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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, let me introduce you to a true classic: the Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. This nostalgic comfort food brings together tender pink salmon combined with simple pantry staples to create golden, crispy patties with a tender, flavorful inside. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory salmon, a little tang from mustard, and just the right hint of onion and seasoning. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or treating friends at a casual brunch, these salmon patties will quickly become a beloved staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you—each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe plays a crucial role in building both texture and flavor. From the flaky canned salmon to the crispy coating, these essentials come together to deliver the quintessential salmon patty experience.
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon: The star of the dish, providing tender flakes and rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps bind the patties and gives them structure.
- 10 saltine crackers (crushed): Adds a light crunch and helps absorb moisture for perfect firmness.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1 large egg (well beaten): An essential binder to hold the patties together.
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk: Brings a slight richness and tenderness to the mixture.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Provides a gentle bite and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough warmth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with browning in the skillet.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
First, open the can of pink salmon and drain out the liquid. If you’re particular, you can remove the skin and bones; however, most of the bones are soft and melt away while cooking, adding calcium without a crunch. Place the salmon into a large mixing bowl ready for the magic to begin.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
To the salmon, add the all-purpose flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly. Let your mixture rest for about 5 minutes—this little break lets the flavors marry and the crumbs soak up moisture, making shaping easier.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Now comes the fun part. Scoop roughly 1/4 cup of your salmon mixture and mold it into a patty with your hands. You should be able to shape about 8 patties in total. After forming, pop them into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes; this step helps them firm up so they hold together beautifully when cooking.
Step 4: Brown and Cook
Heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. With sizzle and patience, cook the patties in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. The butter and oil combo brings a richness and crunch that’s simply irresistible. Once cooked, transfer the patties onto paper towels to drain any excess oil and keep them crisp.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salmon patties with classic garnishes like a dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a spoonful of creamy dill yogurt. Fresh lemon wedges add a bright zestiness, while chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives bring a lovely pop of color and freshness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try sautéed green beans or roasted vegetables to add variety and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to switch things up? Serve these patties as sliders with soft buns, crisp lettuce, and your favorite sauce for a delicious handheld treat. Alternatively, crumble them over a bed of mixed greens or serve alongside avocado slices for a lighter, modern twist on a beloved classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon patties, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
These patties freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. This method helps maintain their shape and texture. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low-medium heat to retain their crisp exterior, or pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be cooked, flaked, and used similarly. Just be sure to remove all skin and bones, and drain any excess moisture before combining with other ingredients.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the mixture, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
What if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can substitute with plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of any kind, but saltines give a unique lightness and slight saltiness that complements the patties beautifully.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway to brown both sides.
How do I prevent patties from falling apart while cooking?
Make sure your mixture has enough binding agents like egg and crushed crackers, and chilling the patties before frying is key. Handle them gently when flipping in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
The Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is a heartfelt tribute to simple, soul-satisfying food that never goes out of style. Once you master these golden patties, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want a quick, wholesome meal full of flavor and nostalgia. Trust me, they’re a kitchen favorite you and your loved ones will return to time and again.
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Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Old Fashioned Salmon Patties offer a nostalgic and delicious way to enjoy canned pink salmon. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are packed with simple ingredients like crushed saltine crackers, mustard, and onions, making them a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Mixture
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon, drained (skin and bones optional to remove)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 10 saltine crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly. If preferred, remove the skin and bones as most bones are soft and generally unnoticeable when cooked. Place the salmon into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: To the salmon, add the flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld.
- Form Patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture per patty, shape the salmon mixture into approximately 8 equal-sized patties. Arrange them on a tray or plate and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches, allowing 4 to 5 minutes per side to achieve a golden-brown crust. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the patties to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the salmon patties warm, paired with your favorite sides or condiments.
Notes
- Removing the skin and bones is optional since the bones are soft and provide calcium.
- Letting patties rest in the fridge helps them hold their shape better while cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan for easier flipping.
- These patties can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free alternative, substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free flour.
