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Easy, Fresh Salmon Patties

These salmon patties are just like croquettes and so easy to make using fresh or frozen salmon. I love to pair these with a homemade creamy garlic mayo sauce. These fish cakes are perfect for lunch or weeknight dinners.

keto low carb salmon patties on a plate with mixed greens and creamy garlic sauce
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If you have been following me for a while, you know that I love salmon. I probably cook it at least 30-40% of the time when preparing weeknight meals. It’s so light and there are so many different ways to prepare it…you can even make these salmon burgers.

almond flour, smoked paprika, and seafood seasoning in white bowls for salmon patties

What Type of Salmon to Use

I used fresh or previously frozen wild-caught salmon in this recipe as opposed to canned salmon. You can substitute canned salmon if you wish. You can essentially make your fresh salmon into ground salmon using the method in this recipe.

I like to use Wild Caught Salmon. It has a beautiful bright color and a buttery taste. Wild caught salmon is the most healthy type to purchase. The fish consume a natural diet and are lower in calories and fat. 

raw wild caught salmon on a cutting board

Salmon that is sourced from the Atlantic is usually farmed. Farmed means antibiotics and food coloring (to give it a pink color) are used. This adds harmful chemical additives to the fish. So I usually try to look for wild-caught.

You can read more about What Type of Salmon is the Healthiest to Eat here.

Can You Use Canned Salmon? Is Canned Salmon Cooked?

Canned salmon is already cooked and just needs to be drained of the liquids. I typically avoid canned goods in general, and as such did not use canned salmon in this recipe. If you use canned salmon you will have to use a beaten egg to coat the salmon and get it to bind into a patty.

wild caught salmon diced on a cutting board
The first step to slicing the salmon is to dice it into chunks.

How to Make Fresh Salmon Patties

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Cut and dice the salmon into smaller chunks.
  2. Separate and mince half of the salmon into bits.
  3. Combine the minced and diced salmon and season with smoked paprika, seafood seasoning (I like to use Primal Palate), salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
  4. Use your hands to form 4 patties.
  5. Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat with olive oil.
  6. Add the patties and cook each side for 2 minutes.
diced and minced salmon on a cutting board
Mince half of the diced salmon into small bits.

Do You Have to Use Eggs to Form the Patties

Eggs aren’t necessary for binding in this recipe because mincing half of the salmon and pairing it with large chunks of salmon allows it to bind together well on it’s own. The breadcrumbs also help, but their main function is to provide a crisp exterior for the patties. If you struggle to bind the salmon together to form patties, you can try coating them in a beaten egg.

collage photo of in process photos of keto salmon patties, diced salmon in a glass bowl with seasoning, and raw salmon patties on a cutting board

What Type of Pan to Use

I like to use a stainless steel frying pan or a cast-iron skillet. Both will provide a nice sear to the patties.

keto low carb salmon patties in a stainless steel frying pan

Can You Bake Them?

You can bake them for 10-15 minutes on 350 degrees.

keto low carb salmon patties on a plate with mixed greens

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. Combine mayo, garlic, fresh lemon, and cream in a bowl.
  2. Stir and drizzle over the salmon patties.
mayo, fresh lemon, heavy cream, and garlic in separate white bowls for creamy garlic sauce

Substitution Tips

You can use 1 tablespoon of blanched almond flour as a low-carb substitution.

keto low carb salmon patties on a plate with mixed greens and creamy garlic sauce

How Long Will the Patties Last in the Fridge

They will last in the fridge (tightly sealed) for 2-3 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the patties for a few months. Defrost them overnight in the fridge.

