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What are Salmon Patties?

Kris Roudebush
Kris Roudebush

Salmon patties are small round cakes that consist of salmon, bread crumbs, and other ingredients like milk, egg, and onions. They are usually fried, although they can be baked or grilled. Salmon patties may also be called salmon cakes. The type of salmon can be fresh, canned, or frozen although canned salmon is easiest since it doesn't require cooking first.

Salmon is a good source to omega-3 fatty acids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends three servings of fish a week and salmon patties can be a healthy way to get your recommended amount each week. They go well with soups and salads and you can even sneak in a sheet of nori (dried seaweed) for an extra boost of nutrition. Vegetarian salmon patties or fish patties are often made with nori instead of fish and may have mushrooms for texture.

Some salmon patty recipes include diced bell peppers.
Some salmon patty recipes include diced bell peppers.

Recipes for salmon patties range from the very healthy to the very decadent with lots of fat and calories. They are relatively easy to make and store well. In the fridge you want to keep them in an air tight container for 2-3 days. In the freezer you can store them up to six months. Simply reheat them for a quick and easy meal. If you stock up on canned salmon when it's on sale, salmon patties can be inexpensive as well. They're easy to dress up, with garnish and side dishes when you're looking to impress guests. Salmon patties are also easy to eat with something simple, when you want something fast and easy.

Salmon patties are fish cakes made with salmon.
Salmon patties are fish cakes made with salmon.

The basic recipe calls for a can of salmon, which is about 15 oz (425 grams), 8-12 oz of bread crumbs (227 - 340 g), a small onion, finely chopped, and a binder which is usually an egg or two, but can be mayonnaise. Variations call for bell peppers, garlic, dill, parsley, flour, soy sauce, or cornmeal. Most recipes suggest that you mix all ingredients and form into small patty shapes. Fry the patties in oil or butter for about two minutes on each side. Remove from pan and either drain or place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Let the patties cool before storing, especially if you're freezing.

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

One of the first foods I learned to cook on the stove burners was friend fish patties. I would make them a lot of days when I came home from school and wanted a quick snack before dinner. My mother taught me how to mix up the ingredients with the fish and then shape them into a nice patty.

Some people make them big and thick, but if you want to get more flavor when you bite into the patty then you should make them thin. This way you are able to taste the salt, pepper, onions green peppers and whatever else you have in them. Otherwise, you mostly taste the flour or bread, depending on which you use.

Also, cook them fast, so they will brown on the outside and have a crispy shell. The inside will remain moist instead of overcooking and drying out.

Sporkasia

@Laotionne - You could use crumbled crackers in the salmon patties in place of the flour and the bread crumbs, and that would alter the texture, maybe more to your liking. Also add crunchy vegetables as mentioned in the article. Bell peppers are the perfect choice to give you a little crunch without overpowering the patties.

Laotionne

I like salmon, and I'm always looking for different recipes so I can learn more ways to prepare the fish. However, this article makes it sound like the salmon patties might be a tad bit too mushy and soft for me. For me, taste is only a part of the equation for whether or not I will like a food. If a food has the wrong texture then I'm not going to eat it.

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    • Some salmon patty recipes include diced bell peppers.
      By: Natika
      Some salmon patty recipes include diced bell peppers.
    • Salmon patties are fish cakes made with salmon.
      By: Tim UR
      Salmon patties are fish cakes made with salmon.
    • Parsley can be used in salmon patties.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Parsley can be used in salmon patties.
    • Mayonnaise can be used as a binding ingredient for salmon patties.
      By: uckyo
      Mayonnaise can be used as a binding ingredient for salmon patties.