How to Make Delicious Salmon Patties with Crackers

Salmon patties are a classic comfort food that never seem to go out of style. There’s just something irresistible about the combination of flaky salmon, crisp crackers savory seasonings and a crunchy pan-fried crust. While salmon patties are often associated with canned salmon, you can easily make them with fresh or leftover cooked salmon too. The key is binding the patties together with crackers and egg.

In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make perfect salmon patties at home with crackers, from choosing the right ingredients to frying techniques. Read on for our top tips and step-by-step instructions!

Why Use Crackers in Salmon Patties?

Crackers serve an important purpose in salmon patty recipes. Along with egg, they act as a binder to hold the patties together, keeping the salmon mixture from crumbling apart when cooking. The most common crackers used are saltine, Ritz, or breadcrumbs.

Saltine crackers are traditional in Southern-style salmon patties When crushed, the crackers absorb moisture and blend with the egg to create a cohesive texture. Ritz crackers add rich, buttery flavor and crunch Dry breadcrumbs work similarly to crackers, soaking up liquid and binding the ingredients.

No matter which you choose, the crackers should be crushed into fine crumbs. Large chunks can cause the patties to fall apart. About 1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed crackers per 1 pound salmon is a good guideline.

Tips for Keeping Salmon Patties Intact

Following a few simple tips will ensure your salmon patties hold together perfectly:

• Drain the salmon well before mixing, removing excess moisture that can loosen the patties.

• Use binders like egg, mayo, or cream cheese along with crackers or breadcrumbs.

• Finely dice any additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or pickles so there are no large pieces to break the patties apart.

• Refrigerate the uncooked patties for 30 minutes to firm them up before frying.

• Handle patties gently when shaping, flipping, and removing from the pan.

• Fry patties until set and golden brown, without flipping them too soon.

How to Make Salmon Patties Step-by-Step

Now let’s walk through the easy process of putting together flavorful salmon patties with crackers:

Ingredients

• 1 15oz can wild salmon, drained with bones/skin removed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 14 saltine crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional)
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt, pepper, dill, Old Bay seasoning to taste

Instructions

1. Drain canned salmon well, discarding bones and skin. Flake salmon into a large bowl.

2. Add egg, diced onion, crushed crackers, and any additional ingredients like mayo, lemon juice, or seasonings. Mix thoroughly until combined.

3. Form mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

4. Heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add patties and fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Serve salmon patties warm, with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or tangy Greek yogurt sauce.

That’s it! In about 30 minutes you can enjoy tender, flavor-packed salmon patties. The crackers give them a nice crunch without falling apart.

More Tips for Fabulous Salmon Patties

• Use fresh, leftover, or canned salmon. Drain canned well.

• Add minced parsley, dill, garlic, or other herbs and spices.

• Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.

• Shape smaller bite-sized patties for easy appetizers.

• Fry patties in olive oil and finish by baking in the oven.

• Pan-fry, then nestle into toasted buns for salmon patty sandwiches.

• Freeze uncooked patties to keep on hand for quick meals.

Salmon patties are held together by a combination of binding ingredients, most commonly eggs and breadcrumbs. Eggs act as a wet binder, while breadcrumbs provide structure and absorb moisture.