Southern Salmon Patties are a time-honored comfort food in Southern kitchens, combining crispy edges with tender, flaky insides. Made with simple pantry staples like canned salmon, eggs, and breadcrumbs, they’re quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and downright delicious. Whether you call them salmon cakes or croquettes, these patties bring old-school flavor and weeknight convenience to your dinner table. Perfect with grits, greens, or cornbread, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel right at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in 30 minutes
- Made from pantry staples like canned salmon and breadcrumbs
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Budget-friendly and family approved
- Customizable with herbs, spices, or added veggies
- Perfect for meal prep – refrigerate or freeze for later
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can of wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs
- ½ to ¾ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or Old Bay (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
- 2–3 tbsp cooking oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Drain and prep
Open the can of salmon, drain the liquid, and flake the salmon into a mixing bowl. Remove any large bones if desired. - Mix ingredients
In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Add them to the salmon, along with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, optional herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and seasoning of choice. Mix gently. - Adjust texture
If too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs or flour. If too dry, stir in a tablespoon of mayo or a splash of milk. - Form patties
Shape the mixture into 6–8 patties, about ½-inch thick. Optionally dredge each in flour for added crisp. - Fry until golden
Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. - Serve warm
Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides and sauces.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 patties
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per patty)
Calories: 200
Protein: 17g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Omega-3s: High
Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Tips & Variations
- Use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
- Add finely chopped bell pepper or celery for texture
- A bit of lemon zest adds brightness
- Make it spicy with cayenne or hot sauce
- Don’t skip resting the mixture if it’s too soft—chilling helps firm it up
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or spicy remoulade
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Just cook and flake it beforehand.
What if I don’t have eggs?
Use a flax egg or 1 tablespoon mayo as a binder alternative.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze uncooked patties flat, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen or thaw overnight.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Canola, vegetable oil, or a mix of oil and butter gives the best golden crust.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Southern Salmon Patties
Equipment
- – Skillet
- – Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- – 1 15 oz can wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked
- – 2 large eggs
- – ½ to ¾ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- – ½ cup finely chopped onion
- – 2 tbsp chopped green onion or parsley optional
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ¼ tsp black pepper
- – 1 tsp Cajun or Old Bay seasoning optional
- – ¼ cup flour optional, for dredging
- – 2–3 tbsp oil or butter for frying
Instructions
- Drain and flake salmon into a large bowl.
- Add beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, herbs, and seasonings. Mix gently.
- Adjust consistency with more breadcrumbs or mayo if needed.
- Shape into 6–8 patties, dredge lightly in flour if desired.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
– Add bell pepper or celery for crunch
– Refrigerate mix before forming for firmer patties
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick weeknight meal, Southern Salmon Patties bring flavor, comfort, and Southern charm to your table. Crispy, tender, and packed with protein, they’re endlessly versatile and perfect with almost any side. Keep this recipe in your regular rotation, and enjoy the soulful simplicity of Southern cooking with every bite.