Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe – Crispy, Easy, and Delicious
If you’re craving a quick and budget-friendly seafood dinner, these Southern Fried Salmon Patties (also called salmon cakes or salmon croquettes) are the perfect choice. Made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings, these golden, crispy patties are a classic Southern comfort food that pairs well with almost any side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses canned salmon, an affordable pantry staple.
- Crispy & Flavorful – Perfectly seasoned with Old Bay, paprika, and garlic.
- Versatile – Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or even in a sandwich.
Ingredients for Southern Fried Salmon Patties
To make these crispy salmon cakes, you’ll need:
- 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon – drained and flaked
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – seasoned or plain
- ¼ cup onion – finely chopped
- ¼ cup bell pepper – optional, for extra flavor
- 1 egg – beaten, acts as a binder
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or mustard – adds moisture
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for depth of flavor
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning – optional but highly recommended
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying
- Lemon wedges – optional, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Open the can of salmon and drain thoroughly. Remove any skin and bones if desired, then flake the salmon into a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Ingredients
Add the breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, mayonnaise (or mustard), Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
👉 If the mixture feels too wet, add extra breadcrumbs until it holds together.
3. Shape into Patties
Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties (about 2–3 inches in diameter).
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain & Serve
Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.
Serving Ideas
These Southern Salmon Patties pair wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes or rice
- Collard greens or sautéed spinach
- Cornbread or biscuits
- A fresh garden salad
They also make a fantastic salmon burger when served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and homemade sauce.
Tips for the Best Salmon Patties
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- If you prefer, substitute canned salmon with cooked fresh salmon.
Final Thoughts
This easy Southern Salmon Patties recipe is a tried-and-true family favorite that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Whether you call them fried salmon cakes, salmon croquettes, or salmon patties, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.