This Salmon Patties Recipe makes flaky, tender, and flavorful fritters with crisp edges and plenty of flaked salmon, the hallmark of the very best salmon patties. These are so easy to make with leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon and work great as an appetizer, side, or main dish.

Salmon Patties on a plate with tartar dipping sauce.

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Each week, my whole family gathers at my mom’s house for Sunday night dinner, potluck style. I love to bring easy-to-transport appetizers and sides, like my Jalapeno Poppers, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Grape Jelly Meatballs, that make it easy for a crowd of people to feast!

These Salmon Patties are perfect for our family meals since they travel well, stay crispy, and can be served using just your fingers (ok, you could also use a serving utensil, but that’s extra dishes!).

Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

My whole family loves to eat these easy salmon patties, especially served with my Homemade Tartar Sauce, and I love how easy it is to make!

If you’re looking to start with fresh salmon, you’ll love our Salmon Cakes Recipe, but this recipe for salmon patties is a smart way to make a quick batch on busy weeknights with either leftover cooked salmon or well-drained, canned salmon (or even salmon packets) which you may already have in your pantry.

These are such a treat, and even folks who don’t usually like salmon enjoy this recipe. They always disappear fast and are even faster to make.

Salmon patties recipe stacked on top of each other on a blue plate

How to Make Salmon Patties

  1. Cook the Veggies – Saute the onion and bell pepper in a pan for 7-9 minutes and then remove from heat.
  2. Mix the Patties – Mix salmon, peppers and onions, bread crumbs, egg, mayo, Worcestershire, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Then, use a heaping Tablespoon to measure the mixture and your hands to form patties.
  3. Cook the Patties – Melt oil and butter in a clean skillet, and place the salmon patties into the skillet in one layer, sauteeing each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Place cooked patties on a paper-towel-lined plate, and then serve, garnished with fresh parsley.
Step by step how to make salmon patties

How to Serve Salmon Patties

You can also serve these salmon patties for lunch, dinner or appetizers – they are versatile and can even be served in Hamburger Buns as salmon burgers, simply form them a little larger in step 3. They also pair well with these dishes:

close up picture of salmon patties on a blue plate with tartar sauce for dipping

Make-Ahead

Cool any leftover salmon patties and store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

  • To Refrigerate: place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: freeze for up to 3 months
  • To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge. You can eat the patty cold or reheat in a skillet or air fryer until heated through
fish patties on a blue platter with dipping sauce and parsley

This recipe for Salmon Patties will soon become your favorite appetizer or main dish. The crispy outside and moist, flavorful inside work perfectly with my homemade tartar sauce. Try this easy recipe today!

More Easy Salmon Recipes

Once you have tried this Salmon Patties recipe, check out some of my Best Salmon Recipes.

Easy Salmon Patties Recipe

4.96 from 571 votes
A blue plate with Salmon cakes garnished with parsley and a small bowl of tartar sauce
These salmon patties are flaky, tender and so flavorful with crisp edges and big bites of flaked salmon. They are also super easy to make with leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon. These salmon patties always disappear fast! Serve with tartar sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 14 salmon patties
  • 14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, 1 cup, finely diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise*
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic salt, or sub with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder, or season to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced

Instructions

  • Set 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, combine flaked salmon, sautéed pepper and onion, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and 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 for 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 patties.

Notes

*You can substitute canned salmon with leftover cooked salmon. Be sure it’s boneless and skinless, and flake the salmon before using it in the recipe.
*If the 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.
To Store Leftovers – Cool and place salmon patties in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then eat cold, or reheat in a skillet or air fryer until warmed.

Nutrition Per Serving

1patty Serving94kcal Calories3g Carbs7g Protein6g Fat2g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat2g Monounsaturated Fat0.1g Trans Fat40mg Cholesterol314mg Sodium134mg Potassium0.4g Fiber1g Sugar311IU Vitamin A8mg Vitamin C91mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 patty
Amount per Serving
Calories
94
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
40
mg
13
%
Sodium
 
314
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
134
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
311
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
91
mg
9
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Salmon Patties, salmon patties recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 94
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.96 from 571 votes (189 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Jim Stephens
    January 3, 2021

    Is there any way possible that in the instructions section when you change the number of servings that the instructions can be changed as well ?? I have noticed it before that the ingredients reflect but the instructions part stays the same as shown on original servings. Hoping this makes sense 🙏. Love all you do and make 👍❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 4, 2021

      Hi Jim, unfortunately, the program that we are using does not have that functionality yet. It would be convenient but just not a possibility currently. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

      • Lisa
        March 16, 2021

        Just wondering if the serving size is 1 patty? Thanks!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 16, 2021

          Hi Lisa, This makes about 4-6 servings from the 14 patties, depending on how big you make them.

          Reply

  • Winnie
    December 30, 2020

    Can I replace Mayonnaise with eggs instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 30, 2020

      Hi Winnie, I’m now sure if that’s going to work as I haven’t tried that yet to advise.

      Reply

  • Samantha
    December 29, 2020

    I don’t understand the calories in this recipe. It says it’s 145 calories, but how many servings is that? I’m on a strict diet and need to track this. For example, I ate 3 patties. Is it 145/patty?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 30, 2020

      Hi Samantha, this recipe produces 14 salmon patties. The calories are 145 per patty.

