Salmon Patties Recipe: A Delicious, Quick, and Kid-Friendly Dish
Recipe Overview:
This Salmon Patties recipe is a nostalgic favorite, inspired by a classic dish my grandmother used to make for us, often served as a hearty breakfast or satisfying brunch. The crispy exterior, flavorful seasoning, and tender, flaky salmon inside make these patties a delicious option for any meal of the day. Whether you’re preparing for a potluck or looking for a quick, easy, and spicy dish, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Serve these golden patties with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a drizzle of hot sauce, and a side of garlic cheese grits for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Salmon (canned) | 1 can (7.5 oz) | Make sure to drain thoroughly. |
| Yellow Onion | 3/4 to 1 whole | Finely chopped, reserve 3 slivers for testing oil |
| Coarse Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1/4 tsp | Adjust for heat preference. |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 tsp | Optional, for extra heat. |
| White Pepper | 1/4 tsp | |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Egg | 1 large | To bind the ingredients. |
| Diced Pimentos | 1/4 cup | For color and flavor. |
| Lemon | 1 whole | To serve as garnish. |
| Cornmeal | 1 to 1 1/2 cups | Use more for firmer patties, less for moist patties. |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 1 tsp | Adds a unique seasoning blend. |
| Garlic Salt | 1/2 tsp | |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/4 cup | For frying (adjust as needed). |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 201.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 16.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 53.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 917.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 2.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 1.1 g |
| Protein Content | 11.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Salmon:
- Begin by draining the canned pink salmon to remove any excess liquid. Once drained, transfer the salmon into a mixing bowl.
- Carefully remove any spine pieces by halving the fish lengthwise. You may also find small bones; simply discard them as needed.
- Flake the remaining salmon with a fork, ensuring that it’s broken into small, manageable pieces for easy shaping of the patties later.
-
-
Add the Vegetables and Spices:
- To the flaked salmon, add the finely chopped yellow onion. You can use up to one whole onion, depending on your flavor preference. Reserve 3 slivers of the onion for testing the frying oil.
- Season the mixture with coarse salt, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, white pepper, and black pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the spices.
-
Incorporate the Other Ingredients:
- Mix in the garlic salt, diced pimentos, and half of the Old Bay seasoning. Continue mixing thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Crack the egg into the salmon mixture. This will help bind everything together, making it easier to form the patties later. Mix until fully incorporated.
-
Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal with the remaining Old Bay seasoning (reserve the lemon and oil). If you prefer a firmer patty, add a little extra cornmeal to the mixture; if you’d like a moister texture, use less cornmeal.
- Stir until the cornmeal and seasoning are evenly mixed, then add this cornmeal mixture to the salmon mixture.
-
Form the Patties:
- Using clean hands, take a small amount of the salmon mixture and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty shape.
- Set aside the formed patties, aiming to create about 8-10 patties from the entire batch.
-
Fry the Patties:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the bottom half of each patty. Let the oil get hot before adding the patties.
- To test if the oil is ready, drop in one of the reserved onion slivers. If it fries quickly, the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Carefully place 3-4 patties into the skillet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow for even cooking. Fry for approximately 3 minutes on the first side or until golden brown.
- Using tongs or a spatula, flip the patties and fry the second side until it’s also golden brown, about 3 minutes. After turning, cook the patties on the original side for another 20 seconds to ensure they are crispy on both sides.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
Serve:
- Serve the salmon patties hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce (Trappey’s Bull Hot Sauce is a great option for a spicy kick).
- For a truly indulgent meal, serve these patties alongside a creamy side of garlic cheese grits for a Southern-inspired treat that everyone will love.
Tips for Success:
- Salmon: You can use canned pink salmon or any other mild-flavored fish for this recipe. Make sure to drain the liquid completely, as any excess moisture can affect the texture of your patties.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to suit your heat preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne and skip the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cornmeal: The cornmeal serves as both a binding agent and a coating for the patties, giving them a crispy texture when fried. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired patty texture (more cornmeal for firmer patties, less for a more moist result).
- Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties. If the oil is too cool, the patties may absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
These Salmon Patties are perfect for a variety of occasions. They’re excellent for:
- Potlucks: They’re easy to transport, and everyone will love them.
- Brunch: Pair them with a side of creamy garlic cheese grits or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
- Quick Weeknight Meals: Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Reviews:
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Review Count: 2
Try this simple yet flavorful recipe, and you’ll see why these Salmon Patties are a staple in our family. With the crispy crust and tender, seasoned fish, they’re sure to be a hit at your next family meal or potluck.
