If you love classic Southern comfort food that’s ready in a flash, this EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties will win your heart. Bursting with gentle spice, flaky salmon, and a crunchy golden crust, these family-favorite patties are perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday suppers. Whether you serve them as a main dish, slide them into a sandwich, or pair with creamy grits, you’ll find these little cakes both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Don’t be surprised if you start reaching for canned salmon more often—these croquettes are just that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Every element brings something essential to the table—whether it’s color, subtle heat, rich flavor, or that irresistible, crispy finish. Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious batch:
- Canned Pink Salmon: Provides convenience and that hearty, flaky base without the hassle of cooking fresh fish.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and just the right touch of punchy flavor.
- Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Brings fresh color and a faint crunch that makes every bite pop.
- Large Eggs: Bind the patties together so they hold up perfectly when frying.
- Breadcrumbs or Crushed Saltine Crackers: Add structure and crunch to ensure the perfect crispy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the mixture moist and adds richness without overpowering the salmon.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives a subtle zing and helps the flavors meld together.
- Old Bay Seasoning: This Southern staple provides iconic warmth and a hint of spice.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses gentle garlicky depth throughout the patties.
- Black Pepper: A dash of pepper balances out the flavors and adds a gentle kick.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Ensures a golden, crunchy crust every time.
- Lemon Wedges and Fresh Parsley (optional): Add a burst of brightness and a fresh finish before serving.
How to Make EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties
Step 1: Mix the Croquette Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and add the drained and deboned salmon, finely chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Crack in the eggs, toss in your breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, spoon in the mayo and Dijon mustard, then finish off with that beautiful blend of Old Bay, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s fully combined—the mixture should just come together and hold its shape.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Using either your clean hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into 6 to 8 croquettes. Press lightly to flatten each one into a plump patty. This ensures even cooking and helps them hold their form when frying, so each piece ends up with that signature golden crunch.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Set a heavy skillet over medium heat and pour in your vegetable oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Give it a couple of minutes to heat up—when a breadcrumb sizzles on contact, you know it’s ready to go.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Carefully lay your salmon patties into the hot oil, being sure to leave a little space between each one. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, resisting the urge to fuss with them too much. You want a deep golden brown crust—that’s when you know they’re cooked through and irresistibly crunchy.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
As the patties finish crisping, move them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain away any excess oil. Serve them hot, crowned with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like that extra zip.
How to Serve EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties
Garnishes
Turn your platter of croquettes into a true showstopper with brilliant garnishes. A generous handful of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the plate, while a few wedges of lemon invite everyone to squeeze on some fresh juice for that classic Southern touch. For an added pop, sprinkle with a pinch of extra Old Bay right before serving.
Side Dishes
Southern salmon croquettes are right at home alongside good old-fashioned comfort sides. Pair them with creamy cheese grits, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal. If you’re in a sandwich mood, tuck a patty into a fluffy bun with lettuce, tomato, and just a smear of mayo—it’s an irresistible lunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take things up a notch? Turn the EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties into party-ready sliders for a crowd, or arrange mini patties atop cucumber rounds for a stunning appetizer platter. For brunch, serve them with eggs and hot sauce on the side—don’t be afraid to get playful with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover croquettes keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Place cooled patties in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you’re meal-prepping or want to keep some on hand, let the cooked salmon patties cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zipped freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring salmon patties back to their crispy glory, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a speedier option, you can reheat them in a hot skillet with a light drizzle of oil for a couple of minutes per side. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to soften the gorgeous crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon works perfectly in this EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties. Just flake it and use it as you would canned. Canned is much quicker, but either option makes mouthwatering patties.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed saltine crackers, panko, or even finely crushed cornflakes for a different crunch. Saltines are a traditional Southern twist and add a little salty charm to every bite!
Do I have to use Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay is traditional and adds that authentic Southern seafood flavor, but if you don’t have it, a blend of celery salt, paprika, and a dash of cayenne makes a quick substitute. Season to your taste and enjoy!
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Be sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet or too dry. The eggs and breadcrumbs or crackers are key for binding. If your mixture feels loose, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together easily.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter spin, arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray the tops lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and heated through.
Final Thoughts
These EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties bring big flavor and timeless comfort to your table with just a handful of pantry staples. Give them a try—once you taste that crunchy, savory bite, you’ll want to make them part of your regular recipe rotation!
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EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Southern Salmon Croquettes are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious lunch. Using canned salmon and simple ingredients, these fried salmon patties are a classic Southern favorite.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties:
- 1 (14.75 oz) can pink salmon (drained, bones and skin removed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- lemon wedges
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the salmon, onion, green pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape Patties: Use your hands or a scoop to shape the mixture into 6–8 patties.
- Fry Patties: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute canned salmon with fresh cooked salmon.
- For added flavor, stir in a dash of hot sauce or chopped green onions.
- These patties are excellent with grits, salad, or on a sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
