Salmon Patties Recipe (VIDEO)
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These salmon patties are flaky, tender and so flavorful. The crisp edges and big bites of flaked salmon are the hallmark of these salmon patties. They are the real deal! It’s no wonder these salmon cakes have been so popular (read the glowing reviews here).
This is an easy and excellent way to use leftover salmon and it is worth it to cook the salmon just for this (instructions below). For busy weeknights, you can substitute with well-drained canned salmon or the salmon in packets which you may already have in your pantry!
I hope you all love these salmon patties and the easy homemade tartar sauce that goes with them.
Watch How to Make Salmon Patties:
These salmon patties are such a treat and even folks who don’t normally like salmon enjoy this recipe. They always disappear fast!
P.S. Serve salmon cakes with this irresistible homemade tartar sauce. P.S. Once you try homemade and realize how easy it is, there’s just no going back to store-bought tartar sauce. It is so much better in every way!
⬇ Print-Friendly Salmon Patties Recipe:
Salmon Patties Recipe (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon filet*
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic salt, I used Lawry's Brand, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, 1 cup, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 425˚F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment or silicone liner. Place salmon in the center, skin-side-down, drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Bake uncovered for 10-15 min (depending on thickness), or just until cooked through. Remove from oven, cover with foil and rest 10 min. Flake salmon with 2 forks discarding skin and any bones then set aside and cool to room temp.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add diced onion and bell pepper and saute until golden and softened (7-9 minutes) then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combined flaked salmon, sautéed pepper and onion, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Form into patties (about a heaping Tablespoonful each) and mold with your hands into 2" wide by 1/3 to 1/2" thick patties.**
- In a clean non-stick pan, heat 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter until hot then add salmon patties in a single layer. Saute 3 to 4 min per side or until golden brown and cooked through. If salmon patties brown too fast, reduce heat. Remove finished patties to a paper-towel lined plate and repeat with remaining oil, butter and salmon cakes.
Notes
**Cook's Tip: If salmon mixture is too dry to hold a patty shape, add an extra tablespoon of mayo and if it is too moist, add more bread crumbs.
Nutrition Per Serving
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
That pretty blue serving platter can be found here. I have these in different sizes and colors. I love their bold colors and how sturdy and chip resistant Fiestaware is – meant to last a lifetime.
You can serve these for lunch, dinner, appetizers – they are so versatile and these salmon patties can even be used in sandwiches as salmon burgers, just form them a little larger. And if you LOVE salmon recipes, don’t miss our #1 of all time baked salmon recipe!
Q: Have you tried these yet? Let me know what you thought of them in a comment below.
Have a memorable and happy 4th of July!! 🙂 The 4th just happens to be my husbands birthday so if you’re on Instagram that day, feel free to flood his page with happy birthday wishes. Thanks friends!
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Very nice recipes, you are amazing what is the substitute for garlic salt ?
Hi Shereen, are you trying to avoid it altogether? If you don’t have garlic salt you can use garlic powder + salt individually. These are very versatile so just salt will work also.
We have an egg allergy…what could be substituted for the egg? I have a vegan mayo I’m hoping will taste just as good.
I haven’t tried any substitute yet to advise. I’m not sure if mayo would work well but if you want to do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
I don’t have panko. Can I substitute fresh bread crumbs?
Hi Marianne, Regular breadcrumbs should still work in this recipe. I love the crunch of Panko crumbs, but regular breadcrumbs are OK.
Thanks, I’ll wait until I can get some before trying these.
I’ve also used crushed Ritz crackers in place of the pinko with great success.
Great to hear that, Darleen. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Absolutely delicious and a hit with the family!!
That’s just awesome Jennifer! Thank you for that wonderful review!
This recipe was amazing!!!! My family said they where even better that there grandmothers!
FYI: Anyone using more salmon I kept the recipe the same just add more egg to bond together
Thanks for sharing that with us!
