouth.

My grandmother first shared this recipe during lazy summer afternoons by her kitchen window.

Generations of Southern cooks have perfected these golden-brown delights that crisp beautifully when pan-fried.

Pantry staples come together quickly, making this an ideal weeknight meal for hungry families.

Pantry ingredients and simple techniques help you craft these delectable patties in less than thirty minutes.

Dive into this classic Southern recipe and savor a taste of traditional coastal cuisine.

Cooking Guide For Southern Salmon Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

Crumble the salmon into tiny pieces in a roomy mixing bowl. Break down any large chunks completely. Pour in the reserved salmon liquid to add extra juiciness and depth of flavor to the mixture.

Step 2: Create Binding Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten eggs
• Flour

Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and start to hold together.

Step 3: Add Delicious Seasonings

• Finely chopped onion
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir carefully to ensure seasonings are spread throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Form Perfect Patties

Craft the salmon mixture into round patties. Use your hands to shape them into uniform circles about 3 inches wide and half an inch thick. Press gently to keep the patties compact.

Step 5: Heat the Cooking Surface

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and let the oil warm up until it looks shimmery and moves like waves.

Step 6: Fry the Salmon Patties

Carefully slide the patties into the hot oil. Cook each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Move the cooked patties onto a plate lined with paper towels. Let them sit for a few minutes to drain extra oil and settle.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot salmon patties. Add a fresh lemon wedge or your favorite sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Simple Tips For Southern Salmon Patties

• Thoroughly Flake Salmon: Break down salmon completely to prevent chunky texture, using reserved liquid for extra moisture and rich flavor.
• Gently Bind Ingredients: Mix breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour carefully to create perfect patty consistency without overworking the mixture.
• Evenly Distribute Seasonings: Chop onions and parsley finely, ensuring uniform flavor throughout each salmon patty.
• Control Patty Formation: Shape uniform 3-inch patties with light pressure to maintain delicate structure and even cooking.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Use medium-high heat around 375°F for crispy golden exterior without burning, watching for oil shimmer and slight rippling.

Other Ways To Make Southern Salmon Patties

• Gluten-Free Salmon Cakes: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Salmon Patties: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and swap parsley with oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon Cakes: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and cayenne pepper to create a zesty, southern-style version.
• Low-Carb Salmon Fritters: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and omit flour for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains crispy texture.

What Goes Well With Southern Salmon Patties

• Savor Bright Citrus Companion: Pair these crispy salmon patties with a zesty lemon-dill aioli that cuts through the rich fish flavor and adds tangy brightness.
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light acidity and mineral notes complement the salmon's delicate texture.
• Balance with Crunchy Green Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with cucumber and light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the golden-brown patties.
• Enhance with Herbal Side Dish: Serve roasted asparagus with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, which echo the green notes in the salmon mixture and add nutritional balance.

Storing Southern Salmon Patties The Easy Way

• Store cooled salmon patties in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper, and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, arrange patties on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Warm patties in lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy exterior remains intact without overcooking.

Questions People Ask About Southern Salmon Patties

• How do I know if my salmon patties are cooked properly?

Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior is golden brown with a crispy texture. The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.

• Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?

Yes, canned salmon works perfectly. Just drain excess liquid and remove any large bones before mixing the ingredients.

• What if my patties are falling apart during cooking?

Ensure you’ve added enough breadcrumbs and eggs as binding agents. Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together better.

• Is it necessary to use fresh salmon or can I use frozen?

Fresh salmon provides the best flavor, but high-quality frozen salmon that’s been fully thawed works well too. Pat the salmon completely dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.

Why Folks Like Southern Salmon Patties

• Craft Quick Meal: Salmon patties offer a speedy solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious protein-packed dinner without extensive preparation.
• Master Simple Technique: Anyone can create these patties with basic cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows personal touches like adding different herbs, spices, or serving with unique sauces to match individual taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Transforms affordable salmon into a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies hunger while being kind to your wallet.

What You’ll Need For Southern Salmon Patties

• Salmon: A delicate fish that serves as the primary protein and flavor base for these patties.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps bind the salmon mixture together.
• Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent to hold the patties together.
• Flour: Adds additional binding and helps create a light, crispy exterior.

• Onion: Adds a subtle sweet and sharp flavor to complement the salmon.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the salmon mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a mild, aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the salmon.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps create a crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Lemon Wedge: Offers a bright, citrusy accent to cut through the richness of the salmon patties.

Southern Salmon Patties Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern salmon patties bring coastal comfort to kitchen tables with rustic charm. Crispy golden edges and tender flaky centers make these patties an irresistible Southern classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb salmon, fresh or canned
• 2 tbsp salmon juice or liquid from canned salmon

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Flake the salmon thoroughly in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring no large chunks remain, and incorporate the reserved salmon liquid for added moisture and flavor.
2. Integrate breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and flour into the salmon, mixing gently but thoroughly to create a cohesive binding for the patties.
3. Fold in finely diced onion, freshly chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, distributing seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Shape the salmon mixture into uniform patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, using gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F) until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
6. Carefully place salmon patties into the hot oil, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crispy exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
8. Plate the salmon patties hot, accompanied by a zesty lemon wedge or your preferred dipping sauce for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Use high-quality canned salmon with skin and bones removed for smoother texture and easier preparation.
• Drain salmon liquid carefully, reserving some to add moisture without making mixture too wet.
• Adjust breadcrumb quantity if mixture feels too loose or too compact for proper patty formation.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive diet adaptation.
• Add extra herbs like dill or chives for a more complex flavor profile.
• Check internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure salmon is fully cooked and safe to consume.
• Pat salmon dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture that could compromise patty structure.
• Experiment with alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying for a lighter preparation technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 120mg