Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe

Southern fried salmon patties are a classic comfort food with a crispy golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. This dish has deep roots in Southern cuisine and is cherished for its simplicity, heartiness, and satisfying taste. With canned pink salmon as the main ingredient, these patties are not only affordable but also quick to prepare. The combination of seasonings, including garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce, brings out a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture achieved by frying. Whether served with a side of greens, a dollop of tartar sauce, or simply on their own, these salmon patties are versatile and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees a delicious result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

These salmon patties come together in just a few simple steps, making them an ideal weeknight meal or a last-minute dish for unexpected guests.

2. Flavorful and Savory

The blend of seasonings, including Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder, creates a deliciously bold flavor that makes these patties stand out.

3. Affordable and Pantry-Friendly

With just a few basic ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, these salmon patties are budget-friendly and a great way to use canned salmon.

4. Versatile

Serve these salmon patties as a main dish, or use them in sandwiches, sliders, or even as an appetizer. They can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal.

5. Crispy and Tender

The combination of cornmeal, flour, and a bit of mayonnaise ensures that the patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving you the perfect texture in every bite.

Ingredients

• Canned pink salmon (drained and flaked)
• Whole eggs (beaten)
• Onion (chopped)
• Bell pepper (chopped)
• Yellow cornmeal
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce (e.g., Texas Pete)
• Black pepper
• White bread (crumbled)
• Flour (added slowly for consistency)
• Shortening or oil (for frying)

Variations

• Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add finely chopped parsley or dill to the mixture.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños to the patty mixture for a spicier kick.
• Use Different Fish: While pink salmon is traditional, you can substitute with other canned fish like tuna or mackerel for a different flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Instead of crumbled white bread, use breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
• Lighter Option: Try baking the patties instead of frying them for a healthier version, or use a non-stick skillet with less oil.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by draining and flaking the canned salmon. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces, and crumble the slice of bread. Set everything aside.

Step 2: Make the Patty Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, beaten eggs, chopped onion, bell pepper, cornmeal, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, and crumbled bread. Stir everything together until well-combined. If the mixture feels too loose, gradually add flour until it reaches a firm consistency that will hold together when formed into patties.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into small patties, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 6-8 patties, depending on the size.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil or shortening over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small amount of the patty mixture sizzles when dropped into the pan.

Step 5: Fry the Patties

Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the patties from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

Once the patties are fried to perfection, serve them immediately with your favorite sides or sauces, such as coleslaw, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Consistency of the Mixture: Make sure the mixture holds together when shaped into patties. If it’s too wet, add more flour or cornmeal. If it’s too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or a little water.
• Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the patties. If the oil is too cool, the patties will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the patties cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
• Rest After Frying: Let the patties rest on paper towels for a minute or two after frying to remove any excess oil.

How to Serve

Southern fried salmon patties can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Sides: Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• In a Sandwich: Place the patties in a sandwich bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a delicious seafood sandwich.
• With Dips: Serve alongside tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a creamy remoulade for dipping.
• On a Plate: Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a side of roasted vegetables or fries for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked salmon patties by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat cooked salmon patties, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen salmon, but you’ll need to cook it first and then flake it into small pieces.

2. Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I make these patties without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different flavor and texture.

4. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute canned tuna, mackerel, or any other firm fish for the salmon.

5. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture has the right consistency, adding flour or cornmeal to help bind it. Be gentle when flipping the patties to avoid breaking them.

6. Can I freeze cooked salmon patties?

Yes, you can freeze cooked patties, though they may not be as crispy after reheating.

7. What can I serve with salmon patties?

Serve them with vegetables, rice, salad, or any of your favorite Southern sides.

8. How do I make the patties spicier?

Add more hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for extra heat.

9. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

10. How can I make the patties more flavorful?

You can experiment by adding more spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Conclusion

Southern fried salmon patties are a satisfying and delicious dish that combines rich flavors with a crispy texture. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a casual meal, or a party, these salmon patties are sure to please. With their simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and versatility, they’re a perfect choice for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a true Southern classic that’s both comforting and flavorful.

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