What to Pair with the Cakes

Purple Sweet Potato
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes

More Salmon Recipes

Air Fryer Salmon
Maple Glazed Salmon
Keto Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Salmon Fried Rice
Pan-Seared Salmon

Crab Stuffed Salmon
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Traeger Smoked Salmon

fresh salmon patties on a plate with mixed greens and creamy garlic sauce
Print Pin
5 from 6 votes

Easy Fresh Salmon Patties

These salmon patties are just like croquettes and so easy to make using fresh or frozen salmon. I love to pair these with a homemade creamy garlic mayo sauce. These fish cakes are perfect for lunch or weeknight dinners.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword easy salmon patties, fresh salmon cakes, fresh salmon patties, salmon cakes, salmon patties using fresh salmon
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 233kcal

Ingredients

Creamy Garlic Sauce (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 2 garlic cloves I minced using a garlic press.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream Use the cream to thin out the sauce. Use as much as you deem necessary.

Instructions

  • Place the salmon on a cutting board and chop into large chunks about a centimeter each.
  • Divide the salmon in half. Finely chop half of the salmon until minced. The salmon will become very sticky, which is good.
  • Combine the large salmon chunks with the finely minced salmon chunks and add it to a large mixing bowl or you can continue to use your cutting board.
  • Add in the spices and breadcrumbs. Use clean hands and mix it all together.
  • Form 4 patties.
  • Heat a frying pan skillet on medium-high heat with the olive oil.
  • When hot, add the salmon patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Careful not to overcook the salmon. You have overcooked the salmon when white gunk (coagulated protein) begins to seep out.
  • Remove the salmon and serve.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir.

Video

Notes

  • You can make your own seafood seasoning using 1/4 teaspoon of: onion powder, garlic powder, crushed bay leaves, dried parsley, and dried chives. You can also simply use your preferred seasoning.
  • The amount of breadcrumbs you will need will vary based on the size of your patties. Consider sprinkling the breadcrumbs over your patties, just in case you have extra breadcrumbs that can go back into the package.
  • Eggs aren’t necessary for binding in this recipe because mincing half of the salmon and pairing it with large chunks of salmon allows it to bind together well on it’s own. The breadcrumbs also help, but their main function is to provide a crisp exterior for the patties. If you struggle to bind the salmon together to form patties, you can try coating them in a beaten egg.
  • For a low carb option you can substitute breadcrumbs for 1 tablespoon of blanched almond flour.
  • While the fish should be an opaque white, beige, or brown on the outside depending on the cooking method, it should still be a slightly translucent pink in the center. If the center of the salmon is opaque, it’s likely overcooked. 
  • Salmon cooks in minutes. If you start to see white gunk (protein) come from the salmon it is overcooked. Overcooked salmon will taste dry.
  • You can add chopped onions or chopped green onions to the recipe for added flavor.
  • Be sure to use salt and pepper to avoid bland salmon.
  • I have also tested this recipe without breadcrumbs or almond flour, and found that you are still able to bind the patties, it just takes a little more effort.
  • You can substitute canned salmon for fresh. You will also need to use a beaten egg to bind the patties.
  • Coconut flour is a lot drier than almond flour so I did not test it in this recipe. If you require coconut flour, you will have to do some testing to determine how much is necessary.
Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1patty | Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 9g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
5 from 6 votes
Recipe Rating




Janele

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Chose this because it used fresh fish and no egg. Oh my goodness this is so bomb. I have a ton of fresh Marlin and Ono and have been looking for news way to cook. Both worked out great and tasted amazing. The second time I made them I didn't have breadcrumbs but some random cornbread croutons. Still bomb. Thank you!

staysnatched

Tuesday 27th of June 2023

You're welcome!

Linda

Monday 9th of January 2023

Amazing as always

staysnatched

Saturday 14th of January 2023

Glad to hear it!

Cathy

Wednesday 5th of January 2022

So easy and fast. Delicious.

staysnatched

Wednesday 5th of January 2022

I'm glad you enjoyed them!

Shannon

Saturday 9th of January 2021

Just made this for the first time tonight. A nice change to how I normally prepare salmon and loved the garlic cream sauce addition!

staysnatched

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.

sophia

Thursday 20th of August 2020

These salmon burgers are perfection! My husband and 3 year old both loved them too. Super quick meal that was easy to prepare and make. I paired the burgers with the mayo/lemon/dill sauce and it was so good. Highly recommend!

staysnatched

Thursday 20th of August 2020

Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.