Southern Fried Salmon Patties

These Southern Fried Salmon Patties (also known as Salmon Cakes) are a classic, pantry-staple comfort food. The combination of flour and cornmeal creates that iconic, gritty Southern crunch on the outside, while the mayonnaise and egg keep the inside moist and tender. Because they use canned salmon, they are an affordable and quick way to get a high-protein meal on the table in under 20 minutes.

Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Ingredients:

How To Make Southern Fried Salmon Patties:

Step 1: Prep the Salmon: Open the can of salmon and drain the liquid thoroughly. Place the meat in a medium mixing bowl and use a fork to flake it into small pieces.

Note: Traditional canned salmon often contains small, soft bones and skin. These are edible and high in calcium, but you can remove them if you prefer a smoother texture.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, flour, cornmeal, egg, and mayonnaise to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the binders are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties about the size and thickness of a standard burger. This recipe typically makes 4/6 patties depending on the size of the can.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat about an inch of cooking oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best!) over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil. Fry for about 3/5 minutes per side until they are a deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried patties to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve them hot while the crust is at its crispiest.