Crispy Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe: A Family Favorite

Sizzling and golden, these southern fried salmon patties bring a burst of flavor straight from southern kitchens.

Packed with rich, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth, this classic recipe turns simple ingredients into a crispy delicacy.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these delectable patties, creating a comforting dish that speaks to traditional southern cooking.

The technique of frying salmon into perfect, crunchy medallions requires just a few key ingredients and some culinary passion.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and tender interior that makes these patties irresistible.

Served with a zesty remoulade or alongside fresh greens, these salmon patties promise a meal that connects you to time-honored southern cooking traditions.

Let’s find out this recipe and savor a taste of genuine southern comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 252 kcal

Servings: 5

Southern Fried Salmon Patties Ingredient Guide

• Pink Salmon: Tender, flaky canned fish that forms the hearty core of the patties, ensuring rich seafood flavor and protein-packed goodness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the patties together and adds rich, creamy texture.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, tangy umami complexity that elevates the salmon's natural taste.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish with spicy undertones.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming the delicate salmon.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

• White Bread, Cornmeal: Provide crispy exterior and help bind ingredients while adding subtle grainy texture.
• Bell Pepper, Onion: Introduce fresh crunch, natural sweetness, and vibrant color to the patties.
• Flour: Creates a light, golden coating that helps achieve perfect crispy exterior when frying.
• Oil or Shortening: Enables deep, even frying that results in a deliciously golden-brown crust.

Equipment Needed for Salmon Patties

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining salmon and ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for frying patties to golden brown perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately portion ingredients.
• Spatula: Great for flipping and transferring patties during cooking.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

How to Fry Southern Salmon Patties

• Salmon Preparation Drain canned salmon and gently break into soft flakes, carefully removing any visible bones for a smooth texture.
• Flavor Fusion Mix flaked salmon with eggs, diced onions, colorful bell peppers, cornmeal, aromatic seasonings, and creamy binding ingredients until everything melds together perfectly.
• Texture Balance Adjust mixture consistency by adding flour if needed, ensuring patties will hold their shape during cooking without falling apart.
• Patty Formation Shape salmon mixture into round, compact cakes approximately half-inch thick, creating uniform portions for even cooking.
• Sizzling Skillet Heat cooking oil in a heavy pan until it shimmers with a gentle warmth, creating the ideal environment for golden, crispy exterior.
• Golden Transformation Fry salmon cakes until they develop a rich, caramel-brown crust, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes to ensure complete doneness.
• Serving Style Transfer freshly cooked salmon cakes onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, then plate with your favorite accompaniments for a delightful meal.

Flavor Tips for Southern Fried Salmon Patties

• For extra crispiness, coat patties in additional cornmeal or breadcrumbs before frying to create a delightful crunchy exterior that elevates the entire dish.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to add bright, zesty notes that complement the rich salmon flavor and make your patties more gourmet.
• If you want a healthier version, bake patties in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, instead of traditional pan-frying to reduce oil content.
• Replace canned salmon with fresh cooked salmon or even canned tuna for a delicious protein variation that keeps the core recipe structure intact.
• Refrigerate uncooked patty mixture for up to 24 hours before cooking, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal prep incredibly convenient for busy cooks.

Serving Southern Salmon Patties with Sides

• Zesty Dipping Delights: Whip up a tangy remoulade sauce by mixing mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce for a creamy, spicy companion to your salmon patties.
• Fresh Coastal Plating: Serve these crispy patties atop a bed of mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette, garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add brightness and color to the dish.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Pair the salmon patties with classic southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttered corn on the cob, or crispy hush puppies to create a hearty and satisfying meal that celebrates traditional southern flavors.
• Breakfast Transformation: Transform leftover salmon patties into a morning treat by topping them with a soft-poached egg and a sprinkle of chives, creating a delicious breakfast option that repurposes your delectable seafood creation.

Storing Fried Salmon Patties for Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap each patty individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor mixing.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Revive cold patties by warming them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare extra batches and freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper layers inside a sealed freezer bag. Raw patties can stay frozen up to 2 months, allowing convenient future meal preparation.
• Prep-Ahead Wisdom: Mix salmon mixture in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique helps ingredients meld together, enhancing overall flavor profile and saving time during meal preparation.

Crispy Southern Salmon Patties

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory southern fried salmon patties bring classic Southern comfort to seafood lovers’ tables. Crisp golden exterior and tender interior create a delightful meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) pink salmon, canned, drained and flaked
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) yellow cornmeal
• 1 slice white bread, crumbled
• ¼ cup (40 g) chopped onion
• ¼ cup (40 g) chopped bell pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Texas Pete)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• oil or shortening for frying (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously drain canned salmon, removing bones, and delicately flake fish into a large mixing bowl.
2. Mixing: Combine salmon with eggs, onion, bell pepper, cornmeal, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and crumbled bread. Fold ingredients until evenly distributed, adjusting moisture with flour if needed.
3. Forming: Divide mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into compact patties approximately 0.5 inches thick, ensuring uniform consistency.
4. Cooking: Heat vegetable shortening or cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a thin, even layer. Carefully place patties in the skillet, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and thoroughly cooked.
5. Serving: Transfer crispy salmon patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Plate immediately while warm, accompanied by preferred side dishes or complementary dipping sauces.

Notes

• Bone Removal Technique: Carefully pick out tiny bones from canned salmon to prevent choking and ensure a smooth, pleasant eating experience.
• Moisture Control Tip: Add flour gradually if mixture feels too wet, helping patties hold together perfectly without falling apart during frying.
• Patty Shaping Precision: Create uniform 1/2-inch thick patties for consistent cooking and crispy exterior across all salmon cakes.
• Oil Temperature Management: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, ensuring salmon patties cook evenly and develop a delectable crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 385 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg