Amazing Canned Salmon Patties: 20-Minute Dinner

October 23, 2025
Written By Madison Thompson

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When the weeknight dinner timer is ticking and your wallet is feeling a little light, you need a recipe that swoops in like a superhero. That’s where these amazing canned salmon patties come in! Seriously, from pantry staple to piping hot perfection in just about 20 minutes, these little guys are a lifesaver. They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside and oh-so-tender on the inside, the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. Here at MDLATDMM Recipes, like Maddie Thompson herself, we believe that everyone deserves delicious, heartfelt food made with simple ingredients, and these salmon patties totally capture that feeling.

Why You’ll Love These Canned Salmon Patties

Seriously, why wouldn’t you love these little flavor bombs? They’re a total game-changer when you need dinner pronto. Here’s the lowdown on why you’ll be making these canned salmon patties again and again:

  • Super Speedy: We’re talking 20 minutes from can to plate. Yeah, you heard me!
  • Easy on the Wallet: Canned salmon is a budget superstar, making this a go-to for affordable meals.
  • Simple Steps, Big Flavor: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can totally nail these.
  • That Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside – it’s pure deliciousness.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike gobble these up. They’re just plain comforting!

Ingredients for Easy Canned Salmon Patties

Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of these canned salmon patties is how straightforward the ingredient list is. You probably have most of this sitting in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked (Make sure to get all that liquid out!)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Plain or Italian style, both work great!)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (This is our binder, folks!)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (For just a little zing.)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (For creaminess and a touch of richness.)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Adds a lovely tang without being too spicy.)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (Brightens everything up!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Or a little more if you like a kick!)

Tips for the Best Canned Salmon Patties

Alright, so you’ve got your ingredients ready, and you’re about to mix ’em up. To make sure these canned salmon patties turn out absolutely perfect, just like Maddie would make them, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. First off, and this is important: be gentle when you’re mixing everything together. Overmixing can make the patties tough, and we want them tender! Just mix until everything is *just* combined. Also, giving them a good 3/4-inch thickness helps them hold together while cooking and gives you that satisfying bite. And for that gorgeous golden-brown sear? Make sure your skillet is nice and hot with enough oil – it makes all the difference!

Best Binder for Salmon Patties

You know, the magic that holds all those yummy salmon bits together? That’s your binder! In this recipe, we’re using a classic duo: a beaten egg and some breadcrumbs. The egg acts like glue, making sure everything sticks where it should, and the breadcrumbs give it a little substance and help keep the inside tender. If you happen to be out of breadcrumbs, no worries! Crushed crackers (like saltines) or even some rolled oats can totally do the trick in a pinch. But honestly, this combo of egg and breadcrumbs is what makes these best binder for salmon patties work so well, keeping them from falling apart in that hot skillet.

How to Make Canned Salmon Patties

Alright, ready to whip up some of the easiest and tastiest canned salmon patties you’ve ever had? It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them a million times before. We’re talking about getting dinner on the table super fast, which is exactly why we love linking to quick weeknight dinners here! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your drained and flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, that beaten egg, your finely chopped onion, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and pepper. Now, here’s the key: mix it all up *gently*. You just want everything to come together, not get all mushed up. Overmixing is no bueno for tender patties!

Next, shape that lovely mixture. Gently form it into about 4 equal patties, making them roughly 3/4 of an inch thick. Don’t make them too thin, or they might fall apart!

Now for the sizzle! Heat up about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. You want that oil to be nice and hot before you add your patties – this is crucial for that perfect crust!

Crispy Salmon Patties Technique

Want that amazing crunch? The secret is all in the sear! Make sure your oil in the skillet is shimmering hot before you slide those patties in. Also, don’t cram too many patties into the pan at once. Give them space to get nice and golden. Once they’re done cooking, lift them out and lay them on a plate lined with paper towels for a minute. This little step really helps soak up any extra grease, making your crispy salmon patties just perfect!

