How to Make Easy Salmon Patties: A Low-Budget, Healthy Seafood Dinner

Janis loves to occasionally post original recipes, influenced by the creative cooking skills inherited from her mother and aunts.

Tasty, Affordable, and Nutritious

Imagine preparing a meal for your family where you strike the perfect balance between taste, affordability, and nutrition. Salmon patties, seasoned just right with herbs and other ingredients, are easy to make and will help you meet your goal. It is also a no-added-salt recipe.

Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, salmon patties will delight children's taste buds while meeting your need to provide a nutritious and affordable meal:

• Tasty: Canned salmon is usually the product used to make tasty salmon patties, or as they are also called, salmon cakes or croquettes. The preferred choice, Alaskan wild-caught pink salmon, is packed in a can and is often used for salads, sandwiches and casseroles. It is a surprisingly tasty alternative to canned tuna.
• Affordable: A can of this delicious fish can range in retail price from $3 to almost $8, depending on the brand, the store, and the type of salmon. The most popular types are red sockeye, coho, and pink (see table below). At a fraction of the price of a fresh fillet, it's an ideal way to feed a large family or guests without spending a fortune.
• Nutritious: Canned salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, high in protein and essential amino acids, low in fat and cholesterol, an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, niacin, and selenium, as well as Vitamins D, B12 and B6.

Healthy Budget Dinner for the Family

Feeding your family tasty, nutritious meals within a budget is not always easy.

Buying fast foods like burgers, tacos, fried chicken, and pizzas might make your life easier—but those expenses can really add up.

Fast foods, eaten on a regular basis, can also increase the amount of salt, cholesterol, and fat your family is ingesting. We are all too familiar with the numerous reports in the media of increased childhood obesity and diabetes due to poor diet and nutrition.

Necessary Utensils

For this recipe, you will need:

• Large heavy skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet and paper towels
• Waxed paper
• 2 spatulas

Ingredients

• 1 can wild-caught pink Alaskan salmon
• 1/3 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Spike Salt-free Natural Seasonings
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup vidalia sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 wedge fresh lemon, squeezed juice and grated zest
• 3 tablespoons water
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup canola oil, or as needed

Cook Time

Directions

1. Drain the can of salmon, place in mixing bowl, and break apart with a fork. Although the bones are full of nutrients, I like to remove them with a fork and discard. Continue to flake and break up the salmon with the fork.
2. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over salmon. Add crushed rosemary, Spike Natural Seasonings, and black pepper, shaking evenly over salmon and bread crumbs. Crack the egg in the center of mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, sweet onions, green peppers, lemon juice, lemon zest and water.
3. Starting from the center, blending the egg first, move outward, stirring lightly with fork, but thoroughly blending all ingredients well. Do not smash the salmon, keeping the salmon as flakey as possible. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the skillet by coating first with cooking spray. Cover the skillet with an 1/8 inch of canola oil (about 1 cup). On the stovetop, use low heat to warm the oil until salmon patties are ready to fry. Spread paper towels onto a cookie sheet to drain cooked salmon patties.
5. Using a fork, pick up about a 1/2 cup of salmon mixture to form each patty in one hand. Use the fork to shape patties gently, but firmly. Place formed patties onto waxed paper.
6. Turn flame on high to heat oil until slight smoke forms to get oil hot. Place salmon patties in skillet, cooking 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
7. Use two spatulas to turn the patties gingerly as they will be soft and prone to breakage. Turn flame to medium for the other side of the patties to brown. Carefully remove from hot skillet and place cooked patties onto the cookie sheet covered with paper towels.
8. Serve with baked French fries and tossed green salad with tomatoes. Add your favorite sauce (we enjoy serving with tartar sauce).

Prepare the Salmon Mixture

Canned salmon chunks are separated and lightly smashed with a fork.

1 / 2

Blend the Ingredients

Salmon mixture is blended well with all ingredients.

1 / 2

Form the Patties

Scooping up mixture to form salmon patty is easy.

1 / 4

Fry the Patties

Patties browning in hot skillet.

1 / 2

Nutritious Serving Suggestion

Most Popular Wild-Caught Canned Salmon Types

Cooking With Canned Salmon

Process of Canning Salmon

© 2013 Janis Leslie Evans

Comments

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on July 29, 2017:

They are really good, Glenn. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for stopping by.

Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on July 29, 2017:

This really got my attention Janis. I never actually thought of including an egg with salmon. The entire recipe sounds delicious. I look forward to making it soon.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on August 09, 2016:

You're very welcome, Jeannie. I'm so pleased you liked it. Thank you so much for your visit.

Jeannie on August 09, 2016:

This was delicious and recipe is extremely helpful. Thank you for a easy quick dinner....

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on July 12, 2015:

They are yummy, Charito1962 and very healthy. They should very good for your cholesterol, not too much fat. Thanks for stopping by.

Charito Maranan-Montecillo from Manila, Philippines on July 12, 2015:

These salmon patties look really yummy, Ms. Janis! And so are the baked fries! Hope they're suitable for someone like me. My doctor advised me to go on a low-cholesterol diet.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on April 13, 2015:

They really are yummy, trusouldj. Thanks for taking the time to read my recipe hubs.

LaZeric Freeman from Hammond on April 13, 2015:

Yummy.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on November 15, 2014:

Aw, Peg, thanks. I appreciate that very much. I actually love the salmon burgers from Costco. Thanks for the visit, grateful for the Pinterest share.

Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on November 15, 2014:

This looks so delicious and easy to make. I love salmon patties and have been getting the frozen kind from Costco. Your recipe looks much more appetizing and fresh. Thanks for sharing your secrets and your recipe. Those pictures are mouth watering. Sharing this on my favorite recipes board at Pinterest.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on February 09, 2014:

Thanks, pmarinov, sweet of you. I hope she makes them for you. I appreciate you stopping by to read it.

Blogger at Best from Detroit MI on February 09, 2014:

This looks delicious I will pass it down to my wife lol :) great hub

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on December 14, 2013:

Thank you, AliciaC! I hope they turn out well. I'm sure they will when you put your twist on them. :-) I'm so glad you stopped by.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on December 14, 2013:

I love the sound of these salmon patties! The combination of salmon, rosemary, spices and a crunchy texture is very appealing. Thank you for the recipe. I'll try it very soon.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on November 11, 2013:

Glad to hear it, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope your family enjoys it. I'm especially glad to hear from you being that you're from the Philippines. I hope all is well with you and family.

JPSO138 from Cebu, Philippines, International on November 11, 2013:

This will surely add excitement in our table. I will certainly try this....

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on October 07, 2013:

Ha ha ha, you have me chuckling, RonElFran. I appreciate that. They are really tasty. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I always try to add a little more content to make my recipe articles more purposeful. Thanks for stopping by.

Ronald E Franklin from Mechanicsburg, PA on October 07, 2013:

I'm usually not much for recipe articles, since I don't cook. But you've reminded me of the salmon croquettes my mom used to make. It's been a long time since I've had any. So, I printed this out for my wife to take a look at. Thanks!

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on September 22, 2013:

Glad you liked it, will try to add hot sauce. Sounds like the perfect touch. Thank you for stopping by, Cyndi10.

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on September 22, 2013:

I love salmon patties. They are a great alternative to beef burgers. Since the canned salmon is usually wild, it is healthier that farmed salmon which may contain all sorts of contaminants.

My recipe is similar to yours. Lately, I've started to add a little hot sauce. It gives it kick of flavor. Great to see your recipe.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on September 12, 2013:

Thanks, Heather, for your comments. Glad to know you relate good memories of comfort food to this hub. I appreciate that.

Heather from Arizona on September 12, 2013:

I grew up on these fish cakes! My mom taught me how to make these when I was a little girl and to this day, they are one of my favorite dinners. I love to make a double batch and then snack on cold ones from the fridge the following day. This is also one of my comfort foods :) Great job.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on August 30, 2013:

You're welcome, Angela. Thanks for the visit. I hope they come out to your liking.

Angela Kane from Las Vegas, Nevada on August 30, 2013:

I like salmon, but I have never made patties out of them. I think it is a good idea and I will try the recipe above very soon. Thanks for the information.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on August 05, 2013:

Hugs back to you, vocalcoach. I'm so grateful for your visit and for your generous sharing of this hub.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on August 05, 2013:

Ha ha, thanks for that, ladyjane1. Thanks for the visit, enjoy your salmon patties!

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on August 05, 2013:

Wonderful, rebeccamealey. Thank you for stopping by and reading this recipe. I hope you enjoy it.

