If you have a soft spot for comfort food packed with flavor, then this Southern Salmon Patties Recipe will become a household favorite in no time. These golden, crispy patties offer a perfect balance of tender salmon, sweet onion, and a satisfying crunchy crust from the cornmeal and flour blend. Each bite delivers the warmth of southern cooking with a hint of nostalgia, making this dish a delightful treat whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or serving up a casual gathering with friends. Trust me, once you make these salmon patties, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic in Southern kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Salmon Patties Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both flavorful and texturally interesting. Each ingredient plays a key role: the canned salmon brings rich, savory goodness, the onion adds a fresh bite, eggs help bind everything perfectly, and the flour and cornmeal combo gives that iconic crispiness and heartiness.
- 2 cans of salmon: The star of the dish, packed with protein and flavor, and conveniently ready to use.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch to the patties.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a binder to keep the patties together while frying.
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise: Brings moisture and tang, keeping the salmon mix tender.
- 6 tablespoons flour: Helps in thickening the mixture and creating a sturdy texture.
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal: Provides a lovely crunch and a little Southern flair to the patties.
- Oil for frying: Essential for that golden crisp crust and rich flavor.
How to Make Southern Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Start by opening the salmon cans and pouring the contents into a large mixing bowl. If you prefer, remove the pin bones for a smoother texture, but they’re totally edible if you leave them in. Then, add the finely diced onion, eggs, and mayonnaise. Stir everything together until you have a consistent, creamy mixture that will be easy to work with in the next steps.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, sprinkle in the flour and cornmeal. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salmon mixture. This blend will help hold the patties together and create that irresistible crispy coating when fried.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Heat your oil in a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking, which will ensure the patties brown evenly and develop a beautiful crust without absorbing too much oil or burning.
Step 4: Form Patties
Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, portion out the salmon mixture into uniform sizes for even cooking. Flatten each scoop gently with your hand or the back of a spatula to create round patties, roughly half an inch thick. This thickness keeps the patties juicy on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Fry the Patties
Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping just once to keep them intact. This step is where the magic happens, transforming the patties into crisp, golden-brown bites you’ll be eager to dive into.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
After removing the salmon patties from the skillet, lightly sprinkle them with salt to enhance all those delicious flavors. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. For a fun twist, try mixing in finely sliced jalapeños before cooking to add an extra bit of spice and character to your Southern Salmon Patties Recipe.
How to Serve Southern Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich salmon flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side is also a classic touch, brightening up each bite with a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Southern salmon patties love company. Pair them with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables can lighten up the plate if you want to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual meal, serve these salmon patties in toasted sandwich buns with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce for a homemade seafood burger. Or, place them atop a bed of mixed greens for a lighter entrée that still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll have the convenience of Southern Salmon Patties Recipe ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover patties is in a skillet over medium heat, allowing them to regain their crispy exterior without drying out. Alternatively, warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes works well if you’re reheating several at once.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon works perfectly, just make sure to cook it first and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. This will give your patties a fresher taste while keeping the classic texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re looking to swap out mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt or a light salad dressing can provide a similar creamy texture and moisture to the patties, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent my salmon patties from falling apart?
Make sure to add the flour and cornmeal evenly, which act as binders alongside the eggs. Also, avoid flipping the patties too often while frying to help them hold together more firmly.
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. The cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, so that combination works well to keep the texture intact.
What dipping sauces go best with Southern Salmon Patties Recipe?
Classic tartar sauce, a tangy remoulade, or even a spicy aioli are fantastic choices. For a lighter touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a simple yogurt-based dip complements the patties beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s genuinely something heartwarming about a homemade batch of Southern Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a hug on a plate — simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these patties come together quickly and will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and bring a bit of Southern hospitality to your kitchen tonight!
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Southern Salmon Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 patties) 1x
Description
These Southern Salmon Patties are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food classic, featuring canned salmon combined with onion, eggs, mayonnaise, flour, and cornmeal, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they offer a flavorful and crispy exterior with a tender, moist inside.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans of salmon (about 14.75 oz each)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons cornmeal
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Open the salmon cans and transfer the contents into a large mixing bowl. Remove the pin bones if preferred. Add the finely diced onion, eggs, and mayonnaise, mixing everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and cornmeal to the salmon mixture, stirring until an even, cohesive mixture forms that is firm enough to hold shape.
- Heat Oil: Pour oil into a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet to cover the bottom generously and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form Patties: Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to portion out the salmon mixture into uniform balls and then gently flatten them into patties about 1/2-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Fry the Patties: Carefully place the patties into the hot oil and fry them, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, flipping once halfway.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with salt while hot. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Optionally, add finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture before forming patties for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Removing pin bones is optional but recommended for a smoother texture.
- Mayonnaise adds moisture and flavor but can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Adjust frying time based on patty thickness to avoid undercooked centers.
- Use a heavy skillet, like cast iron, for even heat distribution and crispiness.
- Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
