If you’ve never had Southern Fried Salmon Patties, you’re in for a comfort food treat that’s been passed down for generations in Southern kitchens. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, these simple salmon patties (or “salmon cakes”) are made with pantry staples and whip up in minutes. Whether you’re after a weeknight dinner, a nostalgic taste of grandma’s kitchen, or a new twist on canned salmon, this recipe is everything.

It may sound humble—just a few ingredients stirred together and fried up—but this dish is a perfect example of how Southern home cooking transforms modest ingredients into something memorable and downright irresistible. And once you try it, you’ll understand why folks say: “OMG—Don’t lose this recipe!”

🐟 What Are Southern Salmon Patties?

Southern salmon patties (also called salmon croquettes in some parts of the South) are made with canned salmon, flour, cornmeal, onion, egg, and a special secret ingredient in this version: mayonnaise. Formed into round patties and fried in oil until golden brown, they offer the perfect bite: crisp, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth moist.

This is old-school Southern cooking at its finest—no frills, no exotic ingredients, just hearty, flavorful food.

📜 The History Behind the Dish

The popularity of salmon patties grew during the Great Depression when families relied on affordable canned goods to stretch meals. Canned salmon was one of the few proteins that was shelf-stable, versatile, and nutritious. Southern home cooks quickly developed creative ways to turn it into full meals—and frying it with flour and cornmeal became a staple.

Over time, variations of the recipe spread throughout the American South and beyond. Today, these patties remain a beloved symbol of Southern resilience and flavor.

🧾 Original Recipe (Unchanged)

Ingredients:

1 (14 ¾ oz) canned salmon
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
¼ cup cornmeal
¼ cup flour
1 egg
3 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions:

Open salmon and drain thoroughly.
Place drained salmon in mixing bowl and flake evenly with a fork.
Add onion, cornmeal, flour, mayonnaise, and egg. Stir until well blended.
Shape the mixture into patties about the size of an average burger or less.
Cook in oil in skillet over medium heat until browned on each side. Turn once while frying.

Note: The mayonnaise helps the patties hold their shape and keeps them from being too dry.

💡 Pro Tips for Success

While this recipe is simple, there are a few key tips to help your salmon patties turn out absolutely perfect:

1. Drain the Salmon Thoroughly

Canned salmon usually contains quite a bit of liquid. Be sure to drain it well before mixing, or the patties may not hold together.

2. Leave in the Bones or Remove Them?

Salmon in cans often includes small, soft bones. They are perfectly edible and full of calcium, but if the texture bothers you, remove them. However, most Southern cooks mash them in—they dissolve during cooking and boost nutrition.

3. Don’t Overmix

Stir just until combined. Overworking the mixture can make the patties dense instead of flaky.

4. Use Medium Heat

Cooking on medium ensures the patties brown beautifully without burning the outside or leaving the inside raw.

5. Best Oils for Frying

Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or peanut oil. Avoid butter—it browns too fast and doesn’t crisp the exterior well.

🍽️ What to Serve with Salmon Patties

Southern Fried Salmon Patties pair well with all the classic sides. Here are some traditional and creative options:

Traditional Southern Pairings:

Buttermilk mashed potatoes
Coleslaw
Fried okra
Slow-cooked collard greens
Cornbread or biscuits

Light & Modern Sides:

Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Steamed green beans
Garlic roasted potatoes
Avocado slaw

And don’t forget a dollop of tartar sauce, hot sauce, or even remoulade for dipping!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

These patties are great fresh out of the skillet, but leftovers can be just as delicious.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet for crispy edges or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze cooked patties individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

👩‍🍳 Variations to Try

This base recipe is perfect as-is, but here are some delicious variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Cheesy: Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar.
Garlic & Herb: Add minced garlic and fresh parsley or dill.
Southern Corn Kick: Add a few tablespoons of whole kernel corn for sweetness and color.
Low Carb: Substitute almond flour and crushed pork rinds for the flour/cornmeal blend.

❤️ Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

These salmon patties are:

Budget-friendly
Quick to prepare (under 30 minutes)
Made with pantry staples
Packed with flavor
Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or casual dinners

They’re a go-to recipe when you need comfort food in a hurry—and everyone in the family, from toddlers to grandparents, will be reaching for seconds.