Before-Practice Recipe

Pre-Practice Salmon Patty Plates

Pantry salmon patties pan-fry in minutes and give kids real protein before a hard practice.

IngredientsTimingStoragepantry salmon
Comic-book style illustration of early dinner plates packed around practice bags before leaving the house for Pre-Practice Salmon Patty Plates.

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.

Find more 20-minute dinners