Crispy Salmon Patties
A pantry-friendly favorite with a restaurant-quality finish. These salmon patties feature a shatter-crisp golden crust and a tender, flaky center that won't fall apart in the pan.
Equipment
- Medium skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 14-15 oz canned salmon or salmon in packets, well drained
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely minced
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- Set a medium skillet over medium heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mix and shape
- In a large bowl, flake the well-drained salmon with a fork, keeping some larger pieces for texture. Add the cooled onion and pepper mixture, Panko bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley.
- Gently fold the mixture together until it holds its shape when squeezed. Form the mixture into patties approximately 2 inches wide and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cold-set step prevents the patties from falling apart in the pan.
Pan-sear until golden
- In a clean non-stick skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Cook the patties in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crisp. Move to a paper-towel-lined plate before serving.
Notes
Perfect Sizing: Use a biscuit cutter or 1/3 cup measuring cup for uniform patties to ensure even cooking across the batch.
Moisture Control: Drain the salmon thoroughly and chill the formed patties for 30 minutes. This prevents them from falling apart and ensures a better sear.
Reheating Tip: Use a toaster oven or air fryer to reheat leftovers. This preserves the crispy crust, whereas a microwave will make them soft.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.