No need to tell how good these are,everyone else did,when they are worthy of a Pat on the Back from hubby then I know!made these with a very strong fillet I had frozen,in hopes to disguise it,a bit and it did.your tarter worked well with it.
Thanks for sharing it with us, Denise. I hope you and your hubby will love every recipe that you try.
Hi Natasha! Thank you million times for your recipes! They work every time and they are amazing! Salmon cakes are a real treasure for me, my son normally can’t stand any sort of fish but he loves this one!
Yay that is wonderful to hear, Mary. Thanks for giving this recipe an excellent review!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe! My family loves it too!
Question: what do ya’ll serve with it for dinner (3 teenage boys & husband)
Hi Wyndi! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! You can serve with salad and rice of course. We also really enjoy this with our creamy Mashed Potatoes!
Vegetable risotto. Cheesy rice
Tomatoes and Rice
These are delicious and easy! Question: do they freeze well? I made way too many!
Hi Sandy, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. You can also use Plain Greek Yogurt instead of mayo. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
Making these tonight!! 🙂
Enjoy, I hope you love it!
Can’t wait to make these… Looks delish. I have used the tarter sauce. I used sweet gherkins chopped up. Best tarter sauce… I will make it over and over!
That’s so great! I’m so glad you enjoyed that Miriam!
I just discovered you an hour ago and I can’t wait to try your recipes!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog, Mary Ann! Welcome!
Natasha I just absolutely love watching your videos as you make me smile! And your recipes are killer delicious girlfriend! These salmon cakes will be on our table soon.
Thank you for always watching my videos. I am so glad you’re enjoying them!
Do you think I could use a pound of smoked salmon (lox) instead of fresh salmon?
Hi Leah, I honestly have never tried using smoked salmon in salmon patties so I can’t say for sure. You might do some googling to see if anyone has tried that. Sorry I can’t be more helpful! P.S. Keep in mind, you would definitely have to watch the salt as smoked salmon is way more salty.
This recipe is delicious!! I made it a few days ago and i’m making it again tonight!
Sounds like you found a new favorite Kallie! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Going to make these for dinner tomorrow with friends. What would you serve with it?
Hi Deborah, you can serve with salad and rice of course. We also really enjoy this with our creamy Mashed Potatoes!
Hi Natasha, can I prepare the patties the day before? What can I substitute the mayo with? Thanks a lot
Anto
Hi Anto, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. You can also use Plain Greek Yogurt instead of mayo. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
Look so good! Can these be frozen?
Hi Joan, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
I love every Recipe that I have made from watching you and Copying your recipes. I have never been disappointed thank you so much
I’m so glad you enjoyed that recipe!
Wonderful Salmon patties along with the tarter sauce. Very easy. 5+stars
Love it! Thank you so much for your great review.
Made these last night; also made the homemade tartar sauce. Loved both recipes. Will definitely make again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
I eat a Paleo diet – do you think the recipe would work using almond flour in place of the breadcrumbs? This recipe looks soooo good! TIA
My hubby said “This is a keeper.” This was one of my top 5 meals ever!!! Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to more good recipes.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Karen!
The best salmon patty recipe I’ve used and my husband agrees. Moist but holds togethor well. Very flavorful! I will definitely make again. Next time I will make the sauce to go with it.
That’s so awesome Michele! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Your nutrition label says 145 calories…how many patties is that?
This makes about 4-6 servings, depending on how big you make them.
Made this several times & my husband & I are in love with it . The sauce is a must & make extra!!! I froze a few extra uncooked cakes in ziplock baggies for another meal . Defrost in fridge . Let sit on sheet pan for 30 mins before pan searing . Perfect .
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Recipe was great, but why, why, why does EVERY recipe on the internet waste a second sheet of paper to print one line of copyright information. It’s like all web chefs get a kickback from the paper companies.
Hi Stephen, Most recipes print on one sheet. Are you using the printable recipe option on our blog?
Hi do we have to cook the salmon in the tin. We hardly get the fresh one?
