3-Ingredient Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon

3-Ingredient Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon

A 3-ingredient salmon patty opened with a fork to show its flaky interior beneath a golden surface.

These 3-ingredient salmon patties combine canned salmon, one egg, and breadcrumbs for a straightforward skillet meal. Shape the mixture into four medium patties or six small ones, then cook in a lightly oiled skillet until golden and cooked through.

why make this recipe

The patty mixture uses a short list of ingredients and mixes in one bowl. Optional lemon wedges, a fresh salad, or dipping sauce let you choose how to serve them without changing the base recipe.

  • Uses one 14.75-ounce can of salmon.
  • Needs only egg and breadcrumbs to complete the patty mixture.
  • Makes four medium patties or six small patties.
  • Cooks in a lightly oiled skillet rather than a deep fryer.
  • Works with simple optional sides and sauces.

how to make 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties

Ingredients

For the patties

  • 1 can salmon, 14.75 ounces, drained
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For cooking

  • Oil, as needed to lightly coat the skillet

Optional for serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh salad
  • Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce

Directions

  1. Drain and flake: Drain the canned salmon well and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Flake gently with a fork.
  2. Mix: Add the egg and breadcrumbs. Mix until evenly combined and the mixture holds together.
  3. Shape: Form the mixture into 4 medium patties or 6 small patties of even thickness.
  4. Heat the skillet: Lightly coat a skillet with oil and heat over medium heat.
  5. Cook: Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the centers reach 160°F on a food thermometer. Turn gently with a wide spatula. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the thickness of the patties.
  6. Serve: Serve warm, with optional lemon wedges, fresh salad, or dipping sauce.

how to serve 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties

Serve the patties warm after cooking. Add lemon wedges, fresh salad, tartar sauce, or another dipping sauce if desired.

Divide the batch among four servings. If you make six smaller patties, distribute them among the servings as appropriate for your meal.

Four pan-fried canned salmon patties served with an optional lemon wedge and dipping sauce.

how to store 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties

Place leftovers in shallow, covered containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 90°F. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below and use within 3 to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet until the centers reach 165°F on a food thermometer. Adjust the heat if the outside browns before the middle is hot. Store salad and dipping sauces separately.

tips to make 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties

  • Drain the salmon thoroughly before mixing.
  • Mix until the egg and breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
  • Shape the patties evenly so they cook at a similar rate.
  • Use a wide spatula and turn gently.
  • Check the center temperature rather than relying only on golden color.
  • Allow additional cooking time if the patties are thick or do not fit in one batch.

variation

Use the supplied size options to suit your meal: shape four medium patties for larger portions or six small patties for a smaller format. Keep the ingredient amounts unchanged and check each size for the same 160°F center temperature.

FAQs

What are the three ingredients?
The patty mixture contains canned salmon, one egg, and breadcrumbs. Oil is listed separately for cooking, and serving accompaniments are optional.

How much canned salmon do I need?
Use one 14.75-ounce can and drain it thoroughly. The listed can size is the package size, not a required drained weight.

How many patties does this recipe make?
Shape the mixture into four medium patties or six small patties. The full batch provides four servings.

Why are my patties difficult to turn?
Make sure the salmon is well drained, the mixture holds together, and the patties are evenly shaped. Use a wide spatula and turn gently rather than lifting from one small edge.

Why does this recipe use a 160°F temperature?
The patty mixture includes a raw egg. Cook until the centers reach 160°F, even though the canned salmon is already cooked.

Will they always cook in 8 minutes?
No. Eight minutes is the estimated cooking time for a single batch. Thickness, skillet heat, and batch size affect the actual time, so use the center temperature to confirm doneness.

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Four pan-fried canned salmon patties served with an optional lemon wedge and dipping sauce.
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3-Ingredient Salmon Patties

Simple canned salmon patties made with egg and breadcrumbs, pan-fried in a lightly oiled skillet until golden.Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 8 minutesTotal Time: 18 minutesYield: 4 medium patties or 6 small patties; 4 servingsCategory: Main DishMethod: Pan-FriedCuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • For the patties:
  • 1 can salmon 14.75 ounces, drained
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • For cooking:
  • Oil as needed to lightly coat the skillet
  • Optional for serving:
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh salad
  • Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Measuring cup
  • Skillet
  • Wide spatula
  • Food thermometer

Method
 

  1. Drain the canned salmon well and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Flake gently with a fork.
  2. Add the egg and breadcrumbs. Mix until evenly combined and the mixture holds together.
  3. Shape into 4 medium patties or 6 small patties of even thickness.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the centers reach 160°F on a food thermometer. Turn gently with a wide spatula. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the thickness of the patties.
  6. Serve warm, with optional lemon wedges, salad, or dipping sauce.

Notes

Drain the salmon thoroughly before mixing.
Shape the patties evenly so they cook at a similar rate.
Turn gently with a wide spatula.
The estimated 8-minute cooking time assumes the patties fit in one batch.
Refrigerate leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F.
Store at 40°F or below and use within 3 to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Store optional salad and sauces separately.
Contains fish and egg. Typical breadcrumbs contain wheat; check ingredient labels for additional allergens.