Let’s be honest—some of the best meals come from a can. And no, I’m not talking about those emergency ramen nights (we’ve all been there). I mean something delicious, satisfying, and deceptively fancy. Enter: canned salmon patties.
These beauties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—cheap, quick, and so good, you might forget you’re eating something from a can. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
- Ridiculously easy – If you can mix and shape, you can make these.
- Budget-friendly – A can of salmon costs way less than fresh, but still delivers big on taste.
- Perfectly crispy – Golden brown on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these are pantry staples, so you probably don’t even need a grocery trip. (Bonus points if you’re making these in your pajamas.)
- 1 can (14-15 oz) salmon – Drained and flaked. Pink salmon is affordable, but red salmon has a richer taste.
- 2 eggs – The glue that holds it all together.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Gives them that perfect crunch. Crushed Ritz crackers work too!
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan – Because cheese makes everything better.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped – Adds freshness and a little bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – A little acidity balances the richness of the salmon.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic belongs in everything.
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – Classic seafood seasoning. (Or just use salt and pepper.)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional) – For extra moisture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For frying these beauties to crispy perfection.
How to Make Canned Salmon Patties
Step 1: Mix It Up
Grab a big bowl and toss in your flaked salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise—it keeps the patties tender and adds a little richness.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, even-sized patties—think burger-sized but flatter. They should hold together well, but if they feel crumbly, add a little more egg or mayo.
Step 3: Heat Things Up
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), place your patties in the pan, leaving a little space between them.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully. You’re looking for a deep golden brown, crispy crust. Once both sides are beautifully golden, remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 5: Serve & Devour
These are best served hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, tartar sauce, or even a spicy aioli. Pair them with a light salad, roasted veggies, or some creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Variations & Fun Twists
- Breadcrumb Swap: No panko? Use crushed Saltines, Ritz crackers, or even almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Cheesy Goodness: A little shredded cheddar or feta mixed in takes these up a notch.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Fresh dill, parsley, or basil add a delicious touch.
How to Cook Salmon Patties Without Frying
- Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place patties on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
- Air Fryer: Spray patties with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. This method makes them extra crispy with minimal oil!
Want more easy salmon recipes? Try these:
Honey Garlic Salmon | Air Fryer Salmon | Baked Salmon in Oven
FAQs About Canned Salmon Patties
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Just cook and flake it before mixing. But canned is cheaper, easier, and works just as well.
Why won’t my patties hold together?
You may need more egg or breadcrumbs to bind them. Also, chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before frying helps.
Can I freeze salmon patties?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What are the best sauces to serve with salmon patties?
Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
What sides go well with salmon patties?
- Salmon Rice Bowls – Try this recipe!
- Roasted veggies (broccoli, green beans, or asparagus)
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- A fresh green salad with a citrus dressing
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For the crispiest results, reheat in a skillet with a little oil or pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Canned Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 1 can 14-15 oz salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture – In a large bowl, mix together the canned salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to help bind it.
- Form the Patties – Shape the mixture into small, even-sized patties (about 3 inches wide). If they feel crumbly, add a little more egg or mayo.
- Heat the Oil – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Patties – Place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between them. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy – Transfer the cooked patties onto a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Breadcrumb Substitute: Crushed crackers, almond flour (for gluten-free), or cornmeal can be used instead of panko.
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
Canned salmon patties are one of those simple, underrated meals that deserve way more love. They’re fast, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious!
. Plus, you can dress them up with fancy sauces, serve them in a sandwich, or just eat them straight off the plate (I won’t judge).
Give this recipe a shot, and let me know—are you team canned salmon, or will you always go fresh? Either way, once you try these, you might just keep a can of salmon in your pantry on purpose.
Loved this recipe? Check out my favorite salmon dishes!
Best Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce | Southern-Style Salmon Patties
