Craving a bite of crispy, golden goodness packed with flavor? These Southern Fried Salmon Patties are a timeless recipe straight from the heart of the South. Made with canned pink salmon, chopped veggies, and just the right blend of seasonings, this dish delivers hearty flavor with every bite. Whether you call them salmon cakes, croquettes, or patties — this Southern staple is pure comfort food at its best.
Serve it with cornbread, coleslaw, or greens and you’ve got yourself a true Southern feast!
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Patties
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Quick & easy to prepare with pantry ingredients
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Crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside
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Budget-friendly and family-approved
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Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend brunch
Ingredients for Southern Salmon Patties
✅ 1 (14.75 oz) can pink salmon, drained and flaked
✅ ½ cup finely chopped onion
✅ ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
✅ 1 egg, beaten
✅ ½ cup cornmeal or breadcrumbs (your choice)
✅ 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp onion powder
✅ ½ tsp paprika
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Southern Fried Salmon Patties
1️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, onion, and green bell pepper.
Add in the egg, cornmeal or breadcrumbs, flour, and all seasonings.
Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture sticks together.
2️⃣ Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into small round patties, around 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Gently press them to ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
3️⃣ Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add patties and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with a side of tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or coleslaw.
Pair with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or collard greens for an authentic Southern meal.
Cooking Tips & Variations
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Don’t skip the onion and bell pepper — they add moisture and flavor.
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Prefer a smoother texture? Use breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal.
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Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
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You can prep the patties in advance and chill them for 30 minutes before frying for better shape retention.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: ~280 kcal
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
Final Thoughts
These Southern Fried Salmon Patties bring nostalgia and flavor to your dinner table. Perfectly crisp on the outside and savory inside, they’re a down-home comfort dish that never goes out of style. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.
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