Pan Fried Salmon Burgers Method

When you’re ready to cook, carefully place your formed patties into that hot skillet. We’re going for a beautiful golden-brown color, so let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side. Resist the urge to poke or prod too much! Once that side is gorgeous, flip ’em over and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to be heated all the way through and beautifully browned. This whole pan-frying process is what gives them that classic, delicious flavor you expect from great pan fried salmon burgers.

Serving Suggestions and Sauces for Canned Salmon Patties

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing, golden-brown canned salmon patties ready to go. Now, what do you serve them with? Honestly, they’re so good on their own, but a little something extra always makes them sing! My absolute go-to is a classic tartar sauce – that zesty, creamy goodness is just perfect with flaky salmon. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, or just want something a little lighter, a homemade dill sauce is out of this world. It’s so simple to whip up and adds a fresh, bright flavor that complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. These patties are also fantastic with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete, healthy meal!

Easy Dill Sauce for Salmon Cakes

Whipping up a quick and easy dill sauce to go with your canned salmon patties couldn’t be simpler. In a small bowl, just mix about half a cup of mayonnaise (or sour cream for a lighter version!) with a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a tiny pinch of salt and pepper, and maybe even a little finely minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy. Stir it all up until it’s smooth and creamy. This dill sauce for salmon cakes is so fresh and vibrant, it takes these budget-friendly dinners to a whole new level!

Variations: Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

Now, I know not everyone loves standing over a hot stove, and that’s totally cool! If you’re team air fryer, you’re in luck, because these canned salmon patties are just as amazing when you make them that way. Seriously, I use my air fryer for these all the time when I’m trying to be extra hands-off. It gives you that lovely crispy outside without all the fuss of pan-frying. Plus, cleanup is usually a breeze!

To make air fryer salmon cakes, just follow the first two steps of the main recipe: mix your ingredients gently and shape the patties. Then, preheat your air fryer to about 375°F (190°C). Gently place your salmon patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. You’ll want to cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get them all nice and golden brown on both sides. They come out perfectly cooked and wonderfully crispy every single time!

Frequently Asked Questions about Canned Salmon Patties

Got questions about these speedy canned salmon patties? I’ve got answers! We all want to make sure we’re getting the most flavor and best results, right? Let’s dive into some things you might be wondering about.

Are canned salmon patties healthy?

Oh, absolutely! Canned salmon is packed with protein and those amazing omega-3 healthy fats, making these patties a really great choice for a healthy seafood dinner. They’re a fantastic way to get good-for-you nutrients without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen!

What is the best binder for salmon patties?

For these canned salmon patties, the dynamic duo of egg and breadcrumbs is truly the best binder for salmon patties. They work together perfectly to hold everything together while keeping the inside nice and tender. You can absolutely experiment with crushed crackers or even oats if you’re in a pinch!

Can I make these ahead of time?

You bet! You can totally mix up the salmon patty mixture ahead of time. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just shape them and fry or air fry as usual. They might need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’ll be cold.

Nutritional Information for Canned Salmon Patties

Just a little heads-up, the nutrition info for these awesome canned salmon patties is approximate, since we all use slightly different brands or maybe add a little extra spice! But generally, one patty has around 250 calories, 15g of fat (with about 3g being saturated), 18g of protein, and 12g of carbs. You’ll also get a little fiber and sugar. It’s a pretty healthy little powerhouse, if I do say so myself!

Share Your Canned Salmon Patty Creations!

Did you try making these super easy canned salmon patties? I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, maybe a star rating, or even what you served them with. If you snap a pic of your delicious creations, tag us on social media – we love seeing them! You can always reach out with questions via our contact page too!

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Easy Canned Salmon Patties

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Quick and budget-friendly salmon patties made from canned salmon, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

  • Author: maddie-thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained and flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot skillet.
  5. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
  6. Remove patties from skillet and drain on paper towels.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
  • Serve with your favorite tartar sauce or a simple dill sauce.
  • These patties can also be made in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 patty
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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