Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe: A Classic Favorite

The smell of sizzling salmon patties always brought me back to my grandmother’s home. Her recipe, passed down for generations, was a true comfort food. It was simple, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavors. Now, as I cook this dish, I feel a strong connection to my family’s culinary history.

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a timeless comfort food. They’re made with simple ingredients like canned salmon and Ritz crackers. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any time you want a taste of childhood or a quick, satisfying meal.

What Are Traditional Salmon Patties

Traditional salmon patties, also known as vintage salmon patty or retro salmon patties, are a classic Southern dish. They are made from canned salmon, bread crumbs or crackers, and simple seasonings. These patties are shaped into small, flattened forms and fried until golden-brown and crispy.

The History Behind This Classic Dish

Salmon patties have been a staple on Southern tables for generations. They were a nourishing and affordable meal option during economic hardships. The use of canned salmon made this recipe accessible and easy to prepare.

Difference Between Salmon Patties and Croquettes

While “salmon patties” and “salmon croquettes” are often used together, they differ. Salmon patties are more rustic and simple. Croquettes, on the other hand, are more refined, with ingredients like béchamel sauce or mashed potatoes.

Why This Recipe Remains a Southern Staple

The lasting appeal of traditional salmon fritters lies in their simplicity, affordability, and taste. This dish is a beloved comfort food in the South. It offers a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Salmon Patties

Making tasty salmon patties at home is easy with a few key ingredients. Start with high-quality canned salmon, like wild-caught or Alaskan. Crackers, such as Ritz, help bind the patties. Eggs and seasonings like Old Bay, salt, and pepper add flavor.

Other ingredients include finely diced onion, flour, yellow mustard, and buttermilk. These mix together to make a cohesive, flavorful patty. You can also customize the seasonings and add-ins to match your taste.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make perfectly delicious salmon patties. They’ll satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

To make the perfect old fashioned salmon patties, start by draining and flaking a (14.75 ounce) can of salmon into a bowl. Add 1 large beaten egg, 1 cup of crushed saltine crackers, and a few dashes of your favorite seasonings. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Forming and Shaping Tips

Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop the salmon mixture. Gently shape it into 4-inch wide, 1-inch thick patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This step helps them keep their shape while frying.

Cooking Temperature and Timing Guide

Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon patties carefully. Fry for about 8 minutes on the first side, until they’re golden brown. Flip them and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the second side, until crispy and cooked through. Drain the old fashioned salmon patties on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.

Tips for Working with Canned Salmon

When making old-fashioned salmon patties with canned salmon, keep a few tips in mind. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of cooked salmon. This can come from 1-2 salmon filets or three 4-ounce cans of salmon.

It’s okay to leave bones and skin in canned salmon. They’re soft and add calcium and healthy fats. But, you can also choose to remove them. Make sure to drain the liquid from the can. You might need it later to adjust the patty mixture’s consistency.

Choose canned salmon with labels saying “wild,” “wild-caught,” or “from Alaska” for the best quality. Canned salmon is cheaper, costing $3.50 to $10 for a 4-ounce can. This is more affordable than fresh salmon fillets, which can be $9 to $12 per pound.

By following these canned salmon tips and using the right ingredients, you can make tasty old-school salmon patty recipe. It will bring back the classic flavors of this beloved dish.

Cooking Techniques for Crispy Results

To get the perfect crispy texture in your crispy salmon patties, you need to master some cooking techniques. Pan-frying is a great method. It helps you get a golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tasty.

Pan-Frying Methods

Start by heating a thin layer of oil, like olive or vegetable oil, in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer and sizzle when you add the pan-fried salmon cakes. Cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make them steam instead of crisp.

Fry the salmon patties for about 8 minutes on the first side. Then, flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the second side. Watch the patties closely, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent them from burning too quickly.

Oil Temperature Control

Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key for that golden-brown crust. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s not hot enough, the patties will soak up too much oil and become greasy.

The best oil temperature for crispy salmon patties is between 350°F and 375°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to stay in the optimal range.

Achieving Golden Brown Perfection

The secret to perfectly crispy salmon patties is in the cooking time and technique. Fry the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which means they’re fully cooked. Then, drain the cooked patties on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

By using these techniques, you’ll make crispy salmon patties that are golden-brown on the outside and moist on the inside. Serve them with your favorite sides for a classic, comforting meal.

Delicious Variations and Add-ins

Customizing your salmon patty variations can elevate your classic recipe. The traditional heirloom salmon patties are loved, but trying new ingredients and seasonings can add unique flavors.

Try using red onion instead of green onions for a sweet twist. You can also swap Ritz crackers for saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs. This changes the patty’s texture and crunch.

For more flavor, add diced celery, fresh dill, or Old Bay seasoning. Minced garlic, mayonnaise, or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the taste. These additions make the dish more complex and delicious.

The world of salmon patty variations is vast. You can create your own family recipe. Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect mix of flavors that everyone will love.

These salmon patty variations are just the beginning. Be creative and try your own unique combinations. Find the perfect heirloom salmon patties that your family will adore.

Best Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions

Salmon patties are great with many side dishes. They go well with classic Southern meals or new ideas. There are endless ways to match the savory salmon flavor.

Traditional Southern Accompaniments

For a Southern twist, pair salmon patties with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and buttered corn. Coleslaw’s crunch and tanginess pair well. Mashed potatoes offer a creamy comfort. Buttered corn adds a sweet touch.

Modern Pairing Ideas

For a modern touch, try guacamole, pesto pasta, or a blue cheese salad with salmon patties. Guacamole’s creaminess complements the salmon. Pesto pasta or salad add a light, refreshing contrast. Homemade pickles or blue cheese scalloped potatoes also make great sides.

Choose any sides you like, but don’t forget tartar sauce or fresh lemon. They boost the flavor of your salmon patty dish.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storing and reheating your salmon patties right is key to enjoying them fully. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your salmon cakes fresh and crispy.

Refrigerating Leftover Salmon Patties

Cooked salmon patties can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Uncooked patties should be refrigerated for up to 1 day before cooking.

Reheating Salmon Cakes

Ready to enjoy your leftovers? Here are a few ways to reheat them:

• Microwave: Put the salmon cakes on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat at half power, checking every minute until they’re warm.
• Oven: Heat your oven to 300°F. Place the salmon patties on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot.

The oven method gives the crispiest texture. But the microwave is quick and easy for a fast reheat.

Freezing Uncooked Salmon Patties

Want to make salmon patties ahead of time? Freeze the uncooked ones. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This way, you can have homemade salmon cakes whenever you want.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your salmon patties again and again. They’ll taste as good as when they were first made.

Conclusion

The old fashioned salmon patties recipe is a true gem in cooking. These crispy, flavorful patties are not only budget-friendly and convenient. They also bring a taste of Southern comfort to any meal.

Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try new variations, old fashioned salmon patties are a hit. They’re great for quick dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, they’re packed with omega-3s, protein, and nutrients, making them a healthy choice.

So, dive into the charm of old fashioned salmon patties. They’re a tasty and affordable way to add Southern flair to your meals, one delicious bite at a time.