Canned salmon takes center stage with these tasty, easy-to-make salmon patties. Eat them like crab cakes.

Fresh salmon is out of many people’s food budgets. 

But even if you’re on a tight food budget, there’s no reason to deprive yourself of salmon in all its deliciousness and healthfulness. 

This recipe uses budget-friendly canned salmon in the most delicious way. Nothing fancy, but still really tasty. 

And it couldn’t be easier to make.

Easy Salmon Patties: Recipe Tips

 Never made salmon patties before? Here’s the process, in a nutshell: All the ingredients are mixed together, formed into patties, and pan fried. 

Easy as pie!

These are delicious served with a salad and dipping sauce, but here are some additional serving suggestions:

Make a salmon burger: Serve salmon patty on a toasted bun, sauce (recipe below), lettuce, and tomato slices.

Serve bowl-style: Serve over a bed of greens or with coleslaw on the side, with pickles and dipping sauce.

Paleo/Keto/Whole30/low carb option: Instead of saltine crackers, substitute 1/4 cup almond meal.

More Recipes Using Canned Seafood

Canned seafood is a budget grocery shopper’s dream! Here are some recipes to try:

Imitation crab cakes

Tuna corn cakes

Tuna melts in a bowl

Paleo sardine dip

Tuna noodle casserole

Tuna poke bowls (fully cooked!)

Got leftovers? These are delicious the next day. Serve with a salad or make a salmon-salad sandwich by adding a bit of mayo and mixing it all up.

Continue to Content

Easy Salmon Patties

Yield: 12 salmon patties

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Although canned salmon is ideal for this recipe, you could also used leftover grilled or baked salmon.

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Ingredients

For salmon patties

• 2 cans canned salmon (14.75 ounces each)
• 2 eggs, slightly beatened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 10 saltine crackers, crushed
• 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon (plus more lemon for serving)
• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Oil, for frying

For sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seafood seasoning

Instructions

1. Combine all salmon patty ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Take about 1/3 cup of the mixture, and using your hands, form into a patty with uniform thickness. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining filling.
3. If time allows, place salmon patties in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer. This will help the patties keep their shape throughout cooking process.
4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry patties for about 90 seconds on one side, flip, and cook for another 60 seconds on the other side - or until nicely browned.
5. When done frying, place patties on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
6. Serve with sauce and chopped green onion as a garnish.

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