There’s something magical about Southern Fried Salmon Patties. They’re crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and—here’s the best part—they’re ready in under 30 minutes! These golden beauties bring Southern comfort to your table with almost no fuss, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute meal when you want something homemade and utterly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: Dinner can be on the table in just about 25 minutes, start to finish. If you crave something warm and comforting after a long day, this recipe has your back.
- Budget-Friendly: Canned salmon keeps things simple and affordable, while the rest of the ingredients are straight from the pantry.
- Classic Southern Flavor: This dish delivers earthy cornmeal crunch, a touch of sweetness from onion, and that unmistakable savory salmon flavor—all in one bite.
- Versatile: Serve with whatever you have on hand—grits, salad, mashed potatoes, or tuck into a bun for a mouthwatering sandwich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Canned salmon: The star of the show! Choose any reliable brand and drain well. You can pick boneless, skinless if you like a smoother mix; leave the bones in for extra calcium and mash them well—they’re soft and edible.
- Onion: Adds a welcome freshness and a gentle kick. Finely chopping helps it blend in beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a binder and adds tenderness to your patties.
- Cornmeal: Brings an iconic Southern crunch and irresistible texture.
- Egg: Essential to hold everything together—no crumbling here.
- Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and a rich, creamy depth. Don’t skip this if you want patties that are moist, never dry.
- Cooking oil: Go for a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable); it creates that perfect crispy crust without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste. This is your chance to make the flavors sing!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of dill, parsley, or chives adds a fresh lift to each bite.
- Heat Seeker: Add a pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some real Southern spice.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or even almond flour.
- No Mayonnaise? Greek yogurt or sour cream can step in and keep things creamy.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in some shredded cheddar for extra flavor and gooey texture.
Experimenting is the heart of cooking—go ahead and make them your own!
How to Make Southern Fried Salmon Patties
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Open your canned salmon and drain it very well—nobody likes soggy patties. Flake the salmon into a mixing bowl with a fork. If there are any bones or skin, decide if you want to pick them out or mash them in for extra nutrition.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add your finely chopped onion, flour, cornmeal, beaten egg, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the salmon. Mix thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture. The texture should hold together but remain moist—add a little more flour or mayo if needed until it feels right.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
With clean hands, shape the mixture into patties about the size and thickness of a classic burger. You should get four good-sized patties.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour enough cooking oil into a skillet to cover the bottom by about an inch and heat it over medium. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add your patties. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and crisp. Flip gently—these beauties can be delicate!
Set cooked patties on a paper towel–lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium—too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks through.
- Test First: Fry a tiny test patty to taste for seasoning and texture. Adjust before cooking the rest.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the patties space so the edges get perfectly crisp.
- Let Them Rest: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before shaping. This helps hydrate the cornmeal and flour, making the patties sturdier.
- Uniform Size: Shape all patties evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
How to Serve
Southern Fried Salmon Patties are delicious straight from the skillet, but the sides can make them sing! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic: Plate with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and a wedge of lemon for squeeze-over brightness.
- Brunch: Top with a fried egg and serve alongside buttered grits—Southern comfort at its best.
- Sandwich-style: Tuck a patty into a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dab of spicy remoulade.
- Light Meal: Serve on a bed of mixed greens, with a drizzle of vinaigrette, for a lighter twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs or a simple tartar sauce for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic next-day lunch!
Freezing
Uncooked patties can be shaped and frozen on a tray, then transferred to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or pop in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. The microwave is convenient but can soften the crust.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simply cook and flake your salmon, then follow the rest of the recipe. Fresh salmon will give your patties an even more vibrant flavor.
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Why are my salmon patties falling apart?
It usually comes down to moisture or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure you’ve drained the salmon well and mixed in enough egg and flour. If the mixture still feels loose, a touch more flour or cornmeal should do the trick.
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Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Yes, you can! Lightly brush the patties with oil and bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined tray for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. The crust won’t be quite as crisp, but it’s a healthier, hands-off option.
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What dipping sauces go well with salmon patties?
Tartar sauce is a classic, but you can also try creamy dill, spicy Sriracha mayo, or even a homemade remoulade for a flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
Southern Fried Salmon Patties are the kind of meal that brings joy with every bite—crispy, savory, and impossibly simple to make. They’re sure to impress whether you’re feeding the family or dining solo. Dive in, get a little messy in the kitchen, and savor the flavors of the South tonight!
Print
Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Southern Fried Salmon Patties are a quick and delicious comfort food classic, combining canned salmon, onion, flour, and cornmeal with a touch of mayonnaise for moisture and flavor. Pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, these savory patties are perfect for a weekday main-course that’s packed with protein and Southern charm.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can salmon, drained
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- Oil, for frying (enough to cover about 1 inch in the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon
Drain the canned salmon thoroughly and add it to a large mixing bowl. Flake the meat with a fork to break up any large pieces and evenly distribute the texture. - Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the finely chopped onion, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, large egg, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste to the bowl with the salmon. Mix well using a fork or spatula until all ingredients are fully combined into a cohesive mixture. - Form the Patties
Shape the salmon mixture into patties about the size and thickness of a standard burger, usually yielding four patties. Press gently so the mixture holds together but isn’t too compact. - Heat Oil
Pour about an inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. To test readiness, drop a small bit of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. - Fry the Patties
Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot oil. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and the patties are cooked through. Remove the patties and drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use less oil or opt for shallow pan-frying.
- Finely chop the onions for better texture and even distribution.
- Drain salmon thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
- You can add cayenne or hot sauce for a spicier flavor profile.
- Serve with remoulade, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
