Southern Fried Salmon Patties


🐟✨ Southern Fried Salmon Patties

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes


🧾 Ingredients

Salmon Patties

  • 2 cans (14–15 oz each) pink salmon, drained
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup onion, finely diced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (optional — helps mixture bind if too dry)

For Frying

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough to shallow-fry)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp butter for added flavor

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon

Drain the salmon and remove large bones (the soft ones are edible, so remove only if desired).
Flake salmon into a large bowl.


2. Mix the patty mixture

Add to the bowl:

  • Eggs
  • Cornmeal
  • Flour
  • Diced onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix until combined.
If the mixture is crumbly or too dry, add 1–2 tbsp milk.

You want a mixture that holds together when shaped.


3. Shape the patties

Form into 8–10 patties (about palm-sized).


4. Heat the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about ¼ inch depth.
Heat over medium until hot.
(Optional: Add 1 tbsp butter for flavor.)


5. Fry the patties

Place patties in the hot oil without overcrowding.

Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until:

  • Deep golden brown
  • Crispy edges
  • Heated through

Transfer to paper towels to drain.


6. Serve

Serve warm with:

  • Hot sauce
  • Tartar sauce
  • Ketchup (Southern classic)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Hushpuppies
  • Rice and gravy
  • Collard greens

⭐ Southern Tips & Variations

Make them crispier

Roll patties lightly in cornmeal before frying.

Make them fluffier

Add 2 tbsp mayo to the mixture before shaping.

Add more flavor

Stir in:

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire
  • ¼ cup bell pepper
  • ¼ tsp Old Bay
  • 1–2 green onions, sliced

Oven or Air Fryer Option

I can give those versions if you want!


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