Southern Fried Salmon Patties

There’s something about Southern cooking that just feels like home. It’s comforting, flavorful, and full of soul—and these Southern fried salmon patties are no exception! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these patties are a true Southern classic. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or bringing them to a family gathering, they’re sure to impress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Salmon Patties

This recipe is more than just a way to use up canned salmon—it’s a dish that’ll have you craving more after each bite. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Crispy Perfection: The outside is golden and crispy, while the inside stays wonderfully moist and tender. The contrast in texture is what makes these patties so irresistible.

Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills to make these. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Budget-Friendly: Using canned salmon makes this dish affordable without compromising on taste. It’s perfect for those days when you want something flavorful but don’t want to break the bank.

Flavorful & Versatile: With the perfect mix of spices, these salmon patties are packed with flavor. You can serve them on their own or with a side of veggies, potatoes, or even a fresh salad.

Comforting: There’s something about Southern fried food that just feels so cozy. These patties will make you feel like you’re sitting down to a big family meal, no matter where you are.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Southern fried salmon patties:

Canned Salmon: The star of the dish! It’s affordable, convenient, and still packed with that lovely salmon flavor. Make sure to drain it well before using.

Breadcrumbs: These give the patties structure and help them crisp up perfectly on the outside.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping everything stick together and giving the patties their texture.

Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties. It also helps hold the ingredients together.

Green Onion: For a pop of fresh, savory flavor.

Bell Pepper (Optional): Adds color and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the salmon.

Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder adds depth to the flavor profile.

Seasoning (Salt & Pepper): To taste! Simple, but essential for bringing out all the flavors.

Oil for Frying: You’ll need oil to fry the patties. Vegetable oil works great, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these delicious Southern fried salmon patties:

1. Prepare the Salmon:
Drain the canned salmon and remove any bones or skin if you prefer (though the bones are soft and edible!). Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork and set it aside.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

3. Form the Patties:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should get about 8-10 patties, depending on how big you make them.

4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot, but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of the salmon mixture into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.

5. Fry the Patties:
Carefully add the patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently with a spatula to avoid breaking them.

6. Drain and Serve:
Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Southern Fried Salmon Patties

These Southern fried salmon patties are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:

With a Side of Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy coleslaw complements the richness of the patties perfectly. It’s a classic Southern pairing!

Over Rice: Serve these salmon patties over a bed of fluffy white rice or seasoned rice for a filling and satisfying meal.

With Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables like green beans, sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob would be a perfect addition to your plate.

In a Sandwich: For a fun twist, make a salmon patty sandwich with a soft bun, some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.

With Hot Sauce: If you like a little kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the patties for added heat and flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make them Ahead: If you’re prepping for a meal, you can make the patties ahead of time. Just shape them and refrigerate until ready to fry. This helps the patties hold together better while cooking.
• Custom Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you want to spice things up! You can easily adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause them to steam instead of getting crispy.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet for that crispy exterior again!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
A1: Yes, you can! If you use fresh salmon, cook and flake it before following the rest of the recipe. Canned salmon is convenient, but fresh salmon works just as well.

Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer to bake them, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time, shape them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This helps the patties hold their shape better during cooking.

Q4: What can I serve with salmon patties?
A4: You can serve them with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, a fresh salad, or even cornbread. The possibilities are endless!

Q5: Can I freeze the salmon patties?
A5: Yes! You can freeze uncooked salmon patties. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen.

Q6: Can I use something other than mayonnaise?
A6: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for a slightly tangy twist.

Q7: Can I make these spicier?
A7: Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.

Q8: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
A8: Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs work just as well in this recipe. It’ll still be crispy and delicious!

Q9: Can I make these smaller for appetizers?
A9: Absolutely! Just shape the patties smaller and reduce the frying time slightly. They’ll make perfect bite-sized appetizers.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Conclusion

These Southern fried salmon patties are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. They’re crispy, savory, and packed with Southern charm—just the way fried food should be! Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them as a snack, these patties are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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