Dinner

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties with Tartar Sauce Recipe

Name: Old Fashioned Salmon Patties with Tartar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can Pink Salmon (drained and bones removed); 1 large Egg (beaten); ⅓ cup Onion (finely chopped); ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted); 1½ teaspoons Salt (to taste); 1½ teaspoons Baking Powder (fresh for best results); 1½ cups Vegetable Oil (for frying); 1 cup Mayonnaise; ½ cup Onion (finely chopped); 3 large Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives (chopped); 1 tablespoon Pickles (finely chopped); 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed and drained)

Byluca Carter September 6, 2026September 6, 2026

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Introduction

Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are a comforting, nostalgic dish perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these patties pair beautifully with a tangy homemade tartar sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a delightful way to enjoy canned salmon with classic flavors.

The image shows three golden-brown crispy patties stacked slightly on a white plate with a few green herb leaves placed behind them. Next to the patties, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy sauce that has visible small green herb pieces mixed in. The patties have a textured, crunchy surface with spots of darker browning and small green bits inside, giving them a homemade look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can Pink Salmon (drained and bones removed)
1 large Egg (beaten)

⅓ cup Onion (finely chopped)
½ cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted)

1½ teaspoons Salt (to taste)
1½ teaspoons Baking Powder (fresh for best results)

1½ cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)
1 cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Onion (finely chopped)

3 large Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives
1 tablespoon Pickles (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)

1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed and drained)

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by draining the canned pink salmon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice. Check for any bones and remove them gently.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the egg until frothy, then add the salmon, finely chopped onion, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until combined.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the baking powder into the reserved salmon juice until bubbly. Carefully fold this mixture into your salmon mixture.
Step 4: Shape the mixture into patties approximately 2 inches in diameter and lay them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F-375°F. Fry patties for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Remove patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 7: In a clean mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, pimento-stuffed olives, pickles, fresh parsley, and capers. Stir until creamy.
Step 8: Serve your patties with the homemade tartar sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If you prefer a milder tartar sauce, reduce the amount of capers or pickles.
Try adding some fresh dill to the tartar sauce for extra herbaceous flavor.

Use light mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness. Keep the tartar sauce separate and refrigerated for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

Three golden brown fried crab cakes are stacked on a white plate with a white marbled surface, showing a crispy, textured outer layer with small herbs inside. Behind the crab cakes, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy white sauce with green herb bits mixed in. To the left, fresh green parsley leaves add a pop of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze salmon patties?

Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven until warm.

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Fresh salmon can be used but will require cooking and flaking before mixing with other ingredients. The cooking time and moisture content may vary, so adjustments might be needed in flour quantity to achieve the right consistency.