Name: Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs skinless salmon; 1 cup panko bread crumbs, divided; 2 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley; 2 green onions, chopped (1/3 cup); 1 garlic clove, minced (1 tsp); 3 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 3/4 tsp old bay seasoning; 1 egg yolk; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 6 Tbsp olive oil, divided

If you’re looking for a comfort food that’s quick, flavorful, and just downright delicious, you’re going to love this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe. I absolutely love how these patties come together — they’re crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and that bright zing from the lemon just takes it to the next level. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it was. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, trust me!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Simple: You’ll have flavorful salmon patties on the table in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy evenings.
Fresh Flavor Boost: The lemon zest and wedges add a bright freshness that balances perfectly with the savory seasoning.
Crispy Outside, Moist Inside: Using panko crumbs for coating creates that irresistible crunch while locking in moisture.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.

Four golden-brown crispy patties are frying in a black pan, each patty round and about one layer thick. The patties show a rough, crunchy texture with small green bits in them, suggesting herbs or vegetables mixed inside. Tiny browned crumbs and shiny spots of oil surround the patties on the pan surface. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon, salmon patties, lemon salmon recipes, quick seafood recipes, healthy salmon patties

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances simple ingredients that work together to enhance the salmon’s natural flavor. You’ll want to grab fresh parsley and green onions for that herby pop, plus fresh lemon zest to brighten things up. Using panko crumbs inside and out gives you the perfect texture contrast.

Flat lay of fresh skinless salmon chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of panko bread crumbs, a few sprigs of minced fresh parsley, chopped green onions in a small pile, one peeled garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, lemon zest sprinkled beside bright lemon wedges, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of Old Bay seasoning powder, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper in small neat piles, all ingredients arranged symmetrically in perfect proportion on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon, salmon patties, lemon salmon recipes, quick seafood recipes, healthy salmon patties

Skinless salmon: Fresh or thawed, I recommend wild-caught for great flavor and texture.
Panko bread crumbs: Dividing them ensures they’re inside the patties and crisply coating their exterior.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green note that complements the fish beautifully.
Green onions: Give a mild onion flavor without overpowering, plus a nice color contrast.
Garlic clove: Just a hint of garlic amps up the savory depth.
Mayonnaise: Keeps patties moist and adds richness without heaviness.
Lemon zest and wedges: Essential for that bright, citrusy kick you’ll love.
Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang that pairs well with lemon and salmon.
Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that layers on flavor.
Egg yolk: The perfect binder for patties that hold together but stay tender.
Salt and black pepper: Season carefully to taste — I like to start lighter and adjust if needed.
Olive oil: For frying — gives a lovely golden crust with a hint of fruity flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or tweak the seasoning to make it your own — and honestly, everyone will still be hooked!

Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of cayenne and some smoked paprika — it gave the patties a smoky heat that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Herb Swap: Try fresh dill or chives instead of parsley for a new herbaceous twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep it safe without losing crunch.
Lemon Twist: Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice inside the mixture boosts citrus flavor without letting it overpower the salmon.

How to Make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Chop the Salmon for Perfect Texture

The first step is to coarsely chop your skinless salmon into bite-sized pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. I like to use a sharp knife because it gives me control over the texture—you don’t want it too mushy or too chunky. If you’re short on time, a quick pulse in a food processor works well too, just be careful not to overdo it. This coarse texture helps your patties hold together without turning into paste.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of panko bread crumbs with parsley, green onions, minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended — this mixture is where the flavor magic happens and it coats every salmon piece, giving your patties a balanced, herby freshness.

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Salmon

Add the chopped salmon into the marinade and toss carefully but thoroughly until the salmon pieces are evenly coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and holds together well. When I do this, I try not to overwork it, so the patties stay tender, not dense.

Step 4: Shape and Coat Your Patties

Scoop roughly 1/3 cup of the mixture at a time to form 8 equal-sized portions. Press and shape each into a 3-inch diameter patty. Now here’s my favorite part: coat each patty in the remaining 3/4 cup panko crumbs, pressing gently to cover both sides. This creates that golden, crunchy crust everyone raves about.

Step 5: Fry Until Perfectly Golden

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add as many patties as fit comfortably without crowding—usually four at a time. If the oil isn’t running under the patties, tilt the pan carefully to help them get a crisp crust. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this; patience here gives you the perfect texture.

Step 6: Drain and Serve with Lemon Wedges

Transfer cooked patties to paper towels to drain excess oil, then repeat with the rest. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges for spritzing. The lemon spritz brings the patties to life, adding a fresh zing that’s utterly addictive.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe

Coarse Chop for Texture: I discovered that chopping the salmon by hand gives better texture than pureeing it — you want those little flakes in every bite.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest brightens the patties and prevents heaviness — trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Use Fresh Panko Crumbs: Fresh panko makes all the difference for extra crunch; stale crumbs won’t crisp up the same way.
Avoid Crowding the Pan: Fry in batches so patties crisp evenly and don’t steam — that’s a mistake I made before!

How to Serve Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe

The image shows two golden brown crispy patties with a crunchy texture, placed on a white plate. One patty is whole, while the other has a small piece broken off, revealing a soft, pinkish inside with bits of green herbs mixed in. Behind the patties, there is a small pile of fresh leafy greens with dark green and purple leaves, adding color contrast. On the right side of the plate, there are two bright yellow lemon wedges. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate, and the plate sits on a black and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon, salmon patties, lemon salmon recipes, quick seafood recipes, healthy salmon patties

Garnishes

I always top these salmon patties with extra chopped parsley and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving — it adds color and a lively, citrus punch. A dollop of tartar sauce or a simple garlic aioli also pairs beautifully and gives a creamy contrast that my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

These patties shine alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even a tangy coleslaw. I like pairing them with steamed asparagus or herbed rice for an easy, balanced meal that feels special but involves minimal fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch, try serving these salmon patties as mini sliders in small buns with a lemon aioli spread and fresh greens. I once topped them with avocado slices and picked red onions for a colorful, gourmet touch — guests loved the presentation and flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend letting the patties cool completely, then storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick lunch the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen pre-formed but uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them individually, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual. This trick saves so much time on busy nights!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to crisp up the exterior again, which keeps them from turning soggy like a microwave can. It only takes a couple of minutes per side to bring back that golden crust and warmth.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe using canned salmon?

Absolutely! While I prefer using fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor, canned salmon works great in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and check for any bones. The recipe might be a bit softer, so adding a little extra panko can help with binding.
How do I prevent my salmon patties from falling apart?

Great question! The key is gently folding the salmon with the binder ingredients like egg yolk and mayonnaise, and using panko inside and as a coating. Also, avoid over-mixing which can make the patties dense. Make sure to chill the patties briefly if you have time before frying — it helps them hold their shape better.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?

You can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking is healthier and easier, the patties won’t get quite as crispy as frying—so if you want that golden crunch, pan-frying is your go-to.
What can I serve with these Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe?

I like serving them with simple sides like leafy salads, roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or even tucked inside crusty buns as sliders. The lemon wedges are essential to freshen every bite, and a creamy sauce, like tartar or aioli, completes the experience.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These salmon patties keep well in the fridge and reheat nicely, making them ideal for meal prep lunches or quick dinners during the week. I usually double the batch so I have extras ready to go.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Salmon Patties with Lemon Recipe enough if you want a simple, tasty meal that feels special without a ton of effort. It’s one of those dishes that’s surprisingly impressive, and I love sharing it with friends because it’s always a hit. Give it a try next time you want a quick seafood fix — you’re going to be so glad you did!