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    Home » Recipes » Cajun-Creole

    May 7, 2023

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties

    This post may contain Affiliate Links. Please see my Disclaimer for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    My Old Fashioned Salmon Patties recipe is seasoned to my New Orleans palate. So prepare your mouth for some well-seasoned salmon croquettes. Enjoy them for brunch or dinner or make minis for a party.

    Here are some more salmon recipes to add to your repertoire: Salmon Picatta, Blackened Salmon and Shrimp, Grilled Salmon Sandwiches with Corn Salad, Grilled Salmon, and Lemon Pepper Glazed Salmon. 

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties with tartar sauce on a plate

    Latest Recipe Video:

    Jump to:
    • Latest Recipe Video:
    • Southern Salmon Patty Ingredients
    • How To Make Southern Salmon Patties
    • Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • FAQ
    • Coastal Cuisine (Gullah, Cajun, and Creole)
    • Before You Begin
    • 📖 Recipe
    1_Juneteenth-2023-FINAL-BANNER

    Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country's second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US announced in 1865. This year, we are celebrating "Freedom Day" by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks that are perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram. You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Potluck on the Eat the Culture website.

    Now, if you're looking for your grandfather's southern salmon patty recipe with crushed saltine crackers or corn meal. I'm going to disappoint you. However, if you're looking for a recipe to make your grandfather smile after he takes a bite of your croquette. I'm going to make you really proud.

    Growing up in the South, you'll find several different versions of salmon patties that range from really simple to ones like mines that require a smidgen more work, but the extra effort will be yummy!

    Let me teach you how to make salmon patties that will put a smile on the face of the pickiest eater in your house.

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties Ingredients

    Southern Salmon Patty Ingredients

    Before you start whipping up this salmon cake recipe, look at this ingredient list to ensure you have everything you need.

    Canned Salmon

    You want to get canned wild caught salmon with the bones and skin removed.

    Vegetables

    I add yellow onion, red bell pepper, celery, and garlic to my patties.

    Mayonnaise

    Mayonnaise will add moisture and help keep the salmon patty from falling apart.

    Seasonings

    I use Savory Low-Sodium Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to perfectly season these simple salmon patties.

    Bread crumbs

    Usually, I'd call for panko bread crumbs, but I decided to use fine bread crumbs.

    Eggs

    A couple of eggs will keep the patties moist and held together.

    Fat

    I love using oil and butter to cook the patties to a pretty golden brown.

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties on a plate

    How To Make Southern Salmon Patties

    I wanted my old fashioned salmon patties recipe to be fun, tasty, and simple.

    First, preheat oven to 200°F. Drain the canned salmon of any liquid.

    Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until vegetables are chopped fine. 

    Chopped vegetables for salmon patties

    Combine salmon, vegetables, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and bread crumbs in a large bowl. The salmon mixture should hold together when squeezed in your hand.

    Salmon Patties Mixed with Vegetables and seasonings

    Add the remaining bread crumbs to a plate. Beat eggs and water in a medium bowl. 

    Form patties with a greased dry ½ measuring cup, dip into the egg wash and drain off excess egg. Evenly coat salmon cakes with bread crumbs, shake off excess and shape them into a round disc, set aside on a baking sheet. 

    Breaded Salmon Patties Uncooked

    Heat a large skillet with oil and butter over medium heat, add 3 salmon patties, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with the next batch. Keep cooked salmon patties warm in the oven until you finish cooking the remaining cakes. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with a green salad and tartar sauce, hot sauce or remoulade.

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties Cut into

    Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks

    Here are a few notes I had after making these scrumptious and easy salmon patties.

    • You can use ¼ dry measuring cup to make smaller patties to feed a larger crowd.
    • Use Old Bay seasoning or your favorite all-purpose seasoning instead of Savory Cajun seasoning.
    • You can use corn meal or panko breadcrumbs as a swap for the breadcrumbs.
    • Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest from 1 small lemon to add more flavor to the patties.
    • Most canned salmon in the United States are boneless and skinless pink salmon. Which may be labeled red salmon.
    • If you have any leftover cooked salmon, weigh it to ensure you have enough for the recipe.
    • Use can use canned tuna as a swap for the salmon to make tuna patties.
    • Use fresh herbs like dill weed or fresh thyme in your salmon patties.
    • I recommend using a high smoke point oil like avocado oil. Olive oil will burn once it gets too hot.
    • A fish spatula will be the best tool for turning any seafood.
    • You can serve your salmon patty with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh dill or green onions.

    Overhead shot of Old Fashion Salmon Patties
    Old Fashion Salmon Patties with tartar sauce on top on a plate

    FAQ

    Here are the top questions readers have about making salmon patties.

    What is the best way to eat canned salmon?

    Canned salmon can be enjoyed in several ways, but the best way is to use it to make salmon patties. Add some to your eggs or omelets for a high protein breakfast.

    Are cooked salmon patties supposed to be a grey mush texture on the inside?

    A perfectly cooked salmon patty should be moist and tender inside with a slightly crispy exterior. If your salmon patty has a grey or mushy texture on the inside, the color may come from the skin side of the flesh, but if it's mushy, it may be undercooked. Fully cooked salmon should read an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it's safe to consume.

    Is canned salmon healthy?

    Yes, canned salmon can be a healthy addition to your diet. It's a great source of protein, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support brain function. However, you should choose canned salmon that is low in sodium and packed in water; it is important to avoid excess salt and oil.

    What are side dishes for salmon patties?

    Here are a few tasty side dishes to serve with your salmon patties: southern hushpuppies, stewed okra and tomatoes, corn maque choux, southern green beans, southern potato salad, and jasmine vegetable rice.

    How do I make salmon patties with fresh salmon?

    To make salmon patties with fresh salmon, you must remove the skin and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes in a 400°F oven. Flake the cooked salmon with a fork. Then proceed to follow the recipe below.

    How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?

    By following these tips, you can keep salmon patties from falling apart:
     
    1) Use the right amount of binding agent: Too few eggs or breadcrumbs can cause the patties to fall apart, while too much can make them dense and heavy. Use just enough to where the salmon will hold together once squeezed in your hands.
    2) Chill the mixture: Place the salmon patty mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming them into patties. This will help the mixture firm up and stay together.
    3) Handle the patties gently: When forming the patties, be gentle and avoid packing them too tightly. Use a light touch to shape them into patties.
    4) Don't flip them too soon: When frying the salmon patties, wait until they're browned and crispy on the first side before flipping them. This will ensure that they hold together and don't fall apart.

    Breaded Salmon Patties Uncooked

    Can I use flour instead of breadcrumbs in salmon patties?

    Yes, you can use flour instead of breadcrumbs in salmon patties. It helps to bind the cakes together, just like breadcrumbs. However, the texture of the patties may be slightly different from those made with breadcrumbs. If you're out of breadcrumbs or prefer not to use them, use flour, corn meal or saltine crackers as a substitute.

    How long do salmon cakes take to cook?

    Salmon cakes typically take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook, depending on the thickness of the patty. The internal temperature of the patty should reach at least 145°F to ensure they're safe to consume. It's important to avoid overcooking the salmon cakes, as this can dry them out and make them tough.

    Close up of Old Fashion Salmon Patties with tartar sauce

    Can salmon patties be frozen?

    Yes, you can freeze salmon patties for later use. Allow the cooked cakes to cool completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet on medium heat with a bit of oil until warm and crispy or pop them in a 400°F oven or air-fryer for 8-10 minutes until hot.

    How to store Salmon Cakes

    You can store leftover salmon patties in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, pop them into a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties Cut into

    Coastal Cuisine (Gullah, Cajun, and Creole)

    Gullah, Cajun, and Creole cuisines highlight the bounty of coastal food central to Juneteenth since its inception in the Gulf Coast city of Galveston, TX, in 1865. Southern Crab Beignets with Remoulade Sauce, Cajun Seafood Boil, and cooling Homemade Peaches and Cream Popsicles are among the recipes inspired by the unique culinary traditions rooted in the coastal regions of the Gulf States.

    Gimme From Scratch- Southern Crab Beignets with Remoulade Sauce

    Meiko And The Dish - Cajun Chicken Wing & Turkey Neck Boil (Seafoodless)

    Gimme From Scratch - Cajun Seafood Boil

    Kenneth Temple - Old Fashion Salmon Patties with Homemade Tartar Sauce

    Lenox Bakery - Banana Pudding Pound Cake

    Coined Cuisine - Homemade Peaches & Cream Popsicles

    Sims Home Kitchen - Non-Alcoholic Tropical Pineapple Drink
    You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout on the Eat the Culture website.

    Southern Creole Banner Ad-1

    Before You Begin

    Here are my steps for getting organized before I start anything.

    Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°F before pulling all the salmon patties ingredients out.

    Step 2: Put everything measured into individual bowls.

    Step 3: We don't want any surprises, so make sure the salmon has no bones.

    Step 4: Start following the recipe and get ready for the best salmon patties you've ever enjoyed.

    Whether serving them as an appetizer or main course, your family and friends will love these salmon patties. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment and star rating below. And don't forget to share it with your loved ones on social media. #LezEat

    Click here to subscribe to MY Weekly Recipes for easy and free recipes right into your inbox! 

    To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the Pin button on the recipe card, the sharing buttons above or below this post, or any of the photos above. 

    Tag me @kennethtemple_ and use #LezEat on Instagram to share your remakes with me, and don't forget to leave a star rating and comment below. 

    📖 Recipe

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties with tartar sauce on a plate

    Old Fashion Salmon Patties

    Kenneth Temple
    My Old Fashioned Salmon Patties recipe is seasoned to my New Orleans palate. So, prepare your mouth for some well-seasoned salmon croquettes.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Cajun, Creole, Southern
    Servings 6 persons
    Calories 414 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 6 oz. canned wild salmon boneless & skinless, drained
    • 1 small yellow onion chopped
    • ½ red bell pepper chopped
    • 1 stalk celery chopped
    • 1 garlic clove smashed
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons Savory Cajun seasoning
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 ½ cups fine bread crumbs
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoon water
    • 5 tablespoons oil
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • Tartar Sauce
    • Remoulade Sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 200°F. In a food processor add onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic, pulse 10-12 times until vegetables are chopped fine. In a bowl add salmon, vegetable mix, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and ½ cup bread crumbs mix together.
    • Add remaining bread crumbs to a plate. Add eggs and water in a medium bowl and mix until combined.
    • Form salmon into patties with a greased dry ½ measuring cup, dip into egg wash and drain off excess egg. Dredge patties on both sides with bread crumbs, shake off excess and shape into round patties, set aside on a baking sheet.
    • Heat a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, add 3 patties and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown; repeat with the next batch. Keep cooked salmon patties warm in the oven until you finish cooking the remaining patties.
    • Serve immediately with a lemon wedge, tartar sauce or remoulade or hot sauce.

    Notes

    Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks
    Here are a few notes I had after making these scrumptious and easy salmon patties.
    • You can use ¼ dry measuring cup to make smaller patties to feed a larger crowd.
    • Use Old Bay seasoning or your favorite all-purpose seasoning instead of Savory Cajun seasoning.
    • You can use corn meal or panko breadcrumbs as a swap for the breadcrumbs.
    • Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest from 1 small lemon to add more flavor to the patties.
    • Most canned salmon in the United States are boneless and skinless pink salmon. Which may be labeled red salmon.
    • If you have any leftover cooked salmon, weigh it to ensure you have enough for the recipe.
    • Use can use canned tuna as a swap for the salmon to make tuna patties.
    • Use fresh herbs like dill weed or fresh thyme in your salmon patties.
    • I recommend using a high smoke point oil like avocado oil. Olive oil will burn once it gets too hot.
    • A fish spatula will be the best tool for turning any seafood.
    • You can serve your salmon patty with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh dill or green onions.
    Storage:  
    Salmon cakes is best eaten the same but they will remain fresh for 3 days in the fridge or in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
    To reheat salmon cakes, warm in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes until hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 7gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 202mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1677IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword old fashion salmon patties, old fashion salmon patties recipe, salmon patties recipe easy salmon patties recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jo Kirby says

      August 23, 2024 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Finally! The best salmon cake!!! Merci!

      Reply
    2. Veronica says

      March 07, 2025 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      THUMBS UP ! The salmon patties didn't fall apart.

      Reply

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    Chef KENNETH Temple

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    I am a "Food Network's Chopped Champion" from New Orleans, Louisiana, and I love cooking the best Southern Creole classics from scratch.

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