Southern Salmon Patties
Oh my goodness, you’re about to fall in love with these Southern Salmon Patties! There’s something about the crispy, golden-brown exterior and the flaky, tender salmon inside that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Imagine sinking your teeth into these perfectly seasoned patties, with that comforting blend of flavors—salmon, breadcrumbs, and a hint of onion. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter where you’re enjoying it. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual get-together, or just indulging in a little southern comfort, these salmon patties are guaranteed to steal the show. Get ready for a game-changing meal that’ll make you crave it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Southern Salmon Patties
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to bring warmth, joy, and a little Southern charm to your table. Here’s why these patties are sure to become a new favorite:
- Versatile: These patties are perfect for almost any meal. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun appetizer at a party, they’ll always be a hit. Plus, they’re just as good reheated for leftovers the next day!
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make these. Canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a few pantry staples are all it takes to make a flavorful dish that won’t break the bank.
- Quick and Easy: You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make something delicious. These patties come together in a flash, with just a few simple steps that even beginners can follow. You’ll be enjoying your meal before you know it!
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to fit your tastes. Want to add a little spice? Toss in some cayenne or hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or serving a crowd, these salmon patties are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The crispy edges, paired with the savory salmon center, make them irresistible!

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Ingredients in Southern Salmon Patties
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious salmon patties. They’re made with simple ingredients, but when combined, they create a flavor-packed bite that’s nothing short of delicious:
- Canned Salmon: The star of the show! Flaky, tender, and perfectly seasoned, this salmon brings the right amount of fishy goodness to every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the patties together and give them that golden, crispy texture on the outside.
- Eggs: A little egg to help hold everything together and keep the patties moist.
- Onion: For that savory, aromatic flavor that brings the whole dish to life.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the patties. It also helps make the mixture nice and smooth.
- Mustard: A little tangy kick to balance out the richness of the mayo.
- Seasonings: A bit of salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning to give the patties that perfect, well-rounded flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these delicious Southern Salmon Patties:
Prep the Salmon
Start by draining the canned salmon and removing any skin or bones (if you prefer). Flake it with a fork to break it up into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and your chosen seasonings. Mix everything together gently—be sure not to overwork the mixture so the patties stay light and flaky. The texture should be moist but firm enough to hold together.
Form the Patties
Now comes the fun part! Take about a tablespoon or two of the mixture and gently shape it into patties. Aim for about 1/2-inch thick patties for a nice, crispy texture on the outside.
Cook the Patties
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the patties and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping them, as the patties are delicate and can break apart if not handled gently.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and let them drain on a paper towel. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce (tartar sauce is a classic choice) or on a bed of greens for a lighter option. Enjoy these crispy, flavorful patties with family and friends!
How to Serve Southern Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the salmon patties. Try a cucumber or avocado salad for a refreshing touch.
- Fries or Roasted Potatoes: Crispy fries or roasted potatoes are always a hit with these patties. They soak up any extra sauce and add a little extra crunch!
- Creamy Dips: Serve with a side of creamy tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy remoulade sauce for dipping.
- Cornbread: What could be more Southern than a side of warm, fluffy cornbread? It’s the perfect accompaniment to these salmon patties for a true Southern feast.
Additional Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make your Southern Salmon Patties even better:
- Use Fresh Salmon: If you’d prefer fresh over canned salmon, feel free to use cooked and flaked fresh salmon instead. It’ll add even more flavor and texture to your patties!
- Add Heat: If you like a little spice, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Make Ahead: These patties can be made ahead of time! Shape them into patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Leftovers: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They also freeze beautifully for later use!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
A1: Yes, you can! Just cook and flake fresh salmon and follow the same steps. It will make for an even richer flavor!
Q2: Can I make these patties without eggs?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg alternative to keep them vegan or egg-free.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep them crispy!
Q4: Can I freeze the patties?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. When you’re ready to cook, just pan-fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: To keep them crispy, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through. You can also use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Yes, just make sure to use a large skillet or cook the patties in batches. Doubling the recipe is perfect for a crowd!
Q7: What side dishes pair well with salmon patties?
A7: Try pairing them with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green bean almondine for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
These Southern Salmon Patties are the ultimate comfort food! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Give these a try—you’ll be so glad you did. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Southern Salmon Patties
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8–10 patties depending on size) 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern Salmon Patties are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Made with canned salmon, onions, and a perfect blend of flour and cornmeal, they’re an easy, quick meal with a touch of Southern charm. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a delicious appetizer for gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness!
Ingredients
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2 cans of salmon
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 eggs
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6 tablespoons mayonnaise
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6 tablespoons flour
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6 tablespoons cornmeal
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Oil for frying
Instructions
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Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Open the salmon cans and add the contents to a large bowl. Remove the pin bones if desired. Add the diced onion, eggs, and mayonnaise, and stir until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour and cornmeal until the mixture is evenly combined.
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Heat Oil: Heat oil in a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
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Form Patties: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the salmon mixture, ensuring uniform-sized patties. Flatten each scoop slightly.
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Fry the Patties: Fry the patties in the heated oil until golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through.
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Finish and Serve: Lightly sprinkle with salt after removing from the skillet. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Optionally, add jalapeños to the mixture before frying for extra flavor.
Notes
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For extra flavor, you can add jalapeños to the mixture before frying.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a spicy mayo.
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You can make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them before frying to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (approx. 2 patties per person)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg