If you have a soft spot for nostalgic home cooking and crave something comforting yet packed with flavor, you are going to absolutely love this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. These salmon patties bring together simple pantry staples in the most delightful way, yielding crispy, golden bites filled with tender, seasoned salmon. It’s a classic dish that feels like a warm hug from the past but is quick and easy enough to enjoy any day of the week. Whether for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe delivers satisfying taste with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to ensure perfect texture, moisture, and flavor — from the flaky canned salmon to the crispy saltine crackers that bind it all together.
- Pink salmon (1 can, 14.75 ounces): The star of the show — tender, flaky, and full of rich, savory goodness.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps hold the patties together without making them tough.
- Saltine crackers (10, crushed): Adds a light crunch and absorbs moisture to give perfect texture.
- Yellow mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
- Large egg (1, well beaten): Acts as a binder while adding richness.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Keeps the patties moist and tender.
- Finely diced onion (1/4 cup): Adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick of warmth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For a crispy, golden sear.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds depth, richness, and a perfect finish to the patties.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by draining your canned salmon. If you like, you can remove the skin and bones, but don’t worry if you leave them in because the bones are soft and blend into the patties without any crunch. Add the salmon to a large mixing bowl—that flaky texture is what makes these patties so irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add the flour, crushed saltines, mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, diced onion, salt, and pepper to the salmon. Stir everything together gently until just combined. This blend is where the magic begins, bringing together flavors and textures. Let the mixture rest for about five minutes — it helps everything meld together and allows the crackers to soak up the moisture.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Now get your hands involved! Scoop about a quarter cup of the mixture and shape it into a patty. You should have about eight good-sized patties. Pop these into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so they can firm up nicely, making them easier to handle when cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination is key for a golden, crispy crust and rich flavor. Cook the salmon patties in batches, allowing each side to brown for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch how the edges crisp up to a beautiful golden brown—that’s when you know they’re ready. Drain them on paper towels and serve them warm.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
A little something on top can take these salmon patties to the next level. Try a dollop of creamy tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or some chopped parsley or dill to add fresh color and brightness that complements the rich patties perfectly.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crisp green salads, buttery mashed potatoes, or even classic coleslaw make a lovely accompaniment. Roasted veggies or steamed green beans can also add a fresh and healthy contrast to the crispy patties.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, consider serving the patties as sliders on soft buns with your favorite pickles and sauces. You can also turn them into a brunch centerpiece by serving alongside poached eggs and sautéed spinach. These salmon patties are versatile enough to fit into many meal styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors again soon without any fuss.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet without touching and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months — perfect for a quick, hearty meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, lightly oil a skillet and cook the frozen or refrigerated patties over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that wonderful, golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned in the Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be used but make sure it’s cooked and flaked before mixing with the other ingredients. This will give you a fresher flavor, though the texture of canned salmon often makes the mixing and shaping process easier.
Do I have to remove the bones from the canned salmon?
Not necessarily. The bones in canned pink salmon are soft and edible. They add calcium and generally blend into the patties, making them barely noticeable. But if you prefer no bones at all, you can remove them before mixing.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a good substitute is milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes. This gives you the acidity and moisture needed for tender patties.
How do I get the patties to hold together without falling apart?
Using crushed saltine crackers and flour as binders plus letting the patties chill before cooking helps them firm up. Also, be gentle but thorough when mixing the ingredients to keep the right texture.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option if you prefer a lighter method. Place patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and packed with flavor. I encourage you to give it a try — it just might become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This classic recipe for Old Fashioned Salmon Patties combines canned pink salmon with simple pantry staples to create crispy, flavorful patties. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to golden brown, these salmon patties make a satisfying lunch or dinner option and are easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Mixture
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon, drained (skin and bones optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 10 saltine crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly. If you prefer, remove the skin and bones as most bones in canned salmon are soft and edible. Add the salmon to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: To the salmon, add the all-purpose flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow the crackers and flour to absorb moisture.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, scoop approximately 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a round, flat patty. Repeat until you form about 8 patties total. Place the formed patties on a tray and refrigerate them for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps the patties firm up, so they hold together during cooking.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Patties: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the patties to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the salmon patties warm as desired.
Notes
- Removing the salmon bones is optional since they are soft, but can be done for texture preferences.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together better in the pan.
- You can substitute crushed crackers with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Serve with tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
