Sometimes, you want a quick and easy meal that is still delicious and nutritious. Salmon patties cooked in a skillet are the perfect option for those times. These crispy and flavourful patties are a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Preparing salmon patties is relatively simple, and cooking them in a skillet ensures that you get a perfectly browned and crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method allows the patties to cook evenly and quickly, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner.

To make salmon patties in a skillet, you will need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Canned salmon, bread crumbs, eggs, minced onion, and seasonings are the base of the recipe. You can also customize the patties by adding chopped herbs, spices, or even some shredded cheese.

Once the patties are formed, they are cooked in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown on each side. The process takes only a few minutes, ensuring that you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Serve the salmon patties with a side salad or a soft bun for a complete and satisfying meal.

Preparing the Salmon

Before you begin cooking salmon patties in a skillet, it’s important to properly prepare the salmon. Follow these steps to ensure your patties turn out delicious:

1. Choose fresh salmon: Select a high-quality piece of salmon from your local fish market or grocery store. Look for bright, firm, and moist flesh without any strong odors.

2. Remove the skin: If your salmon has skin on, use a sharp knife to carefully remove it. Start at one end and gently slide the knife between the skin and flesh, pulling the skin away as you go.

3. Check for bones: Run your fingers along the surface of the salmon to feel for any small bones. Use tweezers or clean pliers to firmly grasp and remove any bones you find.

4. Dice the salmon: Cut the salmon into small, even pieces. Aim for a dice size of about ¼ inch to ensure even cooking and a nice texture in the patties.

5. Season the salmon: In a bowl, combine the diced salmon with your desired seasonings. Common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.

6. Chill the salmon mixture: Place the seasoned salmon mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to form patties.

Fresh and properly prepared salmon is the key to tasty salmon patties, so don’t rush the process. Take your time to select a good piece of fish and follow these steps for best results.

Selecting Fresh Salmon

When it comes to cooking salmon patties, selecting fresh salmon is essential to achieving the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you choose the freshest salmon for your recipe:

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Tip Description
1 Look for vibrant color
2 Check for firmness
3 Inspect the smell
4 Consider the source

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using the freshest salmon for your delicious salmon patties. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in the final taste of your dish!

Cutting the Salmon fillet

To start making salmon patties, you will need a fresh salmon fillet. Begin by rinsing the fillet under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Place the fillet on a clean cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the skin off the fillet. Start at one end of the fillet and gently slide the knife between the flesh and the skin, applying slight pressure. Move the knife in a back-and-forth motion to separate the skin from the flesh. Continue this process until the entire skin is removed.

Once the skin is removed, it’s time to cut the salmon fillet into small pieces. Start by holding the knife at a slight angle and cutting the fillet into thin strips. Depending on the size of the patties you prefer, cut the strips into smaller or larger pieces.

Skinning the salmon fillet

Before you start cutting the fillet, you need to remove the skin. This step is important as the skin can give an unpleasant texture to the patties. Follow the steps below to properly skin the salmon fillet:

  1. Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water to remove any residue or impurities.
  2. Place the fillet on a clean cutting board, skin side down.
  3. Using a sharp knife, hold the tail end of the fillet with one hand and make a small incision between the flesh and the skin.
  4. While holding the tail end with one hand, gently slide the knife between the flesh and the skin, applying slight pressure.
  5. Move the knife in a back-and-forth motion, separating the skin from the fillet flesh.
  6. Continue this process, keeping the knife closer to the cutting board for better control, until the entire skin is removed.

Now that you have a skinless salmon fillet, you can proceed to the next step of cutting it into smaller pieces for the patties.

Making the Patties

To make the salmon patties, you will need:

  • 1 pound of cooked salmon, flaked
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, diced onion, and chopped parsley.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Pour the mayonnaise mixture into the salmon mixture and mix until well combined.

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4. Shape the mixture into patties, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.

5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Place the salmon patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Note: You can also bake the salmon patties in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, if you prefer a healthier cooking method.

Mixing the Ingredients

To begin making salmon patties, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. This includes canned salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Drain the canned salmon and remove any skin and bones. Flake the salmon into a mixing bowl using a fork. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. These ingredients will help bind the patties together and provide flavor.

Using a fork or your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture should hold together when pressed with your fingers.

If the mixture seems too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, add a small amount of mayonnaise or lemon juice. The consistency should be moist but not overly sticky.

Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help the patties hold their shape when cooked.

Tip: If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mixture. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preferences.

Forming the Patties

Once the salmon mixture is chilled and firm, it’s time to form the patties. Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a patty using your hands, making sure to press it firmly together so it doesn’t fall apart while cooking.

Repeat this process with the remaining salmon mixture, forming patties until it is all used up. You should be able to make about 6 to 8 patties, depending on the size you prefer.

If you find that the mixture is still too sticky and difficult to work with, you can wet your hands lightly with water before forming each patty. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

Once all the patties are formed, place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is enough space between each patty to prevent them from sticking together.

Now you’re ready to cook the salmon patties in a skillet according to the recipe instructions.

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Cooking the Patties

Once the salmon patties have been formed, it’s time to cook them in a skillet. Here’s how:

Step 1: Preheat the skillet

Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough to cook the patties but not so hot that they burn on the outside before cooking through.

Step 2: Add oil

Drizzle a small amount of oil in the skillet to prevent the patties from sticking. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any oil with a high smoke point.

Step 3: Cook the patties

Place the patties in the skillet, leaving space between each one. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them gently to avoid breaking them apart.

Pro Tip: If the patties are browning too quickly but not cooking through, reduce the heat slightly to give them more time to cook in the center.

Step 4: Drain excess oil

Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Transfer the salmon patties to a serving plate and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a standalone dish. They pair well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Now that you know how to cook salmon patties in a skillet, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal anytime!

FAQ

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?

Yes, you can use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon to make salmon patties. Canned salmon is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to fresh salmon. Make sure to drain the canned salmon well before using it in the recipe. You may need to adjust the amount of bread crumbs and mayonnaise to achieve the desired consistency of the salmon mixture.

How long should I cook salmon patties in a skillet?

The cooking time for salmon patties in a skillet may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and the heat of the skillet. As a general guideline, cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure that the salmon is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if needed.

Can I freeze salmon patties?

Yes, you can freeze salmon patties for later use. After shaping the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook frozen salmon patties, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook them in a skillet as per the recipe instructions.