Oh yes — Southern Fried Salmon Patties (or salmon croquettes) are pure comfort food! 🐟✨
They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and full of down-home flavor. Perfect with cornbread, grits, or a simple side of collard greens.
Here’s a classic Southern-style recipe 👇
🐟 Southern Fried Salmon Patties
🧂 Ingredients
(Makes about 6 patties)
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1 (14–15 oz) can pink or red salmon, drained and flaked
(You can use fresh cooked salmon too — about 2 cups) -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
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⅓ cup finely chopped onion
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¼ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional but classic)
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½ cup cornmeal (or crushed saltine crackers, or a mix of both)
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2 tbsp flour (for binding)
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¼ cup milk (or a splash of buttermilk for richer flavor)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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1 tbsp hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne (optional for a kick)
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Oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
🔥 Instructions
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Prep the salmon:
Drain the canned salmon and remove any large bones or skin (small ones are fine — they soften and add calcium).
Flake the meat with a fork in a mixing bowl. -
Mix it up:
Add egg, onion, bell pepper, cornmeal, flour, milk, and all seasonings.
Stir until everything is just combined — the mixture should be moist but hold its shape when pressed.
(If too wet, add a bit more cornmeal or cracker crumbs.) -
Shape the patties:
Form into 6 round patties, about ½ inch thick. -
Heat oil:
Pour about ¼ inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering (around 350°F / 175°C). -
Fry:
Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed. -
Drain:
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil.
🍋 Serve With
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Remoulade, tartar sauce, or just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
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Classic sides: collard greens, mac & cheese, grits, or buttermilk cornbread
✨ Tips & Variations
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Fresh salmon: Bake or pan-sear fillets, flake, and cool before mixing.
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Healthier version: Air fry or pan-sear with less oil.
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Extra flavor: Add chopped parsley, green onions, or a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
Would you like me to give you a baked or air fryer version too (less grease, same Southern flavor)?
