Fresh Salmon Patties

Written by
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek is a former chef who became a cooking school instructor and award-winning food writer.
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Barbara Rolek
Updated 10/15/20
Fresh salmon patties recipe

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Freeze: 15 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
661 Calories
34g Fat
50g Carbs
36g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 661
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 34g 43%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 167mg 56%
Sodium 795mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 36g
Vitamin C 7mg 35%
Calcium 103mg 8%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 606mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe for salmon patties or salmon croquettes is made with fresh, not canned, salmon which gives them an excellent fresh-fish flavor.

The patties can be pan-fried or, for a lower-calorie dish, browned in a nonstick pan on the stovetop and then finished in the oven. Because of its positive health benefits, working salmon into one's meals several times a week is a good way to go. 

This treatment of using fresh salmon makes it all grown up and perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Serve it with tartar sauce or creamy garlic dressing, a side salad, or green vegetable.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillet (boneless, skinless)

  • 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (divided)

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1/4 cup onion (finely grated)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs (beaten)

  • Optional: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil  (for frying)

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, the salmon dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and cooking.

Prepare the Patties

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for salmon patties
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Remove any pin bones and the dark gray bloodline from the salmon fillet.

    Cut salmon
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Don't use a food processor to do this because the pieces will be too fine and the salmon will become pasty.

    Chop salmon
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. In a medium bowl, mix chopped salmon with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, salt, and lemon juice.

    Mix with breadcrumbs
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Scoop 1/4 cup portions and form into 3/4-inch thick patties. Place on a parchment-lined pan and freeze for 15 minutes so they are easier to handle.

    Make patties
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Place the flour in a medium bowl, beat the eggs in another bowl, and add the remaining 1 cup of breadcrumbs to a third bowl.

  7. Dredge the salmon patties in the flour, then dip them in beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Set them back on the pan and let dry for 10 minutes before frying or baking.

    Batter
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

To Pan-Fry the Salmon Patties

  1. Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high for about 3 minutes.

    Pan
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Place patties, dry-side down, into the skillet and cook until medium golden brown, about 2 minutes.

    Pan fry
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Flip patties and fry another 2 minutes or until the second side is medium golden brown.

    Fry
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Drain the patties on paper towels.

  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

To Bake the Salmon Patties

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the patties in a hot nonstick skillet lightly coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Briefly brown the patties on both sides.

    Patties in pan
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. If your nonstick skillet is ovenproof, you can leave the patties in the pan and finish cooking them in the oven for 10 minutes. If the skillet is not ovenproof, transfer to a baking pan before baking.

    Patties in frying pan
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Drain patties on paper towels.

    Drain patties
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Serve hot and enjoy.

    Serve salmon patties
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tip

  • If you prefer, use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.