Classic Southern Salmon Patties – Crispy, Easy, and Budget-Friendly 🐟
If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying dish with Southern roots, these Classic Salmon Patties (also known as salmon cakes or croquettes) are just the ticket. Made with pantry staples like canned salmon, cornmeal, onion, and a touch of mayo for moisture, this recipe delivers golden, crispy patties perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, or appetizers. And yes—they taste way better than you’d ever expect from a can of fish. 😋
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, shelf-stable ingredients
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- Family-approved: Even kids tend to love these!
- Versatile: Serve as burgers, with rice, salad, or dipping sauces
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ¾ oz) can of salmon, drained
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: hot sauce, lemon wedges, fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Instructions
- Drain and prep the salmon: Open the can and drain thoroughly. Remove any visible bones or skin if preferred. Flake salmon with a fork in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the patties: Add onion, cornmeal, flour, mayonnaise, and egg to the salmon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form patties: Shape mixture into small to medium-sized patties—about the size of a burger or slightly smaller.
- Fry until golden: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Flip once during cooking.
- Drain & serve: Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon, hot sauce, or dipping sauce of choice.
Chef Tips from the Pros 👨🍳
Chef Bobby Flay: “Add a bit of Dijon mustard or hot sauce for depth and zing. And don’t overcrowd your skillet—you want crisp edges!”
Ina Garten: “For extra flavor, toss in some fresh dill or capers. It gives a gourmet twist to a humble dish.”
Ree Drummond: “Serve these with a spicy remoulade or garlic aioli—they go from good to great with a sauce.”
Health & Safety Considerations
- Check your can: Always inspect the can for dents or expiration before use.
- Allergens: Contains fish, egg, and wheat. Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
- Handle oil safely: Use a high smoke point oil (like canola or peanut) and never leave it unattended.
- Storage: Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for crispness.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Ingredient | Amount | Nutrients | Health Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canned Salmon | 14¾ oz | Omega-3s, Protein, Calcium (from bones) | Supports heart health and brain function |
| Onion | ¼ cup | Antioxidants, Vitamin C | Boosts immunity and flavor |
| Cornmeal | ¼ cup | Carbs, Fiber | Adds crunch and energy |
| Egg | 1 | Protein, Choline | Helps bind patties and nourishes cells |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tbsp | Fat, Vitamin E | Moisture and stability in mixture |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Cook and flake your fresh salmon before mixing. Canned is quicker, but fresh offers amazing flavor.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
3. What sauces pair best?
Try garlic aioli, tartar sauce, remoulade, or even spicy ranch.
4. Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze raw or cooked patties between parchment sheets. Thaw before cooking or reheating.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for crispiness.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
7. What side dishes go well?
Try coleslaw, cornbread, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad.
8. Is canned salmon healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in protein, omega-3s, and often calcium from the edible bones.
9. How do I get them to stay together?
Don’t skip the mayo—it acts as a binder and keeps the patties moist. Chill them briefly if needed.
10. Can I make mini versions for appetizers?
Yes! Make bite-sized patties and serve with toothpicks and dipping sauce.
Related Recipes on FreshTonerHungar 🍴
- Easy Crab Cakes – A shellfish sibling to the salmon patty with a buttery crunch.
- Spicy Tuna Bites – A zesty, protein-packed party snack.
- Classic Fish Fry – Southern-inspired fish fillets perfect for the weekend.
Final Thoughts
These Southern-style salmon patties are a pantry hero—flavorful, crispy, and comforting. They prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive or complicated. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, these patties are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget the hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy every bite! 🐟🔥
