If you’re on the lookout for a delightful seafood dish that balances crispy, tender, and zesty flavors, look no further than this Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe. These patties come together quickly, delivering a satisfying crunch from the golden crust and an irresistible burst of freshness from the lime. Paired with creamy tartar sauce, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will win over both seafood lovers and picky eaters alike. Trust me, once you try these salmon patties, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make these patties so special.
- 3 cans boneless, skinless salmon: The star of the dish, providing moist and flavorful protein that’s easy to work with.
- ¼ cup milk: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the patties tender inside.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Adds a crunchy exterior and light texture to the patties.
- 2 large eggs: Essential to hold all the ingredients together firmly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances tastes.
- A few dashes of seasoned salt: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor for a perfect seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon cilantro: Brings a hint of bright, herbaceous notes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory undertone without overwhelming the patties.
- ½ teaspoon parsley: Offers a fresh color contrast and mild herbal flavor.
- Oil for frying: Key to achieving that crisp and golden exterior everyone loves.
- 1 fresh lime: Provides a zesty garnish and brightens every bite.
- Tartar sauce: The perfect creamy and tangy dip to complement the patties.
How to Make Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by draining the canned salmon thoroughly and giving it a quick check to remove any skin or bones. This step ensures that your patties have a smooth, consistent texture without unexpected crunches, making every bite pleasant.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Into a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, milk, panko bread crumbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, cilantro, onion powder, and parsley. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want all the flavors to marry nicely without overworking the salmon, which can make the patties dense.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 2 to 3 inches wide. This recipe should yield around 8 to 10 patties depending on how large or small you make them. Uniform patties ensure even cooking and that satisfying crispness on every side.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet until hot enough to sizzle. Carefully place the salmon patties in the skillet and fry about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This step is where the magic happens — your patties will develop a gorgeous golden crust while staying tender and moist inside.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents greasiness. Let them rest briefly to firm up just a little before serving.
Step 6: Serve with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce
The final flourish is serving these patties with a squeeze of fresh lime to cut through the richness and a side of tartar sauce that adds the perfect creamy tang. This finishing touch elevates the entire dish, making it irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A squeeze of fresh lime wedges over the top instantly brightens the patties and adds a zesty kick that balances their savory flavor. For an extra touch of color, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even simple coleslaw. Light, fresh sides complement the hearty and crunchy patties beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying but never heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your salmon patties on soft slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce for a fun twist. Or present them plated with a colorful salsa or avocado crema for a restaurant-style look that’s sure to impress family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain their crispiness as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked salmon patties by arranging them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to 2 months and cook just as well straight from frozen.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your patties in a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave. This revives the crispy exterior, keeping the patties tasty and fresh rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon works well, but you may need to cook and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. Canned salmon is convenient and already cooked, making it straightforward and quick to use.
What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?
You can substitute with regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Panko gives an especially light and crisp texture, but other options will still work just fine in a pinch.
Is it necessary to add lime?
While optional, fresh lime adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness, making the overall flavor more vibrant and balanced. Don’t skip it if you want that classic freshness!
How do I know when the patties are cooked through?
Look for a golden brown crust on both sides, and the patties should feel firm to the touch. Since the salmon is already cooked, you’re mainly ensuring the eggs are set and the exterior is crisp.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative — bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The texture may differ slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, these patties are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, share the love, and watch how quickly they disappear from your plate!
Print
Crispy Salmon Patties with Fresh Lime and Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and flavorful salmon patties are made with canned salmon, seasoned breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection, they make a quick and delicious meal served with fresh lime and tartar sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 (5 oz.) cans boneless, skinless salmon
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- A few dashes of seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon cilantro
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1 fresh lime (for garnish)
- Tartar sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare salmon: Drain the cans of salmon thoroughly and remove any remaining skin or bones if you prefer a smoother texture in your patties.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, milk, panko bread crumbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, cilantro, onion powder, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 8-10 patties, each about 2-3 inches wide and roughly ½ inch thick, depending on your preferred size.
- Heat oil: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
- Fry patties: Carefully place the salmon patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the salmon patties warm with a squeeze of fresh lime and tartar sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer a firmer texture, add a little more panko breadcrumbs or reduce the milk slightly.
- Removing skin and bones is optional; they add extra nutrients but can be removed for a smoother texture.
- These patties can also be baked at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes if you want a lower-fat version.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor, but dried herbs can substitute.
- Serve with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or on a bun as a sandwich.
