How to Know When Salmon Patties Are Done: A Complete Guide

Salmon patties are a classic and delicious way to enjoy canned or fresh salmon. Also known as salmon croquettes or salmon cakes, these crispy, golden brown patties are a quick and easy dinner staple. But knowing exactly when they’re done can be tricky. Here’s a complete guide on how to know when salmon patties are cooked to perfection.

What Are Salmon Patties?

Salmon patties are made by combining flaked salmon with eggs breadcrumbs seasonings and other ingredients to form a patty that can be pan-fried until crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Canned salmon works great, making this budget-friendly recipe a handy pantry dinner. Fresh salmon can also be used if cooked and flaked.

The patties are shaped into rounds or oval patties using your hands, then pan fried on both sides until golden brown. Other cooking methods like baking or air frying work too. Salmon patties make a fast, weeknight dinner, and the crispy patties pair well with rice, veggies or a salad.

How to Tell When Salmon Patties Are Done

It can be tricky to know exactly when salmon patties are fully cooked Here are some tips

1. Check Internal Temperature

The best way to ensure salmon patties are safely and properly cooked is to use a food thermometer. According to the FDA, salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty without touching bone.

2. Look for Opaque, Flaky Flesh

Salmon flesh changes from translucent to opaque as it cooks. The patties should not have any raw pink color remaining. The texture will also become flaky when fully cooked.

3. Cut to Check the Middle

You can slice into a patty to visually inspect that no raw pink color remains, especially in the center. This is a good way to double check doneness.

4. Pay Attention to Cooking Times

In general, salmon patties take 5-6 minutes per side to cook when pan-fried over medium-high heat. Larger or thicker patties may take longer. Knowing approximate cooking times can help prevent undercooking.

5. Look for Crispy Edges

Golden brown crispy edges are a cue that the patties are likely cooked through. If the edges are golden while the middle still looks underdone, reduce heat and cook a minute or two longer.

6. Flip Only Once

Resist the urge to move the patties around too much. Let them brown well on one side before gently flipping once. Moving them too much can cause them to break apart.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to over or undercook salmon patties if you aren’t paying attention. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Cooking over high heat which browns the outside before the inside cooks. Use medium-high heat.

• Flipping the patties too many times. Let them brown well before gently flipping once.

• Adding too many patties to the pan at once. Overcrowding prevents proper browning.

• Not using a food thermometer to check internal temp. This is the best way to guarantee doneness.

• Making patties too thick. Thinner patties will cook more quickly and evenly.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Salmon Patties

Follow these tips for salmon patties that are perfectly browned on the outside while still moist and flaky inside:

• Form patties that are 1/2-inch thick or less. Thinner patties cook faster.

• Use a nonstick pan or coat pan with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Cook over medium-high heat for best browning without scorching.

• Resist the urge to move them around. Let cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side.

• Use a thin spatula to gently flip patties just once during cooking.

• Insert a food thermometer to check for 145°F internal temperature.

• Reduce heat and cook 1-2 minutes longer if patties brown before middle is opaque.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches for proper browning.

• Allow patties to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Cooked salmon patties keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated and up to 3 months frozen. Reheat gently to prevent drying out:

• Place in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil.

• Heat in the microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments.

• Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warm in the center (won’t be as crispy).

• Or simply enjoy leftover patties cold in a salad or sandwich.

Recipes and Variations

There are countless ways to vary salmon patties with different mix-in ingredients. Some popular recipes and ideas:

• Classic salmon patties – Made with salmon, eggs, onion, breadcrumbs.

• Lemon dill salmon cakes – With fresh dill and lemon zest.

• Salmon burgers – Formed into burger patties and served on a bun.

• Cajun salmon patties – With Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.

• Salmon balls – Formed into bite-size balls and pan-fried.

• Salmon hash – Leftover patties reheated with veggies.

• Salmon patty salad – Cold patties served over greens.

• Salmon slider – Mini patties on dinner rolls.

So get creative with different herbs, spices, veg and binders. The salmon flavor pairs well with so many ingredients!

Knowing when salmon patties are fully cooked takes some practice. Using a food thermometer is best to guarantee safety and prevent undercooking. But also look for visual cues like opaque flesh, flaky texture and golden crispy edges. With the right techniques, you’ll be an expert at cooking salmon patties perfectly every time!

To make salmon patties less dry, focus on adding moisture and binding agents in the mixture before cooking. You can achieve this by adding ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, or mashed potatoes to help bind the patties together and prevent them from drying out.