Simply LaKita

  • Home
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Drinks and Cocktails
    • Snacks and Appetizers
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Instant Pot
  • Contact
  • Where Southern Comfort Food Meets Modern Flavor
  • Accessibility Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Browse Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Soul Food Classics

Published: Jun 30, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe with Canned Salmon and Breadcrumbs

Jump to Recipe
Finished salmon patties on white plate on marble surface.
Close up view of finished salmon patties on white plate.
Plate with patties on it with text overlay pin.
Two photos of finished salmon patties on a white plate with text overlay pin.
Four photos of the process to make patties on pin with text overlay.
Plate with patties on it with text overlay pin.

This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties recipe is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nostalgic Southern flavor. Made with canned pink salmon, pantry staples, and a few simple seasonings, this budget-friendly recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend breakfast.

Updated June 2025: This post was refreshed with improved tips, streamlined layout, and to better serve salmon patties made with canned salmon and breadcrumbs, just like my mom used to make. It was originally posted in April 2020.

Close up view of white plate with finished salmon patties on it on marble surface.

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! ★★★★★"

Jump to:
  • Before You Make This Recipe
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • 📖 Recipe
  • LaKita's Best Recipe Tips & Tricks
  • ​Recipe Variations 
  • Storage Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • What to Serve With Salmon Patties

Before You Make This Recipe

💬 The Vibe

These patties are all about comfort and tradition. Think weekend breakfast at grandma's house, cast iron skillet on the stove, and the smell of something savory sizzling away.

🔑 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 right in.
  • Texture is key. The mixture should hold together without being too wet or too dry. Adjust with breadcrumbs or a splash of liquid as needed.
  • Quick fry. Just 2 to 3 minutes per side in hot oil gives you that 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 the flavor is salty, savory, and bright.

Whether you're revisiting a nostalgic favorite or discovering it for the first time, this recipe delivers soul-satisfying flavor with very little fuss.

I grew up eating salmon patties on Saturday mornings alongside fried apples and biscuits. It was one of my favorite Southern comfort meals, and this version is exactly how my mom made them. Simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make salmon patties in separate bowls on marble surface.
  • 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.

📖 Recipe

Close up view of finished salmon patties on white plate.

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe

LaKita Anderson
This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is a Southern classic made with canned pink salmon, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings. Crispy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
4.73 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Video

Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 103 kcal

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. 
    Overhead view of canned salmon added to large glass mixing bowl.
  • 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.
    Egg and lemon juice added to glass mixing bowl with other patty ingredients.
  • Now it's time to form the patties into round even sized circles similar to a hamburger patty, they should look like salmon burgers.
    Salmon patties on paper towel lined plate before frying.
  • 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! 
    Close up view of finished salmon patties on white plate.

Notes

  • If the mixture is too wet add additional breadcrumbs a little at a time.
  • If the mixture is too dry add a small amount of additional lemon juice.
  • Press the mixture together to form the salmon patty to your desired size. Keep in mind, the thicker the patty the more time it will need to cook.
  • You may need to add a small amount of additional vegetable oil to the skillet while cooking the patties, this is fine.
  • Serve with a dollop of fruit preserves for a sweet and savory combination.
  • Try serving with Dijon mustard, tartar sauce, or any dipping sauce that you prefer. You may also add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce before serving as well. 
Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 157mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword easy salmon patties, salmon patties
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!
Single patty on white plate beside a fork.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get comforting new recipes from us every week!

LaKita's Best Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • Press the mixture together to form the salmon patty to your desired size. Keep in mind, the thicker the patty, the more time it will need to cook.
  • You may need to add a small amount of additional vegetable oil to the skillet while cooking the patties.
  • Serve with a dollop of fruit preserves for a sweet and savory combination.
  • Try serving with Dijon mustard, tartar sauce, or any dipping sauce that you prefer. You may also add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce before serving as well. 

​Recipe Variations 

  • Add in some lemon zest along with the lemon juice for a more intense lemon flavor that pairs well with the salmon. 
  • Along with the salt and ground black pepper, add in a little Old Bay seasoning as well for a little something extra. 
  • Use ½ cup of chopped green onions, the green and white parts, instead of the chopped onion. 
Overhead view of white plate with finished patty on it.

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

Why are my patties falling apart?

They’re likely too wet or too dry. Add more breadcrumbs if too wet or a splash of lemon juice if too dry.

Can I use something other than breadcrumbs?

Yes! Crushed saltines or Ritz crackers work well.

Can I bake or air fry them?

Sure! Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Can I use fresh salmon?

You can, but this recipe is designed for canned salmon. It’s affordable, shelf-stable, and faster to prepare.

Close up side view of patty on white plate with fork in it.

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 
  • finished broccoli casserole in glass baking dish on marble surface
    Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe (Cheesy & Easy!)
  • close up side view of cake with a slice cut out of it
    Homemade Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe (Moist, Rich & Southern Classic)
  • Overhead view of single serving of bacon mac and cheese on white plate by a fork on grey surface.
    Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe (Extra Creamy + Cheesy)
  • Overhead view of fresh and fried okra in a white bowl on top of a cloth napkin.
    Fried Okra Recipe (Crispy Southern Classic)

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!

More Soul Food Classics

  • Overhead view of southern baked beans in large white braiser pan with serving spoon in it.
    Southern Baked Beans Recipe (Easy + Hearty)
  • Overhead view of two pieces of fried catfish on white plate topped with parsley.
    Southern Fried Catfish Recipe – Crispy & Golden with Cornmeal
  • Overhead view of finished and cut chess squares on parchment paper on marble surface.
    Chess Squares Recipe – Easy Southern Gooey Butter Bars
  • Overhead view of baked strawberry biscuits in white parchment lined baking dish.
    Homemade Strawberry Biscuits

Comments

    4.73 from 11 votes (10 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. tiptontribe says

    May 29, 2024 at 2:37 pm

    5 stars
    Literally the BEST salmon patties ever. Had to share this recipe with 5 other people!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 05, 2024 at 7:26 pm

      Thank you so much!!! Happy to hear the salmon patties were a hit 🙂

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • overhead view of white bowl of salad topped with dressing next to fork and jar of dressing
    Hibachi Ginger Dressing
  • Close up view of piece of delight on white plate with a fork.
    Best Chocolate Delight Recipe (Easy Layered Dessert)
  • Hibachi Vegetables
  • Overhead view of finished deviled eggs on white plate topped with parsley and paprika.
    Easy Deviled Eggs with Miracle Whip

Featured In

Side Dishes

  • bowl of pasta salad beside a fork
    Easy Warm Pasta Salad Recipe
  • Overhead view of bowl of lima beans with meat and a spoon in it.
    Southern Lima Beans with Smoked Turkey (Stovetop Recipe)
  • Tomato pesto in a bowl
    Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto (Bold, Tangy & Versatile)
  • Close up view of finished sweet potatoes on parchment lined sheet pan.
    How to Roast Sweet Potatoes Without Oil (Fast, Easy, & No-Fuss Method)

See more Side Dishes →

Footer

↑ back to top

as seen in:

Subscribe for weekly updates!

Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy
  • ↑ back to top

Copyright © 2025 Simply LaKita • Post may contain affiliate links.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.