Easy Southern Salmon Patties Recipe: A Homestyle Comfort Classic

Southern salmon patties bring a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner menu.

Crispy edges and tender centers make these little treasures irresistible.

Packed with rich flavor, they combine simple ingredients into something magical.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic southern dish.

Fresh salmon creates a robust foundation for these golden-brown delights.

Each bite promises a comforting reminder of traditional southern cooking.

What Makes Southern Salmon Patties So Delicious

• Craft Comfort Classics: Transform humble canned salmon into crispy, golden patties that bring Southern home cooking charm right to your dinner table.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare these salmon patties in mere minutes with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknight meals or impromptu gatherings.
• Customize Your Flavor: Personalize the recipe by adding jalapeños for heat, experimenting with different dipping sauces, or adjusting seasoning to match your taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Protein: Create a delicious meal using affordable canned salmon, delivering a nutritious and satisfying dish without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Required for Southern Salmon Patties

• Salmon: Fresh canned salmon provides the protein base and authentic seafood flavor for these Southern-style patties.
• Eggs: Bind the salmon mixture together and add richness to the patty texture.
• Onion: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor and provides subtle sweetness to the salmon mixture.

• Flour, Cornmeal: Create a crispy exterior and help hold the patties together during cooking.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Oil: Allows the salmon patties to develop a golden, crispy exterior when frying.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salmon patties.
• Jalapenos: Optional ingredient that provides a spicy kick to the traditional recipe.

How to Prepare Southern Salmon Patties Correctly

Step 1: Combine Salmon Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and empty the salmon cans into it. Crush the salmon gently with a fork, breaking up any large chunks.

Remove any visible pin bones if you prefer a smoother texture.

• Canned salmon
• Diced onion
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise

Stir all ingredients together until they create a well-blended mixture.

Step 2: Create Patty Base

Sprinkle in the flour and cornmeal to bind the salmon mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated and the mixture holds together nicely.

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Place a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on the stove. Pour cooking oil and heat over medium temperature.

Allow the oil to warm up and create a slight shimmer.

Step 4: Shape Salmon Patties

Use an ice cream scoop to create uniform patties.

Gently press down on each scoop to flatten slightly, creating a classic salmon patty shape. This ensures even cooking and consistent size.

Step 5: Fry Golden Patties

Carefully place the patties into the hot oil. Cook until the bottom turns a rich golden brown, typically 3-4 minutes.

Flip each patty and cook the other side until equally crispy and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove patties from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Sprinkle with a light touch of salt. For an extra kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños to the mixture before frying.

Serve with tangy tartar sauce or remoulade for a delightful Southern-style meal.

Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Southern Salmon Patties

• Select high-quality canned salmon, preferably wild-caught, for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Gently extract pin bones with tweezers to ensure a smooth, pleasant texture in your patties.
• Maintain medium heat to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning the salmon patties.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender and light.
• Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Flavorful Variations for Southern Salmon Patties

• Spicy Cajun Salmon Cakes: Add Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and cayenne pepper to the salmon mixture for a zesty Louisiana-style version.
• Mediterranean Salmon Patties: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon zest to create a Greek-inspired seafood patty.
• Low-Carb Salmon Fritters: Replace flour and cornmeal with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the crispy texture.
• Herb-Packed Salmon Cakes: Mix in fresh chopped parsley, chives, and thyme to elevate the herbal notes and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Best Pairings to Enjoy With Southern Salmon Patties

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Slaw: Crisp, tangy cabbage salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of salmon patties, adding refreshing brightness to each bite.
• Complement with Tangy Remoulade Sauce: Creamy, spicy condiment featuring mayo, mustard, and pickles creates a perfect flavor balance that enhances the salmon's savory profile.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio's light, acidic notes perfectly offset the patties' golden, crispy exterior and delicate salmon flavor.
• Serve alongside Southern Potato Salad: Creamy, classic side dish with mustard and mayo dressing provides a traditional Southern comfort food companion that echoes the patties' homestyle appeal.

How to Store Southern Salmon Patties Safely

Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patties on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring their crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Simply cook and flake the salmon before mixing with other ingredients.

• What type of flour works best in this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.

• How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while frying?

Make sure to combine ingredients thoroughly and let the mixture rest for a few minutes before forming patties. This helps bind the ingredients together.

• Are salmon patties healthy?

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. While pan-frying adds some oil, it’s still a nutritious meal when eaten in moderation.

Southern Salmon Patties Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Southern salmon patties that blend coastal charm with homestyle comfort. Crispy golden exteriors and tender, flaky interiors promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cans salmon
• 2 eggs

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) flour

Coating and Cooking Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) cornmeal
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, empty salmon from cans, carefully extracting any stray pin bones for a smoother texture.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onion, whisked eggs, and creamy mayonnaise, blending thoroughly until ingredients meld harmoniously.
3. Gradually fold in flour and cornmeal, stirring meticulously to create a consistent, cohesive mixture.
4. Warm a cast iron skillet over medium heat, adding enough oil to generously coat the bottom surface.
5. Using an ice cream scoop, portion salmon mixture into uniform mounds, gently pressing each to create slightly flattened patties.
6. Carefully lower patties into the sizzling oil, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
7. Transfer crispy patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, lightly seasoning with salt immediately after cooking.
8. For adventurous palates, consider folding minced jalapeños into the mixture before frying to introduce a subtle, spicy kick.
9. Serve piping hot alongside your preferred dipping sauce, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and healthier omega-3 fatty acids.
• Drain salmon thoroughly to prevent soggy patties and ensure crispy golden exterior.
• Chill mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better during frying.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour and cornmeal with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the salmon’s natural taste and provide a bright, fresh element.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg