Salmon Cakes (4 Ingredient Salmon Patties)

With just 4 simple ingredients, these old fashioned Salmon Cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Canned salmon makes these inexpensive but so flavorful, and saltines are the secret ingredient to helping the mixture bind together. Serve these cakes as a side dish, appetizer or main course!

When I was young, Salmon Cakes or patties would often be the star of a meal or a side to one. We would have them with buttered potatoes and green beans or with soup beans, cornbread, and wieners and kraut.

These salmon croquettes are made with canned salmon to keep them extra simple, but you could also use fresh too.

Besides being a great meal for busy weeknights and budget-friendly protein, canned salmon has great health benefits too!

It’s high in protein, rich in omega-3 heart healthy fats, high in potassium and B vitamins…just to name a few. At a mere .81 cents for 4 ounces, talk about an affordable, yummy protein!

Why You'll Love these Canned Salmon Patties

• Comfort Food Memories: For many, these salmon cakes bring back memories of childhood dinners with family.
• Convenience: Canned salmon is readily available, has a long shelf life, and is easy to store. You can always have a can ready-to-go in you pantry when you want to make an easy recipe.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With only 4 ingredients, making these patties with canned salmon is a simple recipe.
• Affordability: Canned salmon is more budget-friendly than fresh salmon. It ranges from $3.50-10.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Can of Salmon: The star of the show, it provides the primary flavor and texture of the patties in this salmon recipe. It offers a rich, savory taste and contributes to the moistness and flakiness of the patties.
• Saltine Crackers: Serves as a binder and helps absorb excess moisture, preventing the patties from becoming too wet. They also provide structure and help the patties hold their shape.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the patties together. Eggs also add richness and moisture.
• Oil: The cooking fat adds a golden crust to the exterior of the patties and prevents sticking. It contributes to the overall texture and appearance of the finished dish. Olive oil, butter, canola oil, ghee, vegetable oil, coconut oil, and olive oil can all be used.

Tools You'll Need

• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula

How to Make this Easy Salmon Cakes Recipe

1. To a medium bowl, add salmon. Break apart the salmon with the back of a fork.

2. Add crushed saltines and the egg. Blend the ingredients with a fork or spatula until it’s a cohesive mix. Allow the mixture to set 10 minutes. 

3. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, drop the salmon in 3 tablespoon size patties with a cookie scoop or spoon. 

4. After 3-4 minutes flip and gently pat to flatten slightly. Cook another 3-4 minutes or golden brown with a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Remove to a serving dish.

How to Make Salmon Patties with Fresh Salmon instead of Canned

To adapt this recipe with fresh salmon instead of canned, you'll need to make a few adjustments to account for the differences in texture and moisture content.

Bake, grill, or pan-sear 1 pound fresh salmon fillets until they are fully cooked and easily flaked with a fork. Allow the cooked salmon to cool slightly. Use a fork to flake the cooked fish into small, bite-sized pieces. Ensure there are no bones or skin in the flaked salmon.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon with cracker crumbs. Taste the mixture before adding the egg and shaping the patties and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Fresh salmon may benefit from additional seasoning compared to canned salmon. If the mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if it's too dry, you can add a touch of mayonnaise or an extra beaten egg for moisture.

Follow the original recipe's instructions for shaping the patties. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the salmon patties on medium heat until they are golden brown on each side and cooked through.

Salmon Skin and Bones: To Remove or Not to Remove

Ultimately, whether or not to include the skin and bones is a personal preference. They're entirely edible and rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. They add texture and flavor and the bones are usually very soft and are not noticeable when cooked or mashed.

Some people prefer to remove the skin and bones for a smoother texture, while others enjoy the added richness and nutritional benefits. When using canned salmon in recipes like patties or salads, the skin and bones are often broken down during the cooking process, making them less noticeable.

If you prefer a boneless and skinless option, some canned salmon products are processed to remove them. In that case, choose a product labeled "skinless and boneless" or simply remove them yourself if they are present.

