Homemade Salmon Patties with Creamy Peas Sauce

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, we are exploring a timeless, hearty dish that embodies comfort, nostalgia, and culinary simplicity—Trixie’s Salmon Patties with Creamed Peas. This recipe, rooted in family tradition, combines tender, flavorful salmon patties with a luscious, creamy pea sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The dish is a testament to the beauty of home cooking: inexpensive ingredients transformed into a wholesome feast that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic meal or a new go-to for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is designed to deliver both flavor and warmth in just about 20 minutes. As always, we encourage you to read through the entire detailed guide to maximize your cooking experience and enjoy every step of this delicious journey, brought to you exclusively by Love With Recipes.

Time

Needed Equipment

Essential Tools

• Medium mixing bowls (for preparing the salmon mixture and creamed peas)
• Measuring spoons (for onion powder, poultry seasoning, and other seasonings)
• Measuring cups (for milk, peas, and other liquids)
• Can opener (for the salmon can)
• Fork or fork-tine masher (to flake the salmon)
• Large fry pan or skillet (for frying the salmon patties)
• Spatula or tongs (for flipping and removing patties)
• Whisk (for making the roux and sauce)
• Saucepan (for preparing creamed peas)
• Cooking spoon or wooden spatula (for stirring the sauce)
• Plate lined with paper towels (for draining excess oil from patties)
• Oven-safe dish or tray (to keep cooked patties warm)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping onions)
• Grater (optional, if adding fresh black pepper or garnishing)

Tags

Comfort food, family recipe, quick dinner, seafood, easy meal, nostalgic dish, homemade, quick prep, hearty, family favorite

Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 servings, with each plate consisting of two salmon patties topped with a generous amount of creamed peas. For larger appetites or to serve more guests, simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly, making sure to cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure they crisp up properly.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate—this recipe involves basic cooking techniques such as frying and making a roux, but these are straightforward and manageable for home cooks with some experience. The key is to control heat and timing to achieve crisp patties and a smooth, creamy sauce.

Allergen Information

• Fish: Salmon in the patties
• Dairy: Butter, milk or half-and-half in creamed peas
• Eggs: Used in the salmon mixture
• Gluten: Flour in the sauce (can be substituted with gluten-free flour if necessary)

Dietary Preference

This dish is suitable for pescatarians and can be modified for gluten-free diets by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative. It is not vegan or vegetarian due to the fish and dairy ingredients.

Course

Main course—ideal for a satisfying dinner that can be complemented with side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Cuisine

American comfort food with influences from traditional Southern and Midwestern home cooking, emphasizing simplicity, flavor, and family-oriented dishes.

Ingredients

Ingredient List for Salmon Patties

Ingredient List for Creamed Peas

Instructions

Preparing the Salmon Patties

Begin by opening the can of salmon using a sturdy can opener. Carefully drain the liquid, which may contain brine or oil, depending on the brand. Transfer the salmon to a medium mixing bowl. Using a fork or a fork-tine masher, gently flake the salmon into small, bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove any remaining bones or skin if present, though most canned salmon is boneless and skinless, especially if labeled as “skinless, boneless.”

Next, add the beaten eggs to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The eggs serve as a binder, helping the patties hold together during frying. Incorporate the finely chopped onions—use a sharp knife to dice the onions into small, uniform pieces, which will cook evenly and blend well into the mixture. Add onion powder and poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor profile, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. These seasonings are crucial—they elevate the simple ingredients into a flavorful, aromatic patty that tastes like a homemade family recipe.

Mix everything thoroughly using clean hands or a sturdy spoon. The mixture should be cohesive enough to form into patties without falling apart. If it feels too loose, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but traditional recipes like this rely on the eggs and salmon to bind the mixture.

Shaping the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions—each about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Gently press each portion into a patty shape, around ¾ inch thick. Be sure to keep the patties uniform in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Lightly flatten the tops and sides of each patty to promote uniform browning.

