Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Fried Salmon Patties, salmon cakes, or croquettes are a Southern delight. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are flavorful and deliciously served with fried green tomatoes and grits. Basic ingredients are combined and fried for a simple, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and budget friendly. It is a hearty meal that’s filling and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Salmon Patties on a white plate with text overlay.

What Are Salmon Patties (Salmon Croquettes)?

Salmon patties are a popular dish in Southern cuisine. Canned salmon is mixed with simple ingredients, formed into small patties, and fried until golden brown and crispy. They can be formed into small cakes or patties the size of a burger. They are usually served as the main dish and are great with coleslaw, macaroni salad, corn casserole, biscuits, or hushpuppies. It is a southern favorite that provides a delightful way to enjoy seafood affordably and conveniently.

Salmon Patties are a quick and easy recipe using canned Salmon. They are fried to a crispy golden brown on the outside yet tender on the inside. This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will be on the table fast for your hungry family.

Salmon Patties are known in many households in the south. Growing up, I can remember my mom whipping up a batch of salmon patties for dinner in the evenings. It is common for most people in the south to have a can of Salmon in their pantry; at least everyone I know has a can on hand for those nights when dinner needs to be fast.

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A dear friend, Bill, would make the best Salmon Patties. Several times a year, he would cook up a big batch and bring them to my family and me to enjoy for several days. His salmon patties were thin and crispy. He always added an extra secret ingredient to his patties (a little shake-shake), he would call it. But it was really A LOT of hot pepper. We always loved to see Bill coming with his salmon patties. Feel free to add hot pepper flakes to yours if so desired. They are tasty, and the hot pepper will undoubtedly kick it up a notch.

Why These Salmon Patties Are Fantastic

Soulful and Wholesome: Southern cuisine is the heart and soul of the South. 

Crowd Pleasing: These are always crowd pleasers not only for the family but also for gatherings. Serve them as an appetizer, and you can’t go wrong. 

Family Favorite: The crunch outside and tender inside make these delightful bites a favorite. Passed down from generation to generation, these are always favorites.

Why Should I Make Salmon Patties?

The next time you are unsure what to make for dinner, try this classic recipe. This creates a delicious meal and a great recipe to add to your file.

Delicious: Each bite has a delightful combination of satisfying flavors and texture.

Easy: This old fashioned salmon patties recipe is mixed in one bowl. These are great for busy weeknights.

Budget Friendly: This is a budget friendly meal made with simple ingredients. It’s a Southern classic.

Versatility: Salmon patties can be served as a main dish, appetizer, crumbled and served over salads, or as a sandwich.

Comfort Food: These patties evoke a sense of nostalgia that reminds people of home cooking and cherished recipes.

A Budget Friendly Meal

Salmon Patties are very inexpensive to make, and one can of Salmon can go a long way. Plus, they can be mixed, fried, and on the table in no time. This is a simple recipe, but a good recipe. Just add a few buttered biscuits , and you are all set for a fabulous treat.

Southern Fried Salmon Patties
Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Ingredients Needed for Old-Fashioned Salmon Patties

Salmon cakes are made using basic ingredients easily found in your pantry, fridge, and local grocery store. For a detailed list of ingredients, see the printable recipe card below. These are the best southern salmon patties that are easy to make and quite delicious to eat. 

Pink Salmon – I use canned salmon for this recipe because it’s easier than fresh salmon. Remove the bones. Canned salmon is a pantry staple in my home.

Egg – One egg acts as a binder.

Mayonnaise – I like Duke’s mayonnaise, but use your favorite. It acts as another binder.

Onion – A small diced onion works well and tastes so good in these salmon croquettes.

Flour – I use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but self-rising flour will also work.

Corn Meal – White or yellow cornmeal helps to add to the crunchy outside.

Salt and Black Pepper – Add to your liking.

Hot Pepper Flakes – Optional, but gives a nice flavor. Just a tiny amount of red pepper flakes will add spice and heat.

