Chef Mitchell preparing Golden Crispy Salmon Patties
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making salmon patties during a summer cookout with friends. Since then, I've perfected this recipe, focusing on achieving the perfect golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Each bite is a reminder of that sunny day spent cooking and laughing together. It's become a family favorite that I love to share with others."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in seafood dishes. He has a passion for creating easy yet flavorful recipes that are perfect for family dinners. His expertise ensures that every dish is not only delicious but also approachable for home cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Golden Crispy Salmon Patties served on a plate

Why This Golden Crispy Salmon Patties Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines fresh ingredients with simple techniques to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The balance of flavors from the salmon, herbs, and spices makes each bite delightful. Plus, the crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender interior, ensuring a satisfying texture.

Using chilled patties before frying is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust. The combination of breadcrumbs and a light dusting of flour helps create a crunch that is irresistible. This technique guarantees that your patties won't fall apart while cooking, leading to consistently delicious results.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the salmon mixture. It brightens up the dish and complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. Additionally, using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs can enhance the crunchiness of the patties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you're ready to cook, add a little extra oil to the pan if needed.

If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko crumbs can be great substitutes. You can also use ground oats for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that different substitutes may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

The patties are done when they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check by inserting a fork into the center; it should feel firm and not mushy.

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just make sure to lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; simply fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

These salmon patties pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious salmon burger. A side of tartar sauce or aioli can enhance the flavors even more.

Cooked salmon patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat them in the oven or on the stove for the best results.

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the patties a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier result.

The best way to reheat salmon patties is by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the patties come out dry, it may be due to overcooking or not enough binding agents.

Solution: To prevent dryness, ensure you don't overcook the patties and consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or an extra egg to the mixture for moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Patties may not turn out crispy if they are overcrowded in the pan or if the oil isn’t hot enough.

Solution: Make sure to fry the patties in batches and allow sufficient space between them. Preheat the oil until it's shimmering before adding the patties to ensure they crisp up nicely.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the patties are overcooked, they may become hard and lose flavor.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, monitor the frying time carefully. Remove the patties as soon as they turn golden brown.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center is undercooked, the patties may not have been fried for long enough.

Recovery: If you find any patties are undercooked, return them to the skillet and cook for an additional minute on each side until fully cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the heat is too high during frying.

Prevention: Adjust the heat to medium and keep an eye on the patties as they cook, lowering the heat if necessary.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the patties taste too sweet, add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the patties are bland, try adding more seasonings or spices into the mixture before frying.

Fresh ingredients for Golden Crispy Salmon Patties

Essential Ingredients for Golden Crispy Salmon Patties

The key to a great salmon patty lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh salmon is crucial for flavor and texture, while breadcrumbs provide the necessary binding. Adding herbs like dill not only enhances the taste but also adds a nice freshness to the dish.

Quality matters when it comes to ingredients. Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible, as it offers superior flavor and health benefits. Fresh herbs should be vibrant and fragrant, contributing to the overall flavor profile of these patties.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Salmon: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor. If using canned salmon, choose a brand that is sustainably sourced and packed in water for a healthier option.
  • Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a delightful crispy exterior that's hard to resist.
  • Dill: Fresh dill adds an aromatic touch to the patties. Be sure to chop it finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
Cooking process for Golden Crispy Salmon Patties

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Golden Crispy Salmon Patties is a straightforward process that begins with combining fresh ingredients into a flavorful mixture. The key is in the chilling step, which helps the patties hold their shape while frying. Once the mixture is ready, you simply form the patties and fry them until golden brown.

By following these simple steps, you'll achieve perfectly cooked salmon patties with a crunchy exterior and moist interior. Enjoy them fresh out of the skillet or refrigerated for later use; they remain delicious either way.

Key Technique for Perfect Golden Crispy Salmon Patties

The most important technique for these salmon patties is ensuring they chill before frying. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart in the oil. Additionally, using a good amount of oil in a hot skillet will create that irresistible crispy exterior.

Golden Crispy Salmon Patties

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
    For dipping
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb salmon, cooked and flaked
    Freshly cooked
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For binding
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    Creamy base
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
    For freshness
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    Adds tang
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    Enhances flavor
  • 1 egg, beaten
    Binding agent
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dusting
    Crispy coating
  • Oil for frying
    For cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon

    In a bowl, combine the cooked salmon, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, green onions, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

  2. Form the Patties

    Shape the salmon mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate.

  3. Chill the Patties

    Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

  4. Prepare for Frying

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dust each patty lightly with flour just before frying.

  5. Fry the Patties

    Carefully place the patties in the skillet and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

  6. Drain Excess Oil

    Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  7. Serve

    Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce or on a bun as a salmon burger.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover salmon patties, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier.

Serving Suggestions

These patties are versatile and can be served in various ways. Try them in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato, or as an appetizer with a zesty dipping sauce. Pairing with a light salad or coleslaw also complements their flavors well.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding different herbs or spices to the mixture. You can also try incorporating chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.