Name: Southern Salmon Patties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 15 ounces canned salmon, drained and flaked; 1/2 cup flour; 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)

Southern Salmon Patties

There’s something truly special about recipes that bring the whole family together at the dinner table. These Southern Salmon Patties have been a beloved staple in our home for years. I first started making them when I needed a quick, hearty meal that I could whip up with pantry staples. One evening, I decided to surprise my family with these crispy, golden-brown delights, and they were an instant hit!

The first bite was met with wide-eyed approval from my kids, and my husband went back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). The balance of flaky salmon, the subtle crunch from cornmeal, and the perfect blend of seasoning make these patties irresistibly good. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Whether you’re serving them up as a weeknight dinner, a tasty snack, or even a weekend brunch, these salmon patties always deliver. And because they’re so quick to prepare, they’re perfect for busy moms who need something delicious and nutritious on the table without the hassle. Trust me when I say, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned? Yes! Simply cook and flake fresh salmon before mixing it into the recipe. However, canned salmon is a fantastic, time-saving option that still delivers great flavor.

What’s the best way to serve these patties? They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them with tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple squeeze of lemon. They also pair well with coleslaw, a fresh salad, or even between sandwich buns.

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. You can also fry them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a quick meal.

How do I keep them from falling apart? Make sure to drain excess liquid from the salmon and use enough binder (flour and cornmeal) to hold the patties together. Chilling the mixture for 10-15 minutes before frying can also help.

What You Need to Make Southern Salmon Patties

15 ounces canned salmon, drained and flaked

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons oil (for frying)

How to Make Southern Salmon Patties

Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, flour, cornmeal, chopped red bell pepper, beaten egg, mayonnaise, and all the seasonings. Mix everything well until evenly combined.

Form the patties: Use your hands to shape the mixture into medium-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour or cornmeal.

Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Cook the patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve and enjoy! Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Tips for Making the Best Southern Salmon Patties

Use canned salmon with bones and skin for extra nutrients—these soften during mixing and cooking.

For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce to the mixture.

To make them gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

For extra crispiness, coat the patties lightly in panko breadcrumbs before frying.

If you’re short on time, you can bake the patties at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These were a hit! My kids devoured them, and even my picky eater asked for more. Perfect with a side of mashed potatoes!” – Sarah T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe! Next time, I’ll add a little more spice for an extra kick, but otherwise, they were delicious!” – James P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I love how simple and budget-friendly this was. It’s now a go-to meal on busy nights. Thanks for sharing!” – Emma L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Turned out well, but mine were a little soft—maybe I should have added more cornmeal? Still, the taste was fantastic!” – Nicole M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wow! My family couldn’t get enough. I made a double batch and still had no leftovers!” – Lisa G.

Printable Recipe

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