Salmon Patties with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce – Crispy, Zesty & Easy to Make

A Comfort Classic with a Gourmet Twist

The first time I made salmon patties was on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and a little nostalgic. I had a can of salmon in the pantry, a few herbs in the fridge, and just enough energy to whip up something simple. What I didn’t expect was how comforting and flavorful these little golden cakes would be—and how easily they became a regular in my dinner rotation.

Salmon patties are one of those dishes that feel familiar and cozy, but with the right touches, they can be downright gourmet. They’re budget-friendly, packed with protein, and endlessly versatile. Whether you use canned, fresh, or leftover cooked salmon, the result is a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patty that pairs beautifully with just about anything.

But the real magic? The creamy lemon garlic sauce. It’s tangy, savory, and adds a bright, luxurious finish that elevates the whole dish. Whether you’re serving these for brunch, dinner, or meal prep, they’re guaranteed to impress.

What Are Salmon Patties?

Salmon patties—also known as salmon cakes or croquettes—are pan-fried rounds made from flaked salmon mixed with binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs or almond flour. They’re crisp on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, and can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned salmon.

Rooted in Southern comfort food traditions and coastal cooking, salmon patties are beloved for their simplicity and adaptability. They’re a great way to stretch a can of salmon into a satisfying meal or repurpose leftovers into something new.

You can keep them classic with herbs and lemon, or spice them up with capers, hot sauce, or fresh dill. Serve them with a creamy sauce, tuck them into a sandwich, or top a salad—they’re endlessly customizable and always delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a weeknight hero. It uses pantry staples—like canned salmon, eggs, and breadcrumbs—and comes together in under 30 minutes. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients.

The patties are flavorful and crisp, thanks to a balance of herbs, aromatics, and lemon zest. They hold together beautifully and cook quickly in a skillet.

The creamy lemon garlic sauce is what takes this dish from simple to sensational. It’s tangy, rich, and adds a gourmet touch that makes these patties feel restaurant-worthy.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe scales easily and works for meal prep, brunch spreads, or casual dinners. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist—and once you try it, you’ll want to keep salmon patties in your regular rotation.

Ingredient Breakdown & Flavor Roles

For the Patties:

• Salmon: Use canned (drained well), fresh, or leftover cooked salmon. Canned is convenient and budget-friendly.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
• Almond Flour or Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and texture. Almond flour keeps it gluten-free.
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and moisture.
• Parsley: Fresh herbal lift.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor and complements the salmon.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning.

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Creamy base—mayo for richness, yogurt for tang.
• Garlic: Adds savory punch.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Tangy and fresh, balances the richness.
• Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds depth and a subtle kick.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Optional Add-ins:

• Dill: Classic pairing with salmon.
• Capers: Briny pop of flavor.
• Hot Sauce: For heat.
• Green Onions: Extra freshness.

Bold Tip: Drain canned salmon thoroughly and flake it well to avoid soggy patties and ensure even texture.

Tools & Equipment

You don’t need much to make these salmon patties shine:

• Mixing bowls: One for the patties, one for the sauce.
• Skillet or nonstick pan: For crisp, even cooking.
• Spatula: To flip patties gently.
• Zester or microplane: For lemon zest.
• Garlic press (optional): For finely minced garlic.
• Whisk or fork: To mix the sauce.

Bold Tip: Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion the patties evenly—this helps them cook uniformly and look polished.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix flaked salmon, egg, almond flour or breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until just combined.

Step 2: Form into 6–8 patties. Chill for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and zest, Dijon (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Serve patties warm with a generous dollop of lemon garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Bold Tip: Let patties rest briefly after cooking—they’ll hold together better and taste even more flavorful.