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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings a burst of homestyle goodness to your dinner table, this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy patties have just the right balance of tender salmon, a touch of tangy mustard, and a subtle crunch from the crackers, creating a dish that’s both simple and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a laid-back weekend feast, this recipe invites you to enjoy a classic taste that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from giving the patties their rich flavor to helping them hold their shape and brown beautifully on the skillet. These familiar pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon: The star protein, packed with flavor and omega-3 goodness.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Acts as a light binder to keep the patties from falling apart.
- 10 saltine crackers (crushed): Adds a delicate crunch and soaks up moisture for the perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Infuses a subtle tang that brightens the salmon’s natural flavor.
- 1 large egg (well beaten): Helps hold everything together with its creamy richness.
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk: Gives a slight tang and moisture to the batter.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Adds a mild sharpness and textural lift to the patties.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste without overwhelming the salmon.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral frying medium for crispy exteriors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Infuses richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
How to Make Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by draining the canned pink salmon to remove excess liquid. If you prefer, you can remove the skin and any bones, though most bones are soft enough to blend seamlessly into the patties, giving a subtle texture without being noticeable. Transfer the salmon to a large mixing bowl where the magic will begin.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
To the salmon, add the flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients meld into a slightly sticky mixture. Letting it rest for about 5 minutes helps the crackers absorb moisture, which makes forming patties easier later on.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Scoop about a quarter-cup of the mixture into your hands and mold it into a round, even patty. You should be able to make around eight patties in total from this batch. Once formed, place them on a plate and pop them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up. This chilling step helps them hold their shape while cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat—the combination ensures a beautifully crisp, golden crust without burning. Fry the patties in batches for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to avoid breakage. When both sides are a lovely golden brown, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor. For an extra zing, a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the richness beautifully, making each bite vibrant and satisfying.
Side Dishes
These salmon patties pair wonderfully with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For something cozy, mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob are classic companions that complement the patties perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon patties on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade for a fresh twist on a seafood sandwich. Alternatively, arrange them atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of vinaigrette for a light yet filling meal that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the salmon patties in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor and texture beautifully, making them easy to enjoy again without much fuss.
Freezing
Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe is freezer-friendly! To freeze, arrange the cooked patties on a baking sheet so they don’t touch and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a tasty homemade meal ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crisp. If using the oven, heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon can be used as a substitute, but make sure it’s well flaked and cooled before mixing. Keep in mind that using fresh salmon might slightly change the texture and moisture content, so adjust the binder ingredients as needed.
What can I use if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can replace saltine crackers with bread crumbs, crushed pretzels, or even crushed crackers like Ritz. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well as a binder in the recipe.
Are salmon patties healthy?
Salmon patties are a nutritious choice, providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon. Using moderate oil for frying keeps the fat content reasonable, and pairing them with fresh vegetables can round out a balanced meal.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
How do I make sure my salmon patties don’t fall apart while cooking?
The key is to let the mixture rest before shaping and to chill the formed patties to firm them up. Also, be gentle when flipping and use enough oil to prevent sticking. These small steps will keep your patties intact and perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe enough if you love simple, homestyle cooking that delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s a timeless dish that brings warmth to any table and invites you to savor every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to something truly delightful—you’ll be glad you did!
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Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Salmon Patties recipe offers a classic and comforting way to enjoy canned pink salmon. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties are seasoned with onion, mustard, and a hint of buttermilk for extra flavor and moisture. They are easy to prepare, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and great served with a side salad or tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Ingredients
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can pink salmon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 10 saltine crackers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Drain the salmon, optionally removing the skin and bones although the small bones are soft and edible. Add the salmon to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Into the bowl with the salmon, add the all-purpose flour, crushed saltine crackers, yellow mustard, beaten egg, buttermilk, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until evenly combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the crackers to soften.
- Form Patties: Using about 1/4 cup of the mixture per patty, shape the mixture gently into 8 evenly sized patties. Place the formed patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to help them firm up for easier cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat the vegetable oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, cook the patties, browning each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the salmon patties warm, accompanied by your favorite sides or condiments such as tartar sauce or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Removing the salmon skin and bones is optional as the bones are soft and add calcium.
- Resting the mixture before forming patties helps the crackers absorb moisture and bind the ingredients better.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together while frying.
- Using both oil and butter for frying gives a nice flavor and good browning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour and crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
