Two cans of salmon, an egg, and crisp golden edges on the table in twenty minutes.
Some nights the freezer is bare and practice still starts at 6.
A can of salmon and a few crackers fry into crisp patties faster than anyone can complain about it.
Ingredients
The ingredients here make pre-practice salmon patty plates. The recipe serves 4 (makes 8 patties).
- 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
Let the first pass at pre-practice salmon patty plates be plain and sturdy; the finish can be brighter later.
- 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
Use tuna instead
Canned tuna works with the same binder if salmon is not a hit.
Add a crunch coating
Press the patties in panko before frying for an extra-crisp edge.
Make sliders
Set patties on slider buns with a smear of mayo for handheld dinner.
Brighten the flavor
Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon and a pinch of dill for a fresher taste.
Bake them instead
Bake at 400F for 15 minutes, flipping once, to skip the frying pan.
Plan The Next Step
Find more 20-minute dinners
Use the planner to stack a few quick protein-first meals for the week.