If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, simplicity, and a burst of savory flavor all rolled into one, then this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy patties are a nostalgic treat that combines tender pink salmon, crunchy saltine crackers, and a hint of mustard for a timeless flavor. Each bite offers a perfect balance of texture and taste, making it a delightful dish to enjoy any day of the week. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering incredible flavor and texture. From the flaky canned salmon to the crunchy saltine crackers and the tenderizing buttermilk, everything works together in perfect harmony.
- Pink salmon (1 can, 14.75 ounces): Your main ingredient, packed with rich, flaky flavor and healthy omega-3s.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps bind the mixture and gives the patties structure.
- Saltine crackers (10, crushed): Adds crunch and absorbs moisture for just the right texture.
- Yellow mustard (1 teaspoon): A tangy kick that wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
- Large egg (1, well beaten): Acts as a binder ensuring your patties stay intact.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and a subtle tartness that lifts the overall taste.
- Finely diced onion (1/4 cup): Brings a mild sweet and savory punch to the mix.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the patties.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and depth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for crisping the outside without burning.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives a rich, golden finish and adds delicious buttery flavor while cooking.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Base
Start by draining the canned pink salmon thoroughly. If you want, you can remove the skin and any large bones, though the smaller bones are soft and virtually unnoticeable once cooked. Adding the salmon to a large bowl forms the flavorful foundation for your patties.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Next, add all the binding and flavor ingredients — flour, crushed saltine crackers, mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and pepper — into the bowl with the salmon. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the mixture is combined. Letting it rest for about 5 minutes not only allows the crackers to absorb moisture but also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Now the fun begins! Scoop roughly 1/4 cup portions of the mixture and mold them into neat, round patties with your hands. You should be able to form around eight patties. Once shaped, pop them into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes — this chilling step helps the patties firm up, so they hold together well during cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches, giving them about 4 to 5 minutes on each side to develop a beautiful golden crust. That crispy edge is key; it locks in the tender, flavorful interior. Once done, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then get ready to serve them warm and fresh!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your salmon patties from great to absolutely unforgettable. Think a dollop of tangy tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. These little touches complement the salmon’s natural flavors and add a lift to every bite.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or buttery steamed vegetables are perfect balance makers. For a Southern twist, you might serve them with collard greens or cornbread, making your meal extra comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try stacking the patties on soft buns with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce for a delicious salmon burger. Or serve them over a bed of lightly dressed quinoa or arugula for a lighter, modern plate. Presentation is all about elevating these humble patties into a star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon patties (though that might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick bite or an easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
To save the patties for longer, freeze them after cooking and cooling completely. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored salmon patties, reheating is best done in a skillet over medium heat to retain that delightful crisp exterior. You can also use an oven heated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispness intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon works well too, but you’ll want to cook and flake it first before combining with the other ingredients. Canned salmon offers convenience and seasoning already, which is why it’s traditional, but fresh can add a lovely twist.
Do I need to remove salmon skin and bones?
Removing the skin and larger bones is optional. Most small bones in canned salmon are very soft and edible, but if you have a preference for a smoother texture, feel free to pick them out before mixing.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a tablespoon of milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar will work well as a quick substitute, delivering similar moisture and tang.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on my salmon patties?
Using a mix of vegetable oil and butter in your skillet and cooking over medium heat allows for a perfect golden crust without burning. Make sure the patties are chilled beforehand and avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
Can I make these salmon patties gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour and saltine crackers with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture will remain great, and the flavors will shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something heartwarming and utterly satisfying about making a classic like the Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet never fails to delight, with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy lunch, this recipe brings a touch of nostalgia and lots of comfort to the table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these delicious patties in your meal rotation!
Print
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a classic, comforting dish made with canned pink salmon mixed with pantry staples like crushed saltines, flour, and seasonings. They are pan-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior, making a delicious and easy-to-make meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon
- 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
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly. If preferred, remove the skin and bones, although the bones are soft and almost unnoticeable. Place the salmon in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper to the salmon. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow the crackers and flour to absorb moisture.
- Form the patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture per patty, shape the salmon mixture into approximately 8 evenly sized patties. Place the patties in the refrigerator and chill for 15 to 20 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked patties and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm: Serve your golden salmon patties warm, perfect as a main dish with sides or in sandwiches.
Notes
- You can leave the skin and bones in the salmon for added texture and calcium, as they are very soft when cooked.
- For crispier patties, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the patties, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- These patties can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- If you want to make the patties gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and saltine crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
