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Canned Salmon Patties (Best Ever)

The Most Flavorful Canned Salmon Patties You'll Ever Make (Family Recipe!)

Canned Salmon Patties (Best Ever)

This recipe for homemade salmon patties isn't your average canned fish dish. It's been a treasured tradition in my family for years, and I've made a few tweaks to take it from bland to absolutely delicious.

The secret? A symphony of fresh flavors! Grated onion adds a subtle bite, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up, and a sprinkle of dill seed brings a touch of earthy goodness. Plus, frying them in butter creates a beautiful golden crust that takes these patties to the next level.

My friends rave about them, calling them a "Recipe to Die For!" (in jest, of course!). It all started with my parents' love for salmon, a passion I proudly share. We Finns have a special appreciation for this amazing fish, and I vividly remember enjoying it straight from the can as a kid!

Here's how to make these irresistible salmon patties in your own kitchen:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (14.75-ounce) can of pink or red salmon
  • 1/3 cup of dry bread crumbs (seasoned or plain)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup of chopped celery (optional, for added texture)
  • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise (light mayonnaise works too)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Fresh lemon wedges and chopped dill, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Drain the Flavorful Salmon: Open your can of salmon and drain the liquid into a bowl. Reserve a tablespoon or two of the liquid in case your mixture seems too dry later.
  2. Flake and Prep the Salmon: Gently remove any remaining skin and bones from the salmon. Use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Create the Flavorful Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, celery (if using), mayonnaise, and beaten egg. Gently combine all ingredients
  4. Form the Patties: Using your hands, gently shape the salmon mixture into 4 evenly sized patties. You can make them thicker for a heartier patty or thinner for a quicker cook time.
  5. Heat Up the Butter: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Don't let the butter brown, but make sure it's hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water hits it.
  6. Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully add the salmon patties to the hot skillet. Let it sizzle for 3-4 minutes per side, until it's nice and browned and cooked through. If your patties seem to be falling apart while cooking, you can gently press down on them with a spatula to help them firm up.
  7. Garnish and Enjoy!: Let the salmon patties rest on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any leftover oil. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of chopped dill, and your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a salad, rice, or quinoa.

Tips:

  • Don't Overmix: When combining the salmon mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
  • Moisture Matters: If your mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved salmon liquid until it reaches a consistency that holds its shape well.
  • Leftovers? No Problem! These salmon patties are great for meal prepping. Simply cook and cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heat it back up slowly in a pan or microwave until it's nice and warm throughout.
  • Salmon Burger Craving? Form the mixture into larger patties and fry them as instructed. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and a creamy sauce.
  • Spice it Up! For a bit of extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or your favorite dried herbs to the salmon mixture.

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