Salmon Patties with Creamy Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make salmon patties served with a tangy and creamy lemon-garlic sauce. These crispy patties combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, pan-fried to golden perfection and paired perfectly with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce. Great for a quick lunch, dinner, or appetizer.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Salmon Patties
- 2 cans (6 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked (or 12 oz cooked fresh salmon)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Creamy Lemon-Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust the mixture’s consistency by adding more breadcrumbs if too wet or more mayonnaise if too dry.
- Shape the Patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 8 patties. Place them on a plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to firm up before cooking.
- Cook the Salmon Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the patties are golden brown and crispy. Remove patties and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Creamy Lemon-Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the creamy lemon-garlic sauce over the salmon patties or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh flavor boost.
Notes
- For fresh salmon patties, cook and flake about 12 oz of fresh salmon instead of using canned salmon.
- Panko breadcrumbs yield a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt inside the patties for a lighter version.
- Honey in the sauce is optional; omit for a more savory sauce or for strict low-sugar diets.
- These patties freeze well; cook then freeze individually with parchment paper between them.
- Serve with a side salad, on a sandwich bun, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon patty with sauce (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: salmon patties, salmon cakes, lemon garlic sauce, seafood recipe, easy dinner, pan-fried salmon, healthy fish patties