Craving something crispy, flavorful, and budget-friendly? Southern Salmon Patties are the answer. This timeless Southern dish turns canned salmon into a golden, protein-packed meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
In just five steps, you can transform a pantry staple into a satisfying, heart-healthy delight. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a weekend brunch, these crispy patties are about to become your new favorite go-to. Ready to cook up some comfort food history?
The Magic of Canned Salmon
At the heart of this recipe is canned salmon, an often overlooked pantry hero. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients, canned salmon is a nutritional powerhouse.
It’s also incredibly convenient, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of salmon without the fuss of cooking a whole fillet.
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But the real magic happens when you combine this humble ingredient with a few pantry staples. The result? A dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
A Dish with History
Southern Salmon Patties have deep roots in American cuisine. During the Great Depression, canned salmon became a popular protein source due to its affordability and long shelf life. (ref)
Resourceful home cooks transformed this practical ingredient into delicious patties, creating a tradition that has endured for nearly a century.
Today, these patties are more than just a budget-friendly meal – they’re a beloved comfort food that evokes memories of family dinners and cherished traditions.
Versatility on a Plate
One of the best things about Southern Salmon Patties is their versatility. Serve them with a side of collard greens and mashed potatoes for a classic Southern meal, or get creative with modern twists:
- Salmon Patty Sliders: Serve on mini buns with tartar sauce and lettuce
- Salmon Patty Benedict: Top with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce
- Salmon Patty Salad: Crumble over mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette
Perfect Pairings
While these patties shine on their own, the right side dish can elevate them to new heights. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Creamy grits
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Green salad with vinaigrette
Southern Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 1 14.75 ounce can pink salmon
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet by adding enough oil to cover half a patty. Heat over medium to medium-high.
- Open the salmon can and drain the liquid, reserving it. Remove any bones from the salmon.
- In a large bowl, combine the salmon, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well, adding reserved salmon liquid if needed for consistency.
- Form the mixture into 2-3 inch patties.
- Carefully place patties in the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Southern Salmon Patties!
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.