      Reply

  • Pat
    December 17, 2020

    Made these salmon patties tonight. They are a definite keeper. I used leftover salmon from dinner the other night. I didn’t have any parsley so chopped up some spinach and sautéed it with onions and red peppers. The patties were moist and very tasty. I made tarter sauce with sweet relish. Will definitely make them again. So easy and tasty.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      Sounds good! Thanks for sharing that with us, Pat. I’m glad these patties were a hit!

      Reply

  • Jonathan Briggs
    December 13, 2020

    Made this recipe almost as is but used wild caught smoked salmon (not big fans of canned salmon). Because it is moist and a bit more salty used garlic powder rather than garlic salt and cut back on the mayonnaise by about a Tbsp. Very tasty, flavors well balanced, panko gave a nice crisp! Might try the air fryer next time. Only suggestion is maybe a little dill for freshness. Tried to attach a picture but couldn’t figure out how but looks almost the photo!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 14, 2020

      Thank you for sharing that wonderful feedback with us Jonathan!

      Reply

  • Tracye
    December 13, 2020

    I’m not a fan of fish but I’ve always loved my father’s salmon cakes. Since he died, I’ve tried to replicate them with no success. This recipe is the closest to his that I could find and I believe it’s in large part due to using fresh salmon. I love these and have made them a few times. Since I live in Maryland, I had to alter the recipe by adding Old Bay Seasoning! Very tasty!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2020

      I am so glad you found this recipe, Tracye! Thanks for giving this a try and I’m happy that you liked it and that it tasted similar to your father’s version.

      Reply

  • Lynn
    December 2, 2020

    These were just so good! My entire family loved them and I can’t wait to tell my friends about this blog.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 3, 2020

      Thanks for your good feedback, Lynn!

      Reply

      • Haley
        December 9, 2020

        These are SO good! And easy too so double win 😁

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 9, 2020

          We love a good double win! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe, Haley!

          Reply

  • Kim
    November 15, 2020

    LOVE LOVE LOVE these! I’ve made them a few times already and my family requested them tonight for dinner. Making a double batch tonight!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 15, 2020

      That makes me happy! Thank you for sharing that with us, Kim. Love it.

      Reply

  • Susan Ellsessor
    November 11, 2020

    I just made these Salmon Patties using Wesley Farm(Bj’s Brand) Pink wild caught in Alaska salmon in a can without skin or bones. My husband just said they were the best Salmon patties he has ever had. I will be using your recipe from now on. Thank You…..

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 11, 2020

      Love it! Thanks to you both for trying out this recipe. I’m glad you enjoyed these patties!

      Reply

  • Brenda
    October 27, 2020

    just found your website yesterday. love it you will be my go to now. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 27, 2020

      Aww, that’s so great! I’m so glad you discovered our blog Brenda!

      Reply

  • Frantiska
    October 21, 2020

    very well

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 21, 2020

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Teri
    October 20, 2020

    Not even a huge fan of salmon but my husband loves it! Made these and we all loved them. Told my daughter who lives in Alaska about them they eat salmon all the time, and her family loves them also

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 20, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Linda
    October 18, 2020

    Do these freeze well?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 18, 2020

      Hello Linda, 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!

      Reply

  • Janet lis
    October 11, 2020

    Love these make them all the time

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 11, 2020

      So great to hear that, Janet!

      Reply

  • Marjie
    October 8, 2020

    These were fantastic. I served them with Cajun Remoulade sauce on a pretzel bun. Delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 8, 2020

      That sounds delicious! Totally craving this right now!

      Reply

  • Lori
    October 6, 2020

    Omg! These are delicious!!!
    Thank you for the recipe! I added leftover veggies to my mix.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 6, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoeyd that Lori!

      Reply

  • Danny
    October 5, 2020

    I’m so sorry but when I took the salmon out of the oven and tasted it oh man it was so SALTY & PEPPERY it was awful! i did not go any further. You sure the measurements for the garlic salt and pepper are correct? The salmon cooked up perfectly but SO much garlic salt and pepper! Threw it in the trash!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 6, 2020

      Hi Danny, those measurements are correct for that amount of salmon. If using less salmon, you would want to adjust the garlic salt accordingly.

      Reply

  • Michael
    September 12, 2020

    I’m an amateur cook and love doing it learning where I can and done alright for the family but find it hard lately to move forward but after stumbling across your page has helped me lift dinners to a whole new level using basic ingredients ending in an amazing flavour and greatfull family so after trying this one tonight with fresh King Salmon and a few other dishes recently just want to say… Thank you for all you do xx..

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 12, 2020

      I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you!

      Reply

  • Mary
    September 4, 2020

    I’m really looking forward to trying this but my son is allergic to eggs. We can find vegan mayo but what would you substitute for egg? I often use chia seeds in other recipes but not sure about that here.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 7, 2020

      Hi Mary, I haven’t tried anything besides eggs so I can’t advise on that.

      Reply

    • Judy A
      January 19, 2021

      Mary, Hellmann’s has a Vegan Mayo. I get it at Wal Mart. It is the best mayo I’ve ever tasted. I use it for everything that calls for mayo. The price is reasonably the same as regular Hellmann’s Mayo. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.

      Reply

  • Joann
    September 4, 2020

    I made these tonight and everyone, even my very picky adult son, loved them! So much flavor!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 4, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

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