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on August 05, 2013:

I make salmon patties some times, but you have given me new ideas for some of the ingredients. Thanks!

ladyjane1 from Texas on August 05, 2013:

This sounds so good, I think I will bookmark this page and save it for next weekend. You did a really good job describing and explaining your recipe. Thanks I'm hungry now lol. Cheers.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on August 04, 2013:

Salmon is my favorite food. I've stayed away from canned until now. After reading your tasty recipe I'm ready to dive in! It sounds so delicious. Voted up and pinned to my board ' healthy food' and sharing. ~ Hugs, Audrey

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on July 15, 2013:

Great idea, LB! Thanks for your visit, please come again.

LB on July 15, 2013:

Thanks Janis- great summer meal for a picnic!

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on July 05, 2013:

Yes, DDE, they are very tasty. Let me know how they turn out. Thanks for reading and liking this recipe hub.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 05, 2013:

Looks so tasty will have to try this recipe and what an easy one and with beneficial ingredients, the herbs must give it a lovely flavor.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on July 01, 2013:

That sounds great, OMGirdle, yes onion powder. I'm so glad you like this recipe. They are amazing. They should be really moist on the inside and crispy on the outside so watch the heat. I hope they turn out well. Thanks for stopping by.

OMGirdle from United States on July 01, 2013:

I will definitely try this recipe. My daughter turned me onto salmon patties. The first time I made them I think I cooked them too long. I don't like onions so I am assuming I could use onion powder instead. My buds are watering :) Thumb up!

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 29, 2013:

You're quite welcome, BWD316. I hope you like it. Thank you for stopping by, reading, and voting.

Brian Dooling from Connecticut on June 29, 2013:

what a fantastic recipe! I've never thought of using canned salmon for patties! Definitely need to give this one a try! Voted up and useful and thanks for the comments on my hubs #happy2years

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 29, 2013:

You are right, chef-de-jour, that is my hope. Thanks for stopping by to read it. I'm grateful to you for the vote and for the share.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 29, 2013:

Hi torrilynn. They are really good. Thanks for coming by to read it and for the vote.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 29, 2013:

I appreciate that, Pamela99. Hope it turns out well. Thanks for your visit.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on June 29, 2013:

I have eaten salmon allmy life and my husband is really good at cooking salmon. Your recipe sounds very good and we'll give it a try. Thanks.

torrilynn on June 29, 2013:

@janshares Ive never had salmon patties before but it sounds absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing. Voted up.

Andrew Spacey from Near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,UK on June 29, 2013:

Informative article plus a delicious product to go with it. These protein packed patties would satisfy the hungriest of children and leave mum and dad with extra cash in their pocket. Must be a good thing!

Voptes and a share.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 24, 2013:

That sounds good, Rosetta. Thank you for stopping by to comment.

Rosetta on June 24, 2013:

For this non-cook, salmon cakes is indeed a favorite and I will try this recipe w/buttermilk cornbread regardless how hot it is outside. Thanks J.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 23, 2013:

Hi Vickiw! Thanks for reading and liking it. Good to see you, always. That's great that you do your own canning. I didn't know it was done until I did my research for this hub, hence, the video on canning.

Vickiw on June 23, 2013:

Love this recipe Janshares, we get so much salmon here that I like to use fresh cooked instead of canned, but also do my own pressure canning. Mi love fish cakes, and your recipe looks great!

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 23, 2013:

Thanks so much, Vacation Trip. You're welcome. They really are good. I appreciate your vote.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 23, 2013:

Very generous comments, Kathryn, glad you enjoyed it. I always feel compelled to give more than just the recipe in my recipe hubs. It just kept growing and growing and growing. :-) Thank you for stopping by.

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 23, 2013:

You're welcome, Matt.

Susan from India on June 23, 2013:

Delicious mouth watering patties in just 25 minutes. Amazing recipe. Thank you for sharing. Voted up.

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on June 23, 2013:

This is a great article! Even if you just provided the recipe, it would be useful. But you added in a section on the popular brands, a useful video, the nutrition info for canned salmon, and many great photos to show the process. I am a visual person, so I enjoyed it.

I haven't bought salmon in a while, but we used to get the Sockeye Salmon quite often. It is very healthy! The next time we buy some, I will whip out this recipe. I have made tuna patties before, and they were tasty, so I'm sure these will be great!

Thanks for sharing this with us, Jan, and have a fantastic weekend!

~ Kathryn

Martin Kloess from San Francisco on June 22, 2013:

I never thought of this.thank you

Janis Leslie Evans (author) from Washington, DC on June 22, 2013:

You're quite welcome, thanks for reading it. I hope it turns out well.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 22, 2013:

Salmon is a staple here in the northwest. We'll be giving your recipe a try for sure. Thank you!