This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is a Southern classic that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of nostalgic flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like canned pink salmon and breadcrumbs, these golden patties come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend breakfast.
Updated September 2025: This post was refreshed with improved tips, streamlined layout, and FAQs to serve salmon patties just like my mom used to make, usually with hot biscuits. It was originally posted in April 2020.
Here's what a reader has to say about this recipe:
Reader Tipton, commented: "Literally the BEST salmon patties ever. Had to share this recipe with 5 other people! ★★★★★"
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I grew up eating salmon patties on Saturday mornings alongside fried apples, and this version is exactly how my mom made them. Just like my Southern Tuna Salad, this recipe proves that canned fish can be budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious.
Before You Cook
💬 The Vibe
These salmon patties are pure Southern comfort, imagine grandma's cast iron skillet sizzling on the stove and the smell of something savory filling the kitchen.
🔑 What You Gotta Know
- No need to remove the bones. The tiny bones in canned salmon are soft, edible, and full of calcium, just mash them in.
- Texture is key. The mixture should stick together without being too wet or too dry. Add more breadcrumbs if loose or a splash of lemon juice if dry.
- Quick fry. Two to three minutes per side in hot oil gives you a golden crust without drying out the patties.
🍴Best Bite Alert
That first crisp, golden bite with a dab of hot sauce or a spoonful of tartar sauce? Pure magic. The edges are crunchy, the center is tender, and every bite is salty, savory, and bright.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Canned Pink Salmon - The key ingredient and base of the salmon mixture, you will need one 14.75-ounce can of salmon instead of fresh salmon. It has a meaty texture and is perfect to keep stocked in your pantry whenever the mood hits for you to make this recipe. Feel free to use any brand you prefer, but just like my mom, I tend to always grab the Double Q. This can be easily located at your local grocery store on the shelf, usually in the same aisle as the canned tuna.
- Onion - Yellow or white, finely chopped. Avoid using red onion for this recipe. Shallots can be substituted instead.
- Parsley - Use fresh parsley to add a little herby freshness to the salmon patties. You may use either curly parsley or Italian parsley, depending on your preference. Substitute with chives, carrot tops, or celery leaves.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Simple seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Lemon Juice - Brightens and cuts through richness.
- Egg - Helps bind the patties together.
- Plain Breadcrumbs - Partnered with the egg to help absorb any excess moisture and bind the patties together to form them before frying.
- Oil - Neutral oil for pan-frying, like vegetable or avocado oil.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Expert Tips
- Forming the patties: Press the mixture together firmly. Thicker patties will need a little extra cook time, while thinner ones get crispier edges.
- Oil matters: Add more vegetable oil to the skillet between batches if needed, this keeps patties evenly golden.
- Sweet & savory twist: Try serving with a dollop of fruit preserves or apple butter for a surprising flavor combo.
- Extra flavor boost: A pinch of Old Bay or lemon zest brightens the flavor without overpowering the salmon.
- Make it your own: Swap in green onions or chives for the onion if you like a milder bite.
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Variations & Swaps
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you don't have plain breadcrumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers, saltines, or even panko for extra crunch.
- Fresh Salmon Option: While this recipe is designed for canned salmon, you can use cooked fresh salmon, just flake it and follow the same steps.
- Seasoning Upgrades: Add a teaspoon of Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika for a bold flavor twist.
- Herb Swaps: Swap parsley for fresh dill, chives, or green onions for a lighter, herby finish.
- Baked or Air Fried: For a lighter option, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes (flip halfway) or air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make these patties completely gluten-free.
📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 14.75 ounce can pink salmon
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by opening the 14.75 ounce can of pink salmon and drain off the liquid. You can discard the liquid as you will not need it for later. Place the pink salmon into a large bowl and use a fork to separate and mash it into smaller pieces.
- To the same mixing bowl, add the ½ cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Add the 1 large lightly beaten egg and stir to combine. The mixture will be slightly sticky at this point. Add the ¾ cup breadcrumbs and stir to combine. The salmon mixture should be sticking onto itself.
- Now it's time to form the patties into round even sized circles similar to a hamburger patty, they should look like salmon burgers.
- Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Once heated add the 3 tablespoons oil and allow it to heat thoroughly. Add in the patties and be sure not to crowd the pan so they cook evenly and fry up crispy. After 2 to 3 minutes, flip each patty over to the opposite side and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Carefully remove each patty from the skillet using a spatula and place it on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess oil. Continue the process with the other patties until finished.
- If you need to add more oil, then do that once you remove the patties from the skillet and before adding the next batch. Once you have cooked all of the salmon patties, serve them warm, and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked patties tightly wrapped for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're likely too wet or too dry. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels loose, or a splash of lemon juice if it's too dry. Make sure the patties are firmly pressed before frying.
Yes! Crushed saltines, Ritz crackers, or panko work great. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
You can, but this recipe is designed for canned salmon. Fresh salmon will need to be cooked and flaked first, which adds extra prep time.
Yes! You can shape the patties up to a day in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to cook. They also freeze well, just cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Classic tartar sauce is a favorite, but they're also delicious with remoulade, spicy mayo, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
What to Serve With Salmon Patties
These crispy salmon cakes go great with:
- Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
- Cheddar Herb Biscuits
- Homemade Fried Apples
- Easy Roasted Potatoes
- Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Fried Rice Recipe
Did you grow up eating salmon patties too? Let me know your family twist in the comments! If you make this recipe, tag @SimplyLaKita on Instagram or pin it to save for later.
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!
tiptontribe says
Literally the BEST salmon patties ever. Had to share this recipe with 5 other people!
LaKita says
Thank you so much!!! Happy to hear the salmon patties were a hit 🙂