How to Add Flavor to Salmon Patties

Salmon patties are a classic and delicious way to enjoy salmon. The flaky, tender texture of salmon combines perfectly with crunchy breadcrumb coating and savory seasonings. While basic salmon patties are tasty, adding extra flavor can take them to the next level. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can pack a flavor punch into your salmon patties.

Use Fresh Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs are an easy way to infuse bright, aromatic flavor into salmon patties Chopped parsley, dill, chives, basil, cilantro or mint all make excellent additions The fresh, grassy flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich salmon. Stir 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs into the salmon mixture before forming into patties. Dill, parsley and chives are especially complementary.

Dried herbs and spices also add flavorful kick to salmon patties. About 1 teaspoon of dried dill oregano basil, thyme, tarragon or Italian seasoning blend nicely with salmon. You can also add 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground mustard or black pepper. Spice rubs containing smoked paprika, chili powder or cumin offer a more Southwestern taste.

Use Citrus and Acidic Ingredients

Citrus juices and zests add a bright pop of flavor to salmon patties Lemon and lime juice are classic choices, as their tartness cuts through the salmon’s richness Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon or lime juice to the salmon mixture. Grated zest can also provide citrusy flavor without added moisture. Orange juice and zest lend a sweeter, more complex citrus taste.

Other acidic ingredients like vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and capers punch up flavor too. Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite vinegar or hot sauce, or 1 tablespoon prepared mustard. Worcestershire sauce and capers (rinsed and chopped) are great umami-boosting additions as well. The acidity helps balance and brighten the salmon’s flavor.

Use Fresh Vegetables

Grated, minced or pulsed vegetables add texture, moisture and flavor to salmon patties. Good options include onions, shallots, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, celery, zucchini, spinach, kale or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables first to remove any raw flavor. Or, pulse raw veggies in a food processor until finely chopped, then mix into the salmon. The extra moisture from vegetables helps keep patties juicy, while adding fiber, nutrients and flavor. Aim for 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup grated or chopped vegetables total.

Include Cream and Cheese

Small amounts of dairy can make salmon patties richer and more flavorful. Sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta cheese all work well. Their cool, tangy flavors offset the salmon nicely. Stir in 1-3 tablespoons of your chosen dairy ingredient when mixing the patties. Too much can make patties mushy, so moderation is key. A sprinkle of parmesan or cheddar cheese over the cooked patties adds extra flavor too.

Use Umami-Rich Ingredients

Umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, anchovies, miso and nutritional yeast amp up savoriness in salmon patties. They add meaty, savory depth without overwhelming the salmon flavor. Mix in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, fish sauce, miso paste or mashed anchovies. Or, sprinkle on 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast for cheesy umami flavor. A little goes a long way with potent umami ingredients, so use a light hand.

Coat with Flavorful Toppings

Breadcrumb coatings infused with herbs, spices and other flavorings can take salmon patties to new heights. Mix dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, paprika, parmesan and lemon zest into panko or homemade breadcrumbs. Or, brush patties with olive oil or melted butter first for crispy breading that really sticks. Drizzling flavored aiolis, mustards or mayonnaise over cooked patties also adds flair. Homemade pesto, chimichurri or tartar sauce are very tasty finishes too.

Pair with Savory Sauces

Serving salmon patties with a sauce is a surefire way to elevate their flavor. Creamy, herb-flecked dill sauce is a classic pairing. Yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, tangy mustard sauce, and lemon or lime wedges all complement salmon beautifully too. For heartier flavor, try mushroom gravy, brown butter-caper sauce, or bacon-ranch sauce on top. Spicy sriracha mayo and creamy chipotle ranch are also dynamite salmon topper options.

Use Richer Salmon Types

The type of salmon you use affects flavor too. While budget-friendly pink salmon works great, richer wild salmon varieties like sockeye and king taste even better. Consider splurging on sustainably-caught wild salmon for premium omega-3 content and fuller flavor. Smoked salmon also packs concentrated flavor, though you may need to adjust other seasonings to balance the smokiness. Canned red or pink salmon are affordable staples that work well too.

Cook in Flavorful Ways

The cooking method hugely impacts the final flavor of salmon patties. Pan-frying in olive or avocado oil is a tasty choice, as the crispy browned exterior seals in moisture. Baking in the oven gives great texture too, especially if topped with flavorful breadcrumbs first. Grilling over medium heat adds irresistible smoky flavor from the char. Air frying makes patties crispy outside and tender inside. Consider flavoring the cooking oil or surface too, like using an Everything Bagel seasoning grilling plank.

Mix Up the Binders

Breadcrumbs aren’t the only binder option for salmon patties. Swapping in different starches and grains can provide flavor and texture variety. Try quick oats, panko breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs or cornmeal for crunch. Mashed potatoes lend comforting flavor and moisture. Pulsed cauliflower rice adds low-carb bulk too. Finely ground nuts like almonds or walnuts also work well and provide healthy fats.

Make Them Mini

For an appetizer twist, shape the salmon mixture into bite-sized mini patties. Mini patties cook faster and develop an ultra-crispy exterior. Make them without any binders for a soft, mousse-like texture reminiscent of crab cakes. The smaller size also lets you incorporate multiple flavorful toppings and dips, like an array of herb aiolis or mustards. The possibilities are endless for jazzing up mini salmon patties.

With a combination of these flavor-boosting tricks, you can take your salmon patties from bland and boring to bold and delicious. Let your imagination run wild with creative herb combos, international spice blends, tangy sauces and novel cooking techniques. Salmon’s versatility allows for endless flavor possibilities, so get creative and have fun! Your taste buds will thank you.