Southern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
Introduction
Southern Fried Salmon Patties are a delicious twist on classic comfort food, offering a crispy exterior with tender, flavorful salmon inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, these patties bring Southern charm to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 can salmon, drained
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Oil, for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the salmon to a bowl and flake the meat with a fork.
- Step 2: Place the onion, flour, cornmeal, egg, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper into the bowl with the salmon. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into patties about the size of a burger, ensuring they hold together well.
- Step 4: Heat about an inch of cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the salmon patties evenly on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Remove patties from the oil and let drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon or tartar sauce for a classic pairing.
- Try mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more cornmeal or flour to help bind the patties.
Storage
Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness. Patties can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cooked salmon can be used. Make sure to cook and flake it thoroughly before combining with other ingredients.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, which also helps keep the patties moist.
PrintSouthern Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
Southern Fried Salmon Patties are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring canned salmon mixed with onions, flour, and cornmeal, then fried to golden perfection. These crispy patties are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Salmon Patty Mixture
- 1 Can salmon, drained
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
- Oil, for cooking (about 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Add the drained salmon to a mixing bowl and flake the meat evenly with a fork to break it up and remove any large bones if desired.
- Mix ingredients: Add finely chopped onion, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, egg, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the flaked salmon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined into a uniform mixture.
- Form patties: Shape the salmon mixture into patties about the size of a standard burger. Make sure they hold together well but avoid compressing too tightly so they remain tender inside.
- Heat the oil: Pour about an inch of cooking oil in a skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, roughly 350°F (175°C) if using a thermometer.
- Fry the patties: Carefully place the salmon patties into the hot oil and fry them evenly on each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Remove the patties from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of sides or sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can dust the patties lightly with additional cornmeal before frying.
- Be cautious with oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked salmon patties.
- Drain the canned salmon well and remove any large bones or skin pieces according to preference.
- These patties can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
Keywords: Southern fried salmon patties, salmon burgers, fried fish patties, easy salmon recipe, quick fish patties

