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Old Fashioned Salmon Patties with Tartar Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 92 reviews

This recipe for Old Fashioned Salmon Patties offers a nostalgic and satisfying dinner option, featuring tender, golden-fried salmon patties served with a creamy homemade tartar sauce. Perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside, these patties combine canned pink salmon with fresh herbs and a hint of tangy pickle, making for a hearty and comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Patties

  • 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)

Homemade Tartar Sauce

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Begin by draining the canned pink salmon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice. Carefully check and remove any bones.
  2. Mix Salmon Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg until frothy. Add the salmon, finely chopped onion, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Activate Baking Powder: In a small bowl, whisk the baking powder into the reserved salmon juice until it becomes bubbly. Gently fold this mixture into the salmon mixture to help lighten the patties.
  4. Shape Patties: Form the mixture into patties approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place the formed patties on a plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Heat Oil and Fry Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350°F and 375°F. Fry the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
  7. Prepare Tartar Sauce: In a clean bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped pickles, fresh parsley, and rinsed capers. Stir until creamy and well blended.
  8. Serve: Plate the salmon patties and serve them alongside the homemade tartar sauce for dipping or spreading.

Notes

  • You can substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Make sure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy patties.
  • Check for and remove salmon bones carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises while eating.
  • The reserved salmon juice with baking powder helps lighten the texture of the patties.
  • For a healthier option, consider pan-frying with less oil or baking instead, although frying provides the traditional texture.
  • The tartar sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: salmon patties, old fashioned salmon cakes, fried salmon patties, homemade tartar sauce, canned salmon recipe, nostalgic dinner