Before practice
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
A normal batch of pre-practice salmon patty plates uses the ingredients below for 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 Tweaks That Help This Dinner Land
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.