Start your day with a taste of Southern comfort! These Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties are a delightful, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy way to enjoy flavorful salmon. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory patties are packed with the goodness of canned salmon, fresh onion, and a hint of mayo for moisture, all coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture. They’re perfect for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or even a quick dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Salmon Patties are a nostalgic and deeply satisfying dish for me, and I love how wonderfully straightforward they are to make. What I appreciate most is their crispy texture from the cornmeal coating, which provides a fantastic contrast to the flaky, moist salmon interior. The combination of the fresh onion, and that crucial touch of mayonnaise, keeps the patties from being dry and adds a rich flavor. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes. Plus, it’s a smart way to enjoy the benefits of salmon without much fuss!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties:
- 1 (14 3/4 ounce) can salmon
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Canned Salmon: Choose boneless, skinless canned salmon if available for convenience, or be prepared to remove bones and skin. Pink salmon or red salmon both work well. Ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
- Onion: Finely chopped yellow or white onion adds a nice savory bite. For a milder flavor, you can grate the onion or use green onions.
- Cornmeal: This is key for the classic Southern crispy crust. Use a fine or medium grind.
- Mayonnaise: Essential for binding the patties and keeping them moist and flavorful. Do not skip this!
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper are fundamental. For extra flavor, consider a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
- Optional Additions: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the mixture, or a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill, can add brightness.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties cooking!
- Prepare Salmon: Open the can of salmon and drain it thoroughly. You can press it gently in a sieve or use paper towels to remove excess liquid. If desired, pick out any bones or skin, though the small bones in canned salmon are typically soft and edible, adding calcium. Place the drained salmon in a medium-sized mixing bowl and flake it evenly with a fork.
- Combine Ingredients: To the flaked salmon, add the 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, and 3 tablespoons mayonnaise. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture comes together.
- Shape Patties: Shape the salmon mixture into patties about the size of an average burger (roughly 3-4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick), or slightly smaller for breakfast sliders. The recipe should yield about 4-6 patties depending on size.
- Cook Patties: Pour enough cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) into a large skillet to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Place the skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (about 2-3 minutes), carefully add the salmon patties to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Fry until Golden: Fry for 3-5 minutes on the first side, or until the patty is golden brown and crispy. Carefully turn the patties over once, and fry for another 3-4 minutes on the second side, until also golden brown and heated through.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the cooked salmon patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Drain Salmon Well: This is crucial for patties that hold their shape and get crispy. Excess moisture can make them soggy.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon patties cook relatively quickly. Overcooking can dry them out. They’re done when golden brown and heated through.
- Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat allows the patties to cook through and brown evenly without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Chill Patties (Optional): If your mixture feels a bit loose, chilling the formed patties for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator before frying can help them hold their shape even better.
- Mayonnaise is Key: Trust the mayonnaise! It acts as a binder and keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile and delicious for any meal of the day:
- Classic Breakfast: Serve with creamy scrambled eggs and fluffy white rice, as suggested.
- Grits: A classic Southern pairing, especially with a pat of butter.
- Toast or Biscuits: Perfect for building a breakfast sandwich or soaking up flavors.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the hot patties brightens the flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Tartar sauce, a spicy aioli, or even a simple hot sauce can be a great addition.
- Vegetable Sides: Fresh sliced tomatoes, a simple side salad, or collard greens.
- For other comforting breakfast or easy weeknight meals, consider our This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip or This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap Is Taking Over Busy.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties make for convenient leftovers!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled, cooked salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining crispness, reheat patties in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or in a toaster oven. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soft and less appealing.
- Freezing: Cooked salmon patties can be frozen. Once completely cooled, flash freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or toaster oven until heated through and crispy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy, comforting, and savory nature of these salmon patties, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another easy and unique breakfast idea, try our The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyone’s.
- If you’re a fan of comforting turkey dishes, our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays are a must-try.
- And for a universally loved bake that utilizes fruit, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Final Thoughts
These Southern Fried Breakfast Salmon Patties are a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful. They’re crispy, savory, and perfect for a hearty start to your day or a quick, satisfying meal any time.
Give this recipe a try and rediscover the humble, delicious salmon patty! What’s your favorite way to enjoy canned fish? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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