Hi Wendy, several of our readers have reported great results used canned salmon. I recommend looking through the comments for tips and advice.
These are absolutely amazing. I make them once every other week now. We just love them.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
hi Natasha, just tried your salmon cake recipe tonight and it was soooo delicious!! My family just loved it even without tartar. We eat fish regularly and I am constantly looking for new recipes, especially for salmon that we buy often from Costco. This is for sure the best salmon recipe I’ve used recently! Thank you so much for sharing it. Hope you have a wonderful day!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Made this a few weeks ago and truly that even a person who doesn’t eat salmon will love it. My boy don’t like salmon but when he tasted it he asked me to make again.
So nice to hear that, Venus! My kids love this too just like your son.
These were absolutely delicious with the homemade tartar sauce recipe…my family ate them before we could finish talking about it. Even with canned salmon which is all I had during the pandemic—the perfect pantry gourmet!
I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it!
One word AMAZING!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
These are fabulous!
Made them without the red bell pepper (I do not have one) and they were still excellent!
A couple of crab cakes I added tiny bit of blue cheese and they were just as good if not better than than the ones I buy fresh at the super market.
This will be a staple recipe in our house!
That is awesome to know, Mayla! Thanks for trying this recipe and for giving a wonderful review!
I’m making these today….can’t wait to try they look delicious! I was wondering, can I freeze some of them before frying to save for another time? Thank you!
Hi Nancy, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
Holy moly these are DIVINE! Soooo delicious!
Isn’t the flavor amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
I just happen to have some salmon filets in the freezer, so I may give these a try next weekend. I was wondering…do you think I could bake these instead of frying them?
Hello Janet, I haven’t tried that yet to advise. One of my readers reported good results baking but I haven’t heard back with the details on bake time and temperature. If you test it out that way, let me know how you like them baked.
I just tried out this recipe (had to omit a couple things because I just didn’t have them and can’t hop out to the grocery store), but overall turned out fantastic! Quarantine meal for the win!! Btw, I love watching your videos on Facebook!
Yay so awesome that it worked great without the other ingredients. Thanks for your great feedback and for always watching my videos!
Natasha,
I know I’m late to the game- but during this week made some salmon that didn’t really come out that great. I wouldn’t have eaten it again but didn’t want to waste, so I made this recipe and it came out fantastic!!!!
I’m so glad you found and enjoyed our recipe, Lisa! That’s so great!
These salmon patties have become a favorite meal for my husband and me. A great way to serve a more informal version of Atlantic salmon.
We like it with the homemade tartare sauce, shoestring fries and salad.
That’s just awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This looks like an amazing dish I’ve made them before but used can so I was looking for a recipe with fresh fish. I’ll be using this one and I like to make a half in half of cream of mushroom cream of cheddar soup and drizzle it over like a gravy type thing. I will be trying this tonight…
Thank You
Sounds like a good plan, Randell. Please share with us how it goes. Enjoy!
I did make these salmon patties about 10 days ago. Just got back on here to print it, before I lose it. I failed to take a photo though…”I sorry”. They were really good. I did substitute with canned salmon. I am sure fresh salmon is better……but way more costly. My budget only allowed me to get canned salmom. With the homemade tartar sauce they are exquisitely delicious. A dish anyone should love. And relatively easy. I too Love FiestaWare. I have wanted a full set ever since I first saw them. And I know exactly what mix of colors, I want. Thank you for sharing your recipes. God Bless.
No worries Elizabeth. I hope you can share a picture next time you make it again. I hope you love every recipe that you try!
Hi Natasha: I have been looking for a good salmon recipe and this one looks delicious. I am going to give it a try. Thanks
I hope you love it, Donna!
Why do you cook the salmon first? Wouldn’t it make more sense to dice salmon raw, saute the vegetables and then mix everything? It would make a more moist product and not as dry.
Tnoughts?
