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    Recipe Idea Shop » Recipes » Entrees

    Easy Salmon Patties Recipe Made With Canned Salmon

    Published: by Kathy Owen Jun 23, 2020 Modified: Jul 13, 2025 · "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases"

    I make my salmon patties with canned salmon but you can also use tuna or mackerel to make the patties. I think my mom used mackerel when I was growing up because it was cheaper.

    Salmon is a great source of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which means the patties are good for you! This delicious, budget-friendly, and quick entree is perfect for supper.

    Salmon Patties made with canned Salmon
    Jump to Recipe

    Ingredients For Salmon Patties

    • Canned salmon: No cooking, no deboning, just open the can and go! Choose wild Alaskan salmon for the healthiest, most sustainable option.
    • Egg: This is what holds the patties together. I like local, free-range eggs the best (especially if they come from my backyard!).
    • Onion: Some diced onion adds wonderful flavor to this recipe.
    • Cracker crumbs: A small amount of cracker crumbs adds some bulk to the patties and, along with the egg, helps them hold together.
    • Pepper: Just a dash of pepper seasons these delicious salmon patties.
    • Olive oil: Use plenty of extra virgin olive oil to keep the patties from sticking to the skillet.

    Salmon Patties Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1 14-ounce can Alaskan Wild-Caught Salmon
    • 1 large egg
    • ½ medium onion (about ½ cup, chopped) (or 4 green onions, sliced, white and tender green parts only)
    • ½ cup cracker crumbs (or cornflake crumbs)
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil

    Instructions

    This canned salmon patties recipe is not only delicious but also very easy to make.

    Fried Option

    • Mix all of the ingredients until everything is thoroughly mixed.
    • Split the mixture evenly into four parts. Shape each part into a patty (like a hamburger patty).
    • Heat oil in a skillet and fry for about 8-10 minutes per side until they are nice and browned and thoroughly cooked through.
    • Serve with White Milk Gravy and Peas.

    Variations

    Prefer a baked option? This recipe can also make a salmon loaf instead of patties. You’ll need a greased loaf pan instead of a skillet, and make sure to preheat the oven to 350 F while you mix the ingredients.

    Baked Option

    • If you would like to bake this as a Salmon Loaf, after you mix all the ingredients, oil a loaf pan and shape the mixture into a loaf instead of patties.
    • Put the salmon mixture in the loaf pan and smoosh it to fill it evenly.
    • Bake the loaf at 350F degrees for about 45 minutes until hot throughout.
    • The top and sides should also be nicely browned.
    • Serve it as you would meatloaf, but top it with white milk gravy and peas.

    Note: I remove all the bones from the canned salmon because I don't like them, but if you want to increase your calcium intake, leave them in the mix and eat them. The bones are relatively soft, and most people do not pick them out.

    Substitutions

    • In the spring, when green onions are plentiful, you can use four green onions instead of the half onion called for in the recipe.
    • The cracker crumbs can be replaced with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (panko, coarse, or gluten-free).
    • Mackerel or tuna may be substituted for the salmon.

    Storage

    • To Store: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
    • To Reheat: Salmon patties can be eaten cold, but if you prefer to reheat them, warm them in the microwave or a skillet over low heat.
    • To Freeze: Grease or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then place the salmon patties on it and freeze for about one hour or until solid. Then, move the patties to an airtight container or freezer bag and return to the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Why You Will Love Salmon Patties

    There are so many reasons to love salmon patties. Here are just a few.

    • Simple and easy: This simple salmon patties recipe calls for just six common ingredients. Using canned salmon is as easy as opening a can of beans, so all you have to do is mix the ingredients, form the patties, and fry them!
    • Healthy and filling: Salmon provides a significant amount of protein as well as essential omega-3 fatty acids, which means these patties will fill up hungry bellies and nourish healthy bodies.
    • Crisp and delicious: Crispy on the outside and soft and flaky inside, these salmon patties have the perfect texture. And with only minimal seasoning, they’re absolutely delicious, too! Even kids love them.

    Serving Suggestions

    Salmon patties are especially good with white gravy creamed peas, a milk gravy that contains sweet peas.

    Baked potatoes are a nice side, and a simple green salad adds veggies to round out the meal.

