The pantry dinner for the week groceries did not happen
Two five-ounce cans of salmon drained and flaked, one egg, half a cup of breadcrumbs, mayo, lemon, and a little diced onion. Shape eight patties and fry them four minutes a side.
If the mix is too wet to hold, add breadcrumbs a spoon at a time until a patty stays together in your hand. Peas, cucumber slices, and a few crackers finish the plate in about four minutes.
Ingredients
The recipe serves 4 (makes 8 patties). Plan on about 20 minutes.
- 2 cans (5 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for the pan
How to Make It
- In a bowl, mix the salmon, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it holds together.
- Form into 8 patties, about 1/2 inch thick, pressing firmly so they stay together.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the patties 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Drain briefly on a paper towel and serve warm with lemon.
Timing Before Practice
Start about 25 minutes out; the patties fry quickly once they are shaped.
- T-minus 25: mix and shape the patties
- T-minus 12: heat the pan and fry both sides
- T-minus 3: plate with quick sides and a lemon wedge
Make It Ahead or Save Leftovers
Shape the patties earlier in the day so dinner is just a quick fry.
- Form patties up to a day ahead and chill on a plate
- Reheat leftovers in a 350F oven for 8 minutes to stay crisp
- Tuck a cold leftover patty into a bun for tomorrow's lunch
- Serve with: steamed peas, a few crackers, cucumber slices
Parent Tip
If the mix feels too wet to shape, add breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until it holds.
Make it fit tonight
Small changes that make this one fit your night
Patties shaped in the morning
Chilled on a plate for a few hours, they hold together far better in the pan.
Canned tuna when the salmon is out
The same mix works with two cans of tuna and costs about a dollar less.
Leftovers reheated in a 350 oven
Eight minutes keeps the crust; the microwave turns a good patty soft and fishy.
Nothing salmon-related in a closed car
Eat these at the table, not on a July drive, because nobody in the back seat will forgive you.
A cold patty in a bun tomorrow
Slide one into a roll with lettuce and it is a better lunch than it was a dinner.
Plan the next step
Find more 20-minute dinners
Use the planner to stack a few quick protein-first meals for the week.