Hi Corey, I haven’t had any issue with this being dry. It’s also a great way to use up leftover salmon or even canned salmon.
I have made this several times and it always pleases. I especially like the salmon preparation. It adds another dimension to the dish!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I made these tonight using canned salmon from Trader Joe’s, they were fabulous! I cheated on the tarter sauce because I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand, just put sweet relish in some mayo. I will definitely make these again!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I didn’t know salmon patties could be so good! Mine have been pretty boring in the past. I did have to use dried bread crumbs instead of panko because that was what was in the cupboard – but otherwise, wouldn’t change a thing. Delicious. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Ok Natasha,
All the reviews have encouraged me to try your recipe over the one I usually make. My son has been at me to make him some next time he comes to visit, which will be soon. I’ll let you know what he says.
I hope you and he love this recipe! This one is pretty popular on our blog, can’t wait to hear how you like that.
I wanted to make fish cakes for years. I didn’t dare to buy those from shop, but couldn’t motivate myself to try at home too. So when I came across your recipe and it looks so easy to make – I decided to try. So so tasty! I shared it with my Latvian friend and she loves them too. Thanks for this lovely recipe Natasha!
Aww that’s the best Kasia! Thank you for that wonderful feedback!
Made these for supper tonight. My husband loved them. Next time I make them, I’ll use less Pankhurst, I could taste that more than the salmon. But it is a keeper recipe. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
I have been making these for years, only add fresh dill instead of parsley, but love your tartar sauce.
Thanks for sharing, Carol!
Turned out great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Diana!
Just made these this evening, double batch since I have two teens and one of my kids had a friend over. Served with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Big hit even with my teen daughter and her friend. Wife was a little skeptical but loved them and the tartar sauce too. Used canned wild caught Salmon since we were short on time and still great.
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
Lol, yeah well we dad’s cook too.
Yes, yes you do! Parents* would be more appropriate here! Thank you, Nathan!
Hi Natasha, I made this recipe tonight using canned salmon. Delicious!!! My husband really liked them. I’ll be making these again. By the way I love your blog and many other of your recipes. Thanks for sharing
I’m so happy to hear you liked that, Deb! Thank you for that awesome feedback!
These salmon cakes are easy, simple and DELICIOUS!! You must make the tater sauce too!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Liz!
Have made this a few times! The family loves it as well as the homemade tartar sauce. Than k you for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you & your family enjoyed it.
I made this recipe tonight and was a hit the homemade tartar sauce was awesome too
That’s so great, Charlotte! Thank you for that great feedback!
So delicious Natasha, thank you so much., I used canned wild salmon
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Pam!
This is a good recipe and I will make it again. I think the large amount of onion and red bell pepper is what makes it so good. My only criticism is that the directions say it makes 14 patties. That’s only slightly more than one ounce. Maybe that’s ok for a cocktail party but for a main course, it is not. This recipe makes 6 regular sized salmon cakes.
Hi Robert, yes we made 14 patties using a tablespoon scoop. So they are smaller. If you try the bigger versions I would love to know how you like them better.
They were fine larger. One was sufficient for dinner; two if you’re really hungry.
If I make these into balls instead of patties as an appetizer to go further, do I still fry in pan or should I bake in oven?
Hi Lori, I think you could make that work. Forming into balls makes it a little more complicated to cook and turn the patties. Make sure you are using a good non-stick pan. If you experiment with either please let me know how you like that.
These look delicious! Could I freeze these?
Hi Donna, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
This knocked our socks off. We used wild sockeye (previously frozen, sigh, we live in Texas). We added one medium size diced jap. We could not taste the jap or detect any heat, but the flavors in this recipe are spectacular. Next cook were going to up the jalapeno to twice as much to see how that works.
This is a killer recipe. Wow. Thank you. Love it.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Dale.
Hi, can these be frozen? If so, cooked or uncooked? Hubby Loved these so much that he wants to make sure we always have some on hand. Do we cook from frozen or thawed state?