Variations

Southern salmon patties are versatile, and you can adjust the recipe based on your preferences and the ingredients you have available. Chopped fresh onions, dried chopped onions, diced celery, green pepper, dijon mustard, and lemon juice are all excellent add-in options.

You can also coat the patties with breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or flour for an extra crispy crust. Serving with lemon wedges adds a boost of freshness.

Here are some delicious salmon patty variations.

• Hashbrown Skillet Fried Salmon: These patties include hashbrowns and fresh dill with a delicious homemade lemon dill sauce.
• Spicy Salmon Patties: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the mixture.
• Herbed Salmon Croquettes: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, chives, or cilantro.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Patties: Infuse an Asian flair by adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the salmon mixture. Serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Mediterranean Salmon Croquettes: Mix in Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
• Cajun Salmon Patties: Give your croquettes a Cajun twist with the addition of Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and celery. Serve with a spicy remoulade sauce.
• Cheesy Salmon Croquettes: Incorporate shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) into the mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Quinoa Salmon Patties: Mix cooked quinoa with the salmon mixture for added protein and a nutty texture.
• Lemon and Dill Salmon Croquettes: Infuse a bright and citrusy flavor by adding lemon zest and fresh dill to the salmon mixture.
• Coconut Curry Salmon Patties: Add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk, curry powder, and shredded coconut into the salmon mixture. Serve with a mango chutney or yogurt sauce.
• Pesto Salmon Croquettes: Mix in homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a burst of herbal and garlicky flavor.
• Ranch Salmon Patties: Infuse the croquettes with the flavors of ranch dressing by adding a mix of ranch seasoning, diced green onions, and garlic powder to the salmon mixture.
• Homemade Salmon Burger: Turn this yummy fish into a delicious Burger!

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

• Egg Size Matters. The recipe calls for a large egg. If using extra large or jumbo, add 1-2 more crackers. If using small egg, you can use 4-5 crackers.
• Choose the Right Canned Salmon. Opt for high-quality canned salmon. While there are various types available, pink or red salmon are popular choices. Pink salmon tends to be more budget-friendly, while red salmon has a richer flavor. You can also make tuna patties with the same recipe.
• Adjust Breadcrumbs and Eggs. Depending on the moisture content of your canned salmon, you may need to adjust the amount of cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs and eggs. If the mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if it's too dry, add an extra egg.
• Enhance Flavor with Herbs and Spices. Add herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, black pepper, or Old Bay seasoning to enhance the flavor of the patties.
• Let the Mixture Rest. Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes after combining the ingredients. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture and results in patties that hold their shape better.
• Shape Patties Carefully. When forming the patties, handle the mixture gently to avoid compacting it too much. Lightly shape the patties, and avoid pressing them too firmly. Using a cookie scoop can ensure uniform patty sizes.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan. When cooking, use a non-stick skillet or add a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking and achieve a nice, golden crust on the patties.
• Breadcrumbs. You can substitute cracker crumbs with regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or ground oatmeal.
• Swap the eggs for Mayo or Greek Yogurt. If you're out of eggs, try using a binding agent like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. These ingredients contribute moisture and help hold the patties together.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

Salmon Cakes go with nearly any meal and can be a side dish or the main dish. Some delicious pairings are:

• Buttered Potatoes
• Chopped Salad
• Loaded House Salad
• Strawberry Salad
• Grilled Vegetables
• Crispy Green Beans
• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Storage and Freezing

Leftover salmon patties store and reheat super well!

Refrigeration: Allow the cooked canned salmon cakes to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Cool the salmon cakes before freezing. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for approximately 2 to 3 months. The quality can start to decline after this time frame.

Reheating: If the salmon patties were frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat the cakes in an oven or skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through. Check the internal temperature of the reheated patties to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F is met.

Frequently Asked Questions

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