Oil – Oil is needed for frying the patties. I prefer vegetable oil for this classic southern dish, but olive oil or canola oil is fine. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. About an inch will work nicely.

Ingredients Needed for Southern Fried Salmon Patties with text overlay.

 

How to Make Salmon Patties with Flour

I am a huge cast iron skillet fan and use my skillets daily when cooking. A heavy skillet will work if you don’t have a cast iron skillet.

  1. Open salmon and drain. Place in a large bowl. Remove bones and skin, and flake with a fork.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  3. Shape the salmon mixture into small patties or make a little bigger – about the size of an average burger.
  4. Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place uncooked patties in a single layer of hot oil. Depending on the size of your patties–Cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Adjust your time depending on the thickness of each patty.
  5. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

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Southern Style Salmon Patties
Southern Style Salmon Patties

Tips for Canned Salmon

Most of the time, when I buy Salmon, it comes with skin and bones. I like to place the Salmon on a plate, open the Salmon down the middle and remove the bones and skin. The bones are very fragile, so don’t worry if you happen to leave a few. They will crush as you mix the patties.
Feel free to substitute leftover salmon from dinner.
If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of mayonnaise.

 How to Serve Salmon Croquettes

Serve these as a main dish or side dish. I’ve also made a sandwich with leftover salmon patties, and it was delish. Serve with a green salad for a complete meal. I also like to add a small spoonful of sour cream and green onions to the top of each patty when serving.

Steps shown for making salmon patties. Ingredients, frying, and served on a plate with text overlay.

Tips and Variations for Southern Salmon Croquettes

These Southern fried salmon patties are made to your taste and your liking. Experiment with different ingredients and make them to your taste preference.

  • Salmon: Use a good brand of canned salmon. Remove the bones before mixing.
  • Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with the seasonings of choice. Some suggestions might be dill, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. A sprinkle or two of Old Bay Seasoning might be nice.
  • Frying Temperature: Maintain an even heat of around 350 degrees. The salmon patties will be soggy if the oil is not hot enough.
  • Other Ingredients: Add some bell pepper
  • Drain Properly: Allow the salmon patties to drain properly on paper towels. 
  • Cracker Crumbs: Use some saltine crackers or toasted bread crumbs. Crush into cracker crumbs or bread crumbs and mix with the ingredients—added crunch with each bite.
  • Dipping Sauce: Some might like a good dipping sauce for their salmon patties. A good choice might be tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce (comeback sauce), ketchup, hot sauce, or balsamic vinegar. Use your favorite dipping sauce, and you can’t go wrong.
  • Lemon: Add a squirt of lemon juice to the top of the cooked patties to brighten the flavors.

How To Store Leftover Salmon Patties

If you find yourself with leftovers, they store well in the refrigerator for several days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and place them into the fridge.

FAQs

Can You Reheat Salmon Patties?

Yes. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray, place salmon patties on the tray, and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until hot.

Can I Freeze Leftover Salmon Patties?

Yes. Store all leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag and place them into the freezer. These will keep for several months in the freezer. Thaw and then reheat. Note: They are better made and eaten fresh.

What Are The Best Sides To Serve with Salmon Croquettes?

Coleslaw

Hushpuppies

Macaroni Salad

Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Gina Abernathy
Salmon Patties are a quick and easy recipe using canned Salmon. They are fried to a crispy golden brown on the outside yet tender on the inside. This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will be the table fast for your hungry family.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14.75 ounce can Pink Salmon
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
  • ½ onion diced
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • Open salmon and drain. Place in a large bowl. Remove bones and skin, and flake with a fork.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Shape the salmon mixture into small patties or make a little bigger – about the size of an average burger.
  • Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place uncooked patties in a single layer of hot oil. Depending on the size of your patties–Cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Adjust your time depending on the thickness of each patty.
  • Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.
Keyword Southern Fried Salmon Patties

2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’ve never had these before but they sound so tasty! And so easy too. I honestly didn’t know salmon came canned but that sounds like something I should keep stocked in my pantry

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