Cooking the Salmon Patties

Heat a large fry pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt and become hot but not smoking. The butter helps achieve a crispy exterior and adds flavor. Carefully place the patties into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave enough space between each to allow for flipping and prevent steaming.

Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula or tongs to gently flip the patties and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Adjust the heat if necessary—if the patties are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning, and if they are not browning at all, increase the heat slightly.

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. For best results, keep the cooked patties warm in a low-temperature oven while preparing the creamed peas, ensuring they stay crispy and warm until serving.

Making the Creamed Peas

In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon. Cook the roux for about one minute, ensuring it does not brown, to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step is vital because it creates the thickening base for your sauce.

Gradually pour in the milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to bubble and thickens—this may take 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, cook a little longer to thicken.

Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, stir in the thawed and drained peas. Mix well to coat all the peas evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow the peas to heat through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—additional black pepper or a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor.

Plating and Serving

To serve, place two salmon patties on each plate, then generously spoon the creamed peas over or beside the patties. For an authentic family-style presentation, you can arrange the patties neatly and ladle the peas over the top. For added comfort, serve alongside freshly made mashed potatoes or a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired, though this dish is flavorful enough to enjoy as is.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh ingredients: While canned salmon is convenient, opting for high-quality, wild-caught salmon will improve flavor. Fresh onions and peas also make a noticeable difference.
• Control heat carefully: Medium heat is ideal for frying the patties; too high can burn the exterior before the interior cooks, while too low results in soggy patties.
• Make ahead: Prepare the salmon mixture and shape the patties in advance; keep them refrigerated until ready to fry for quicker assembly.
• Adjust seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like dill or parsley to the patties or peas for extra freshness and flavor complexity.
• Maintain oil temperature: If frying in batches, keep the butter at a consistent temperature to ensure even browning.

Nutritional Information

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to the salmon mixture or creamed peas.
• Make crispy patties: Use clarified butter or a light coating of oil in addition to butter for a crispier exterior if preferred.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute salmon with mashed chickpeas or tofu, omit eggs, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
• Freezing: Shape uncooked patties, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Fry directly from frozen for an easy make-ahead option.

Add-ons

• Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives for garnishing
• Grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan) sprinkled on top for extra richness
• Sliced lemon or lime wedges for squeezing over the patties
• Hot sauce or tartar sauce for dipping

Side Dishes

• Homemade mashed potatoes with butter and cream
• Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables (carrots, green beans, asparagus)
• Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread

Improvements and Variations

• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the salmon mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb-infused: Mix chopped fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme into the salmon mixture for added freshness.
• Cheesy twist: Incorporate shredded cheese into the patties before frying for a gooey, cheesy version.
• Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch in the sauce.

Save and Store

Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to regain crispiness. The creamed peas are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For freezing, cook the patties fully, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat by frying or baking directly from frozen for best texture.

FAQ

Can I substitute canned salmon with fresh salmon?

Yes, but cooking fresh salmon requires baking or poaching before flaking. Use about 1 cup of cooked, flaked fresh salmon for the recipe, adjusting the moisture content accordingly.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap out the regular flour in the creamed peas for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that other seasonings and ingredients are also gluten-free if necessary.

What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

You can omit it or substitute with a mix of dried herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for a similar aromatic effect.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, replace the salmon with mashed chickpeas, cooked lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegan egg replacers and plant-based milk to keep it suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Conclusion

In essence, Trixie’s Salmon Patties with Creamed Peas exemplify the joy of home-cooked comfort food. This dish combines the succulent flavors of seasoned salmon with a creamy, sweet peas sauce, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and nostalgic. Its straightforward preparation, quick cooking time, and versatility make it an excellent choice for busy evenings or when seeking to reconnect with family recipes. As you prepare this dish, remember that the key lies in quality ingredients, gentle heat control, and a touch of love—elements that transform simple components into a memorable dining experience. We hope this detailed guide inspires you to recreate this classic at home and enjoy a taste of family tradition, brought to you exclusively by Love With Recipes.

References

• American Heart Association. (2022). Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org
• USDA Food Database. (2023). Nutritional Data for Canned Salmon and Peas.