๐ Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
✅ Inexpensive & nutritious – Packed with protein and omega-3s
✅ Ready in 20 minutes – Faster than delivery!
✅ No fancy ingredients – Just what you’ve got in the pantry
✅ Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love the crispy crunch
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
✅ Gluten-free adaptable – Swap breadcrumbs for oats or cornmeal
This isn’t just a quick meal — it’s a Southern tradition on a plate.
๐ง Southern Fried Salmon Patties
Serves 4 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8–10 min | Total: ~20 min
๐ Ingredients
2 (6 oz) cans pink or red salmon, drained and flaked (or 1½ cups cooked fresh salmon)
Pro Tip: Save the soft bones — they’re rich in calcium and mash right in!*
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
Gluten-free? Use crushed saltines, cornmeal, or gluten-free crumbs.
1 tbsp mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (binds + adds richness)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional:
Pinch of cayenne for heat
1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion
1 tbsp finely diced bell pepper
For Frying:
3–4 tbsp vegetable oil, butter, or bacon drippings
Bacon fat = next-level Southern flavor!
For Serving:
Lemon wedges ๐
Remoulade, tartar sauce, or sriracha mayo
Buttermilk biscuits, grits, or a crisp green salad
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Flake & Drain Salmon
Open cans, drain liquid, and place salmon in a medium bowl.
Use a fork to break apart flakes. Remove any large skin or hard bones if desired (but feel free to keep soft ones!).
2️⃣ Mix the Patty Mixture
Add onion, egg, breadcrumbs, mayo, Worcestershire, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins.
Gently fold together until well combined. Don’t overmix — you want texture!
๐ก Test for stickiness: Form a small patty. If it holds together, you’re good. Too wet? Add more breadcrumbs.
3️⃣ Form the Patties
Divide into 6–8 equal portions.
Shape into ¾-inch thick patties (about the size of a hockey puck).
Place on a plate and refrigerate 5–10 minutes — helps them hold shape when frying.
4️⃣ Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil or fat in a large skillet (cast iron preferred!) over medium heat.
Once shimmering, carefully add patties (don’t overcrowd).
Fry 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and heated through.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
5️⃣ Drain & Serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
๐ฝ️ Serving Pro Move: Stack two patties on a biscuit with lettuce and remoulade for a killer Southern sandwich.
๐ถ️ Variations & Pro Hacks
๐ฅฌ Vegetarian Twist: Swap salmon for mashed chickpeas or lentils — still delicious!
๐พ Cornmeal Crunch: Use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a Southern-style crust
๐ Fresh Upgrade: Use fresh herbs like dill or chives for brightness
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Shape uncooked patties, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Fry from frozen (+1–2 mins per side)
๐ Bake Option: For lighter version, bake at 400°F for 15–18 mins, flipping halfway
๐ฅ Breakfast Style: Serve with eggs, grits, and hot sauce — ultimate weekend brunch
๐ง Why These Stay Together (Without Falling Apart!)
The key is balance:
Egg + mayo = binders that add moisture without gumminess
Breadcrumbs = absorb excess liquid and give structure
Chilling before frying = firms up patties so they sear, not crumble
And because we use real flaked salmon — not pureed — each bite has that satisfying flaky texture you crave.
❤️ Final Thought: A Taste of Simplicity, Made With Care
Southern Fried Salmon Patties aren’t about showy ingredients or Instagram aesthetics. They’re about making something good out of what you have. About resourcefulness. About feeding your family with love, even on a tight budget.
They may look simple, but in every golden bite, there’s history, heart, and a whole lot of soul.
So fire up the skillet, let the house fill with that warm, savory scent, and serve them up with pride.
Because sometimes, the best meals aren’t complicated — they’re just right. ๐