Introduction:
Southern Salmon Patties, also known as Salmon Croquettes, are a staple in Southern cuisine. These crispy, golden-fried patties are made with canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether served as a main dish with sides like collard greens or as a quick snack, Southern Salmon Patties are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
2 cans (6 oz) of salmon, drained and flaked
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably dry)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or more for frying)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon: Drain the cans of salmon and remove the skin and bones. Flake the salmon with a fork.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), eggs, mayonnaise, mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Form the Patties: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a patty. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Fry the Patties: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, add more oil for each batch.
Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side dish!
Description: Southern Salmon Patties are a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with crunchy breadcrumbs and the perfect blend of spices. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and easy to customize with your preferred seasonings. Whether served as an appetizer or a full meal, these patties are a classic comfort food enjoyed by many.
Tips:
For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
If the patty mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
You can make these patties ahead of time, refrigerate them, and fry them later for a quick meal.
For a healthier version, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations:
Spicy Salmon Patties: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture to give it a spicy kick.
Lemon-Dill Salmon Patties: Add lemon zest and fresh dill to the mixture for a bright and herbaceous flavor.
Sweet Potato Salmon Patties: Replace half of the breadcrumbs with mashed sweet potato for a sweet twist.
Correction: If your patties are falling apart while frying, you may need to add more breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties—if it’s not, they may absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Enjoy: Serve your Southern Salmon Patties with a side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack! Enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness!