If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that can quickly become a family favorite, look no further than salmon patties. These delightful little morsels are not just easy to prepare; they deliver on flavor and nutrition as well.
Why We Love This Salmon Patties Recipe
Salmon patties offer a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet, providing a plethora of health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. The ease of using canned salmon makes this recipe accessible even for those short on time or culinary skills. It’s versatile; you can serve it as part of a meal or even on its own as a snack. The best part? You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients about Salmon Patties
To make delicious salmon patties, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 x 5 oz. cans skinless, boneless pink salmon
- 1/4 cup onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 5 Tbsp plain breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup cooking oil
These noteworthy ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that marries simplicity with remarkable flavor.
How to Make Salmon Patties Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step directions for crafting these salmon patties.
Prepare the Salmon: Begin by draining all liquid from the canned salmon. Place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to gently break up the salmon, ensuring no large pieces remain. The texture should be somewhat flaky but not overly mushy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the finely diced onion, salt, black pepper, the lightly beaten egg, plain breadcrumbs, and lemon juice into the bowl with the salmon. This is where the magic happens! Mix all these ingredients together until they’re well combined. You want to ensure each patty has an even distribution of flavor.
Shape the Patties: Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape them into patties. Using about 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture for each patty, mold them into rounds which should be about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure they’re not too thick; you want them to cook through properly.
Heat the Skillet: Next, take a cast-iron skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s hot, pour in the cooking oil. Make sure to coat the bottom well to prevent the patties from sticking.
Cook the Patties: Add the patties to the skillet. It’s best to cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them for about 3 minutes on one side until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Gently flip them over using a spatula, and allow them to cook for another 3 minutes on the other side.
Rest the Patties: After cooking, place the patties on a wire rack to drain any excess oil and let them rest. The resting period allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle when serving.
You now have scrumptious salmon patties ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Salmon Patties
Serving salmon patties can be as simple or as fancy as you wish. For a casual meal, serve the patties hot straight from the skillet with a side of crisp green salad and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar or a yogurt-based sauce. You can also squeeze some fresh lemon wedges over the top for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
If you want a heartier dish, pair the patties with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. These patties also make lovely sandwiches; just place them between toasted bread slices with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of your preferred sauce.
Don’t forget they can also shine as an appetizer! Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating and a colorful side of dips or sauces.
Expert Tips: Salmon Patties
Creating the perfect salmon patties is about more than just following the recipe—you’ll want to keep some tips in mind to make your experience even better.
Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for high-quality canned salmon for the best flavor. Brands that use sustainably sourced fish will provide not just good taste but also peace of mind.
Don’t Skimp on Binding Agents: The egg and breadcrumbs are crucial for keeping the patties together. Make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any crumbling during cooking.
Test Cooking: If you’re unsure about the seasoning, cook a small test patty before fully committing to your batch. This way, you can adjust salt and pepper levels to your liking.
Preheat the Pan: Ensure your skillet is appropriately heated before adding the patties, which helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
Keep Them Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the first round of patties warm in an oven set to low heat until all batches are cooked.
These tips will ensure your salmon patties turn out delightful every time!
How to Store Salmon Patties
Leftovers? No problem! Storing salmon patties is straightforward. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the patties individually by placing parchment paper between them and then sealing them in freezer-safe bags. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or skillet until warmed through—no need to sacrifice that crispiness!
Variation of Salmon Patties
One of the most appealing aspects of salmon patties is their versatility. Here are a few variations to intrigue your cooking sense:
Spicy Salmon Patties: Add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Herbed Variants: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the mixture for an aromatic twist.
Veggie-packed Patties: Mix in grated zucchini or chopped bell peppers for added nutrients and a different texture.
Citrus Zing: For a fresher taste, consider adding lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a unique citrus flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or feta to the mixture for a creamy experience inside the patty.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a salmon patty that suits your taste buds!
FAQ about Salmon Patties
1. What type of salmon should I use for the patties?
You can use any skinless, boneless canned salmon, but pink salmon is a popular choice due to its mild flavor. Always look for sustainably sourced options.
2. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can bake or poach fresh salmon, flake it, and use it in the recipe, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
3. Are salmon patties gluten-free?
To make gluten-free salmon patties, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or use crushed gluten-free crackers.
4. Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and shape the patties. Store them in the fridge for a day and cook them when you’re ready!
5. How do I enhance the flavor of my salmon patties?
You can amp up the flavor by adding spices, sauces, or herbs as mentioned in the variations above.
Salmon Patties
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 x 5 oz cans pink salmon skinless and boneless
- 1/4 cup onion finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 5 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup cooking oil
Instructions
- Drain the canned salmon and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break it up into small pieces.
- Add onion, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and lemon juice to the salmon. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil.
- Add the patties to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Once cooked, place the patties on a wire rack to drain excess oil and let them rest before serving.
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