Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts comfort food and weeknight hero, this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce recipe is practically made for you. Juicy, lightly crisp patties meet a creamy zippy sauce in a dish that’s both fuss-free and totally mouthwatering. It’s a dinner that brings a little elegance to the table without needing a special occasion—just a few pantry staples and a skillet. Get ready to elevate your salmon game and have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce is how quickly you can bring it together with everyday kitchen basics. Each ingredient plays a starring role—adding structure, bright flavor, or a pop of color to the finished plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Salmon (2 cans, 14.75 oz each): The foundation—provides rich, flaky texture and that classic seafood flavor (fresh cooked salmon works, too!)
- Bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the patties and gives them a tender bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, for patties): Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep everything juicy.
- Eggs (2 large): The binder that keeps your patties together and fluffy.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Lends gentle sweetness and a touch of crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced for patties): Essential for those savory, aromatic notes we all adore.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Sneaks in extra depth and a pop of tang that wakes everything up.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Scatters brightness and color into every bite.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): Calls forth those classic seafood flavors with a gentle kick.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon for patties): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for patties): Just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For pan-frying to golden, irresistible crispiness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, for sauce): The creamy base of the tangy, luscious lemon-garlic sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and zing to the sauce—it’s the flavor liftoff!
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Packs even more citrus punch for extra freshness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced for sauce): Echoes the garlicky magic in both sauce and patties.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon for sauce): Ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for sauce): Completes the sauce with the right bit of zip.
How to Make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Salmon Patty Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding in your flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula (or clean hands) to gently combine everything—the mixture should stick together but not be too wet. This is where the magic happens, as you’ll notice how the flavors and textures start to meld into a deliciously unified base.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once your mixture is well-combined, shape it into 8 even patties. Aim for each one to be about three inches wide and half an inch thick. If the mixture feels a little sticky, dampen your hands with water to make shaping easy and mess-free. Spacing them out on a plate or tray will keep them from sticking to each other before they hit the skillet.
Step 3: Sizzle in the Skillet
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the salmon patties in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and they’re heated through. Resist the urge to flip too early—let them crisp up so you get that irresistible crunch on the outside and tender texture inside.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
While the patties cook, make the easy lemon-garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until creamy and smooth. This sauce is bright, tangy, and a little garlicky—basically the perfect companion for these Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the hot patties to a serving platter and drizzle with that luscious lemon-garlic sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping just the way you like it. Grab your sides, garnish with a scattering of fresh herbs, and dig in while everything is warm and full of flavor. These will quickly become a weeknight (or weekend) favorite!
How to Serve Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, a smattering of sliced green onions, or a dusting of extra lemon zest over your Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce for a burst of color and freshness. If you want a little visual drama, thin lemon slices or wedges make your plate pop and let everyone add a little extra citrus whenever they want.
Side Dishes
These salmon patties are seriously versatile. For a classic meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad and roasted potatoes. If you’re craving something lighter, pair with steamed veggies or a cucumber-tomato salad. And if you’re feeling cozy? Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf are fantastic with Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking a patty and a dollop of lemon-garlic sauce inside a toasted brioche bun with lettuce and tomato for an unforgettable salmon burger. Or serve smaller patties as a chic appetizer with plenty of sauce for dipping. Layer them over a big mixed green salad for a protein-packed lunch—there are honestly endless ways to make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce the star of your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover patties to room temperature before storing. Stack them with parchment or wax paper between each layer in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and make fantastic next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, the patties freeze beautifully! Place cooked (and cooled) patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep at their best for up to 2 months. The sauce can be stored separately in a freezer-safe container—but for ultimate freshness, it’s best whisked up fresh each time.
Reheating
To keep your Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce just as tasty as day one, reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again. You can also use the oven (about 350°F for 10 minutes), which works great if you’re reheating a big batch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the patties a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked salmon or want to make them extra special, swap in an equal amount of flaked, cooked fresh salmon in place of canned. The result is a bit more luxurious but just as easy to assemble.
How do I keep my patties from falling apart?
The breadcrumbs and eggs work together to bind the mixture, but if you find your patties are a little loose, you can add a bit more breadcrumb until the consistency feels firm. Be sure to let the patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before frying if you want even more insurance!
What other seasonings can I use instead of Old Bay?
If Old Bay isn’t in your spice drawer, a combination of paprika, celery seed, and a pinch of cayenne works beautifully. You can even experiment with lemon-pepper or Cajun seasoning for a slightly different vibe.
Is the lemon-garlic sauce good for other things?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic dip for roasted veggies, spread for sandwiches, or a zingy drizzle for grilled chicken. Make extra—you’ll find reasons to use it all week long!
Can I make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the patties in advance and chill them (uncooked) in the fridge for up to a day. When it’s time for dinner, just fry them up as usual and whisk together the lemon-garlic sauce so everything’s fresh and full of punchy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about a recipe that feels both easy and special, and Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce delivers every single time. Try it for your next dinner and watch how fast it becomes a new favorite—even on your busiest nights!
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Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce are a flavorful and simple seafood dish perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. The crispy patties are made with canned salmon and seasoned with herbs and spices, served with a zesty homemade sauce.
Ingredients
Patties:
- 2 cans (14.75 ounces each) salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon-Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, prepare the patties: Combine salmon, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, eggs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into 8 patties.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the lemon-garlic sauce over the hot patties or serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can use fresh cooked salmon instead of canned.
- These patties are delicious in sandwiches with lettuce and tomato.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Pan-Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
