The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels both homey and impressive, The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce is about to become your new favorite dinner hero. Salmon patties are golden, crisp on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside, and that zippy homemade sauce? It’s what takes this humble classic to irresistible territory. With pantry staples and just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can have a gorgeous plate of these patties ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive right in and discover how easy it is to elevate canned salmon!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is full of simple ingredients that come together to create pure magic. Each component of The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce brings its own key flavor or texture, guaranteeing moist patties with a perfect crust and a sauce worth licking the spoon for.

• Canned salmon: Provides a rich, tender base—opt for boneless, skinless for extra ease, but even the classic canned kind works beautifully.
• Eggs: Act as the glue that binds all the delicious ingredients together and gives the patties their satisfying shape.
• Bread crumbs: Add structure and help create those coveted crispy edges; panko or classic both work.
• Onion: Diced finely for just a bit of crunch and a subtle sweetness that wakes up the fish.
• Fresh parsley: Infuses brightness and fresh flavor into every bite.
• Lemon zest: Offers a sunny citrus punch that works magic with salmon.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that lift all the other flavors.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: For frying; gives the patties a gorgeous golden crust.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone for the homemade sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Hits the sauce with a tangy, slightly sharp undercurrent.
• Lemon juice: Adds zing and balances out the richness of the sauce.
• Capers or relish: Delivers little pops of briny goodness that make the sauce addictive.
• Fresh dill (optional): Stirred into the sauce for a classic, herby boost.

How to Make The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

Start by draining your canned salmon and flaking it gently with a fork in a mixing bowl. If you’re working with skin or bones, simply pick them out as you go—they break apart easily and can be removed quickly. Add the finely chopped onion, parsley, lemon zest, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, eggs, and bread crumbs. Gently mix everything together just until combined. You want the mixture to hold together but still stay tender, not dense.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

With clean hands or a scoop, divide the salmon mixture into even portions and shape them into patties about ½- to 1-inch thick. Press firmly so they keep their shape, but don’t overwork them—a light touch makes a fluffier patty. You’ll usually get 6 to 8 patties, depending on how generous you feel.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat a good slick of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your patties (don’t crowd the pan—better to work in batches). Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to fuss with them so they form that seriously satisfying crust. Flip once, let the second side get just as golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Homemade Sauce

While the patties rest, make the homemade sauce: in a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers or relish, and a little fresh dill if you have it. Taste and tweak the balance until it’s bright, creamy, and punchy. This sauce is truly the secret weapon that earns these the title of The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the warm salmon patties on a platter and generously dollop each with a spoonful of that homemade sauce. Sprinkle with more fresh herbs or a little extra lemon zest if you want to get fancy. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

How to Serve The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh herbs—think dill, parsley, or chives—adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to each patty. Lemon wedges on the side are a must, and a light grating of lemon zest just before serving makes the salmon sing. Spoon extra homemade sauce on top for the finishing touch that defines The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your salmon patties with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or fluffy mashed potatoes to round out the meal. They’re also wonderful tucked into burger buns with crunchy lettuce for a coastal-inspired sandwich, or set atop rice for something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful appetizer presentation, make mini patties and skewer them with cocktail picks—perfect for entertaining. Or, try layering them on top of warm English muffins, crowned with a poached egg and a drizzle of sauce for a salmon-patty Benedict twist. However you serve them, The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce shines in any setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salmon patties keep surprisingly well! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container to maintain its freshness and zing.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze cooked patties, though the crust is always crispest when freshly made. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat salmon patties in a hot skillet with a splash of oil until warmed through and re-crisped. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot. Avoid microwaving, which can make the patties soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Absolutely! Simply cook and flake the salmon first (bake, poach, or pan-sear), then proceed with the recipe as written for the freshest take on The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce.

What should I do if my patties fall apart while cooking?

If they’re too loose, try adding a touch more bread crumbs or a second egg. Make sure the mixture is well combined but not over-mixed—forming with gentle hands helps keep them together.

Is the homemade sauce spicy?

Nope, it’s zesty and tangy but not spicy. If you want to kick things up, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to give your version of The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce some extra heat.

Can I bake the salmon patties instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway through for a crispy finish—healthier but still totally delicious.

How far in advance can I make the homemade sauce?

The sauce will keep, covered in the fridge, for up to 3 days. In fact, making it ahead lets the flavors mingle and makes it an even better companion for The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dish that’s both comfortingly familiar and just a little bit special, you simply have to try The Best Salmon Patties Recipe with a Homemade Sauce. Every bite is a celebration of flavor, crispness, and creamy, tangy sauce—easy enough for a Tuesday, but impressive enough for your next family get-together. Give these a spot in your regular rotation; your taste buds will thank you!

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