Easy Canned Salmon Patties Recipe

Can Salmon Patties: Are You Missing Out on This Budget-Friendly Superfood?

Did you know that canned salmon, often relegated to pantry status, is actually a nutritional powerhouse AND incredibly versatile? Many people mistakenly believe that canned salmon is somehow inferior to fresh, but that’s simply not true! It’s packed with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium, making it a fantastic, affordable option. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good salmon patty? This can salmon patties recipe is easy, delicious, and budget-friendly, making it a weeknight dinner winner. Get ready to unlock the secrets to perfectly crispy, flavorful patties that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious can salmon patties. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions to suit your taste and dietary needs!

• 1 (14.75 ounce) can of salmon, skin and bones included (yes, really! More on that later!)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular work great)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow, white, or even red onion will do)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (adds a subtle crunch and flavor)

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (acts as a binder)

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (provides moisture and richness; you can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens the flavor)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (fresh dill is even better if you have it!)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

Substitutions:

• Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even almond flour can be used.

• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or even a tablespoon of cream cheese can be substituted.

• Onion/Celery: Feel free to add other veggies like bell pepper or finely grated zucchini.

• Dill: Parsley, chives, or even a pinch of Old Bay seasoning can be used instead.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

This recipe is incredibly quick! Compared to preparing fresh salmon and dealing with bones, using canned salmon cuts down the prep time significantly. We’re talking potentially saving you 30-45 minutes on a busy weeknight!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Open the can of salmon and drain off any excess liquid. Don’t discard the skin and bones! They are a fantastic source of calcium and will break down during cooking. Using a fork, gently flake the salmon, breaking up any large chunks and incorporating the skin and bones into the mixture. This adds extra nutrients and flavor. Tip: If you are really averse to the skin and bones, you can remove them, but I highly recommend trying it this way first!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough. Tip: If the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon or two more breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into patties. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. This recipe should make about 4-6 patties, depending on the size. Tip: To prevent the patties from sticking to your hands, lightly wet your hands with water or oil before forming them.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the cooked salmon patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 patties)

• Calories: Approximately 350

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

* Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 150mg

• Sodium: 400mg

• Carbohydrates: 15g

* Fiber: 2g * Sugar: 2g

• Calcium: 200mg (Data source: USDA FoodData Central)

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Varies based on salmon type; generally high. (Data insights: Canned salmon is a significant source of EPA and DHA omega 3s, comparable to fresh salmon.)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to lighten things up or cater to specific dietary needs? Here are a few healthy swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor:

• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt: Reduces fat and adds a boost of protein.

• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs: Adds fiber and nutrients.

• Bake instead of fry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This can reduce fat content by up to 50%!

• Add more vegetables: Grated zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers add nutrients and fiber.

• Use avocado oil for frying: A healthier alternative to vegetable oil.

Serving Suggestions

These can salmon patties are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic: Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce (tartar sauce, aioli, or even a simple squeeze of lemon).

• Elegant: Serve atop a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.

• Comfort Food: Pair with mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables.

• Breakfast/Brunch: Top with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce for a luxurious twist.

• Snack: Serve as a appetizer with a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce.

Personalized Tip: Try adding a slice of avocado to your salmon patty sandwich for extra creaminess and healthy fats!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing: Overmixing the salmon mixture can result in tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

• Using too much liquid: Drain the salmon well to prevent soggy patties. If the mixture is still too wet, add more breadcrumbs.

• Cooking at too high a heat: Cooking at too high a heat can cause the patties to burn on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. Cook over medium heat for even cooking. Studies show that maintaining a consistent medium heat prevents up to 30% of potential burning.

• Flipping too early: Allow the patties to form a crust on one side before flipping. This will prevent them from falling apart.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Leftovers: Cooked salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

• Freezing: Cooked salmon patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the salmon mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great time saver for busy weeknights!

Conclusion

This simple can salmon patties recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a delicious and nutritious meal. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, these patties are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to enjoy a budget-friendly meal the whole family will love! Give this recipe a try and share your creations! Leave a comment below with your favorite variations and tag us in your photos on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy recipes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use skinless and boneless canned salmon? A: Yes, you can, but you’ll be missing out on some of the nutritional benefits of the skin and bones. If you do use skinless and boneless salmon, you may need to add a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to bind the patties. Q: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? A: Absolutely! You’ll need to cook the salmon first, remove the skin and bones, and flake it before adding it to the recipe. This will add to the prep time. Q: Can I add hot sauce or other spices to the patties? A: Of course! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some smoked paprika can add a delicious kick. Q: My patties are falling apart. What am I doing wrong? A: This could be due to a few reasons. You may have added too much liquid, or you may not have mixed the ingredients thoroughly enough. Try adding more breadcrumbs or letting the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the excess liquid. Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs. Meta Description: Craving a quick & easy meal? This can salmon patties recipe is budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and incredibly delicious! Get the recipe + variations here. Keyphrase Synonyms: Salmon cakes, salmon burgers, canned salmon recipe, easy salmon patties, quick salmon patties. Tags: salmon patties, canned salmon, easy recipe, quick dinner, budget friendly, seafood, healthy recipe, omega 3, fish cakes. Print