    Other options include aioli, remoulade, or tartar sauce for dipping, steamed or roasted veggies, and rice pilaf or quinoa for sides.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can salmon patties be made ahead of time?

    Yes! Make the patties up to one day ahead of time, but instead of frying them right away, place them in a single layer in a sealed container and put them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook them, simply pull the patties out of the fridge and fry them as instructed in the recipe.

    Can I use leftover salmon for salmon cakes?

    You sure can! Just replace the canned salmon in the recipe with flaked cooked salmon. One 14-ounce can contains about 1 ⅔ cups of salmon. If the mixture made with leftover salmon seems too dry, add a splash of milk.

    How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?

    The egg and cracker crumbs help bind the other ingredients, so if you follow the recipe, your patties shouldn’t fall apart. But if you struggle to keep them together, ensure you’re only flipping the patties once. Overhandling can cause them to crumble. Wetness can also play a role. If the mixture feels too wet, add more crumbs. If it’s too dry, add a splash of liquid from the salmon can or milk.

    Salmon patties are such a simple and inexpensive yet healthy dinner idea. Add canned salmon to your grocery list to whip some up when you need a filling meal on a busy weeknight or even impress guests on a budget.

    More Salmon Recipes To Try

    • Smoked Salmon Omelet
    • South Beach Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon
    • Sweet Bourbon Salmon

    Still looking for ideas? Try this Scrumptious Salmon Recipes Book.

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    Salmon patties in a frying pan.

    Canned Salmon Patties Recipe

    Canned salmon patties or loaf (instructions for frying or baking).

    Author: Recipe Idea Shop

    Rate this Recipe Print Pin Save Saved!
    Prep : 10 minutes mins
    Cook : 20 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Course : Fish, Main Course
    Cuisine : American
    Servings : 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 14-ounce can Alaskan Wild Caught Salmon
    • 1 large egg
    • ½ medium onion (about ½ cup, chopped) (or 4 green onions, sliced, white and tender green parts only)
    • ½ cup cracker crumbs (or cornflake crumbs)
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    Fried Option

    • Mix all of the ingredients until everything is thoroughly mixed.
    • Split the mixture evenly into four parts. Shape each part into a patty (like a hamburger patty).
    • Heat oil in a skillet and fry for about 8-10 minutes per side until they are nice and browned and thoroughly cooked through.
    • Serve with White Milk Gravy and Peas.

    Baked Option

    • If you would like to bake this as a Salmon Loaf, after you mix all the ingredients, oil a loaf pan and shape the mixture into a loaf instead of patties.
    • Put the salmon mixture in the loaf pan and smoosh it to fill it evenly.
    • Bake the loaf at 350F degrees for about 45 minutes until hot throughout.
    • The top and sides should also be nicely browned.
    • Serve it as you would meatloaf, but top it with white milk gravy and peas.

    Nutrition (may vary depending on ingredients and amounts used)

    Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

    Notes

    Note: I pick all the bones out of the canned salmon because I don't like them, but if you want to get more calcium in your diet, leave them in the mix and eat them. The bones are fairly soft and most people do not pick them out, and they simply eat them.
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    About Kathy Owen

    Kathy Owen acquired the blog, Recipe Idea Shop in 2024. She was raised on a farm in Arkansas where having a big garden and good food to eat was the norm. She shares recipes for homemade comfort food and new trending dishes.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)
    1. Rich L

      March 16, 2025 at 9:32 pm

      I make something very similar to these. I leave the bones in, but smoosh them with a fork when flaking the salmon before adding other ingredients. Virtually undetectable, because, while I have reluctantly acceot3d the very soft bones. I still prefer not to know they're in there.

      Also, we put tartar sauce on ours.

    2. Kathy Owen

      March 24, 2025 at 7:51 pm

      My family loved this!

    3. Esme Slabbert

      June 13, 2025 at 1:40 pm

      Great recipe, love salmon in any form, so will try this soon
      Visiting via Homestead Blog Hop.
      My entries this week #66+67
      Hope to see you also share with https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/

    4. Pamela Hayes

      July 16, 2025 at 6:43 am

      The recipe my Mom used is good enough for me! A weekly treat!!!

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