If you are craving something fresh, flavorful, and delightfully crispy, you have to try this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe. These salmon patties bring together tender flakes of salmon with aromatic herbs and a perfect blend of lemon and garlic that brighten each bite. The accompanying tangy, creamy sauce elevates this dish from simple to spectacular, making it a favorite for quick dinners or impressive lunches. What I love most is how satisfying and quick this recipe is, delivering all the comfort and taste without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the wholesome salmon base to the fresh herbs and creamy sauce components, these basics come together for a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Cooked salmon (16 ounces) or canned salmon (14.75 ounces): A rich, flavorful protein base that flakes beautifully for easy mixing.
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Help bind the patties together and add moisture for tender bites.
- Chopped onion (½ cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch to balance the salmon’s richness.
- Fine almond flour (â…” cup): Lightly holds the patties without overwhelming, making them gluten-free and supple.
- Chopped fresh parsley (¼ cup, plus more for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes and color.
- Chopped garlic (2 cloves for patties, 1 clove for sauce): Infuses a warm, savory kick that complements salmon beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons for patties, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Lifts the flavors with tangy brightness.
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring all elements together.
- Neutral oil (2-4 tablespoons): For perfectly crisping the patties without overpowering the flavors.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup for sauce): Adds richness and a creamy base for the lemon-garlic drizzle.
- Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup for sauce): Offers tang and a velvety texture to mellow the garlic and lemon.
How to Make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Start by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic, and parsley in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the zesty, creamy magic that will perfectly complement the crispy salmon patties later. Cover and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld while you prepare the patties.
Step 2: Flake the Salmon
In a medium bowl, gently break apart your cooked or canned salmon with a fork. This delicate step ensures your patties will have a lovely flaky texture rather than becoming a dense mass.
Step 3: Combine the Patty Ingredients
Add the lightly beaten eggs, chopped onion, almond flour, fresh parsley, chopped garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper to the flaked salmon. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed — this mixture is where your patties take shape and flavor.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 2 ounces of the salmon mixture per patty. Roll each portion gently into a ball, then press it flat with your palms to form a nice, even patty. This will help them cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Cook the patties in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let each side cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Transfer and Repeat
Move the cooked patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then cook the remaining patties in the same way. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the promise of a wonderful meal.
Step 7: Serve with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Place the warm salmon patties on plates, drizzle generously with the chilled lemon-garlic sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an inviting presentation that tastes even better than it looks.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous freshness, while lemon wedges bring an extra pop of zesty citrus that guests can squeeze on to brighten each bite. These simple touches elevate your plating effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Salmon patties pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light quinoa pilaf. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus can round out the plate while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe atop toasted English muffins or inside soft slider buns with fresh lettuce and tomato for a casual, fun twist. Alternatively, place the patties over a bed of sautéed greens for a nutritious, low-carb approach that still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salmon patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the lemon-garlic sauce separate until serving helps preserve its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon patties by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp on each side. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain their wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned or cooked salmon?
Absolutely! If using fresh salmon, simply cook it through first by baking or pan-searing, then let it cool before flaking it into your mixture for the patties.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I substitute it?
Almond flour adds a lovely texture and keeps these patties gluten-free. You can substitute with breadcrumbs or another gluten-free flour if preferred, but almond flour offers a nice, moist crumb.
How do I make the lemon-garlic sauce dairy-free?
Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt, and choose a mayonnaise brand without dairy. The sauce still comes out creamy and bright.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
This specific recipe relies on salmon and eggs for structure and flavor, so it’s not easily veganized. However, you can experiment with mashed chickpeas or tofu as base alternatives and flax eggs for binding.
What can I serve with this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Keep it simple with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread or roasted potatoes. The patties and sauce are flavorful enough to stand out without complex sides.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about making homemade Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy any night of the week. Once you master these patties and that dreamy sauce, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your friends to something deliciously unforgettable.
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Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These easy salmon patties are a delightful, protein-packed meal featuring tender, flaky salmon mixed with fresh herbs and almond flour, pan-fried to a golden crisp. Served with a tangy and creamy lemon-garlic sauce, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both flavorful and healthy.
Ingredients
Lemon-Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Salmon Patties
- 16 ounces cooked salmon or 1 (14.75-ounce) can canned salmon, flaked
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chopped onion
- â…” cup fine almond flour
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- â…› teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- â…› teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
- Neutral oil (approximately 2-4 tablespoons, as needed)
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic, and parsley. Stir until smooth, then cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld until ready to serve.
- Flake the Salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to flake the cooked or canned salmon into small pieces, ensuring an even texture for the patties.
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: Add lightly beaten eggs, chopped onion, almond flour, fresh parsley, chopped garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper to the salmon. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a cohesive mixture.
- Form the Patties: Using a cookie scoop or disher, scoop out 2-ounce portions of the salmon mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten to form a patty about ½ inch thick.
- Heat the Skillet and Add Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, heating until hot but not smoking to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Salmon Patties: Carefully place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping gently to maintain the shape.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the cooking process with remaining patties, adding oil as needed.
- Serve: Arrange the salmon patties on serving plates, drizzle with prepared lemon-garlic sauce, and garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, almond flour is an excellent substitute as used in this recipe.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding patties to avoid sticking and to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in both the patties and sauce.
- These patties reheat well in a skillet or air fryer for a quick meal prep option.
- Leftover lemon-garlic sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