Thanks and Merry Christmas
Hi Sandra, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
Can you use canned salmon? If so, what is the canned grams size for this recipe?
Hi El, I have that note at the bottom of the recipe card: “15 oz of well-drained canned salmon or salmon in packets.”
Thanks. Look forward to make this.
Was wondering if you can freeze them?
Hi El, I imagine cooked patties would freeze well but I’m not sure if the patties would fall apart or not if they are frozen before cooking. If you experiment, let me know how it goes!
Can’t wait to try this!
What is the dip?
Hi Karen, we used this Homemade Tartar sauce/dip here & linked it in the recipe.
Hi Natasha, just wondering , I’m making them tonight can I use Ritz crackers instead of bread crumbs. Can’t wait to make them.
Hi Cynthia, I have not tested that but here is what one of our readers wrote “I made your delicious salmon cakes Friday they came out awesome thank you for sharing your recipe. The only thing I did different I did not have breadcrumbs so I used Ritz crackers Mr. Husband love them” I hope that helps.
Absolutely awesome!
I made them a bit larger for salmon burgers.
Brioche bun, lettuce and tomato with chipotle mayonnaise. A new family favorite.
I’m so glad you found a favorite! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Salmon cakes delish, family thumbs up.
I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Pam!
Tonight was probably the third or fourth time I’ve made these, and it’s the first time we didn’t use canned salmon. While it took a little longer, they were delicious, as they were every other time. Thank you, Natasha, for sharing all you do with all of us. I found your website several years ago when I was searching for a Ukrainian recipe to surprise my wife (who is from Ukraine), and I’ve never left, lol!
You’re welcome, Scott! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
I’ve made these several times! I can’t express how much i love this recipe! Thank you so much
You’re welcome, James! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe.
Oh my gosh!!! Just made this for my finance and youngest daughter and it was a huge hit!!! First bite and…”this is SO a do-again!” Delis!!!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Just tried this with my Wife, normally we cannot work together in the kitchen at all. This time however it was a pleasure, so multi kudos just for that!
Adjusted the ingredients slightly for 8 salmon cakes and used natural Greek yoghurt instead of the mayo and it was really really GREAT.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for the wonderful review and so fun that you enjoyed making these together.
hi has anyone tryed old bay spice with this recipe if so how much and what do you think
Hi Kenneth, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
yes i will let you know about the old bay spice please one more question we do not like panko bread crumb can i use mash potatoe or crushed crackers if so how much
Hi Kenneth, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Hi Kenneth, when I was a girl, my mom used crushed saltines for the coating on her salmon patties. They work well.
Thank you for sharing that with us, Beth.
Hi Kenneth, I make salmon cakes with mashed potatoes all the time and they turn out great!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Wendy!
These look fantastic! Do you have a recipe for the homemade tartar sauce?
We sure do! The Tartar Sauce recipe can be found here.
I made these tonight and we loved them! So easy and the homemade tarter sauce went perfect with them. I will definitely be making these again.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Ann!
Hi! I’m excited to try this. It looks yummy and super easy. Curious, is there a substitute for Mayo that you could suggest? Also, what other sauce could you use instead of Tartar Sauce? I’m not a fan of mayo. Thanks!
Hi Yasmin, I haven’t tested any substitutions, but here is what one of our readers posted, “I used greek yogurt instead of mayo, which worked very well”
Have made these twice now, they are a big hit here, so tasty and I am never going to go back to store bought tarter sauce now. Awesome together. Have sent your recipe link to all my family and friends, thank you.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review Kathy!
If i use canned salmon will it taste like the tin from the can?
Hi Tracyann, I haven’t noticed that being the case.
I use canned salmon all of the time, and I have never noticed any tin flavor.
What is the weight of the salmon filet you use? Thanks
Hi Phyllis, it is a 1 lb filet. I hope you love the salmon patties!
What is the sauce/dip?
Hi Ginny, it is homemade tartar sauce.