Golden on the outside and moist and flavorful inside, these salmon patties are loaded with omega-3’s, selenium, and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. My kids love to dip them in homemade Thousand Island, which is fine with me because weekly DHA-rich fish consumption is associated with higher intelligence scores and improved sleep in children. (1)
Of course, there are lots of benefits for grown-ups, too:
- Improved Skin Elasticity – In one small study, people who were given a combination of 2 mg of astaxanthin (the antioxidant found in wild salmon) and 3 grams of collagen for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. (2) For more info on benefits of collagen for skin, sleep, mood and more, check out this article.
- Heart Health – Regular consumption of fatty fish like salmon has been shown to have a positive impact on blood lipids and other markers of cardiovascular health. (3)
- Supports A Healthy Inflammatory Response – Inflammation at the site of an injury is a healthy response that supports healing, but chronic inflammation is associated with negative outcomes. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish support a healthy inflammatory response. (4) (5)
If you want to incorporate more salmon into your family’s diet, I think you’ll love the recipe below. They’re delish, gluten-free, and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.
But first, you might be wondering…
What dipping sauces go well with salmon patties?
Creamy sauces are most definitely the way to go – I serve it with this homemade Thousand Island because the tangy sweetness complements the savory rosemary in the salmon patties.
What kind of salmon should I use?
You can make this recipe with fresh salmon or canned salmon. Here are some sources I recommend:
SafeCatch Pink Salmon – This wild, sustainably-caught pink salmon is one of the most affordable options I know of. It’s lower in astaxanthin than sockeye salmon – however, Safe Catch uses a lower-temp cooking process that they say preserves omega-3’s better than traditional packing methods, so it may be higher in overall omega-3’s than other brands. Also, the BPA-free can is made with a resin that is one of the best options I know of.
Vital Choice – Fillets are wild-caught and flash frozen for maximum freshness. Vital Choice also offers pink salmon (more affordable) and sockeye salmon (more astaxanthin) packaged in BPA-free cans. I’ve been unable to determine for sure what exactly the can linings are made from, though.
How do I keep my salmon patties from falling apart?
To make this recipe gluten-free, I’ve swapped panko bread crumbs with a mixture of eggs and coconut flour to help bind the salmon cakes together, plus mayo to keep them from becoming overly dry.
Easy Salmon Patties (Salmon Cakes or Croquettes)
Ingredients
- 5 – 6 oz chopped or finely diced cooked salmon (You can use a salmon filet that has been baked in the oven or canned salmon that is already cooked. SafeCatch Pink Salmon is a good source I use)
- ¼ cup blanched almond flour
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (I like to crumble mine a little with my hands before using it in this recipe)
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 tbsp mayo (I use this homemade recipe)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- ¼ cup olive oil (avocado oil or ghee for cooking)
Instructions
- Add salmon, almond flour, rosemary, paprika, salt, black pepper and garlic powder to a medium bowl and mix.
- Add eggs, mayo and coconut flour and mix again.
- Scoop out two tablespoons and form the salmon mixture into a patty – continue this process until the bowl is empty.
- Heat oil over low/medium heat, place patties in the pan, and fry until golden brown on both sides.
Notes
Tried this recipe? Nutrition
More Recipes To Try
Gluten-Free Crab Cakes – Seasoned with lemon zest and bright, fresh herbs, these crab cakes are so yummy when served with homemade tartar sauce.
Easy Italian Oven-Baked Meatballs – Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are delicious with homemade marinara sauce and gluten-free pasta, or tossed in teriyaki sauce, or even served on top of cauliflower mashed potatoes with gravy.
Sloppy Joe-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers – These tomatoey, cheesy stuffed peppers get a big thumbs up from my kids, and they’re super easy to make.
Sources for this article:
1. Science Daily (2017) Weekly fish consumption linked to better sleep, higher IQ
3. Bradberry, J. (2013) Overview of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapies
4. Weitz, Daniel. (2010) Fish Oil for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
5. Calder, Philip C. (2013) Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology?
6. Zhang, M.J. (2012) Resolvins: anti-inflammatory and proresolving mediators derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Clint Lenard
This looks really good. I haven’t eaten much Salmon since I started doing Keto again so I was looking for some recipes to incorporate more fish (well, Salmon) and this is definitely on the list.
Appears to be Keto-friendly from the recipe?
Sheryl
Hi,
Is there a way to make these without eggs?
Thanks!
Cristin Gilley
I can’t do coconut flour…is arrowroot ok to use? more almond?
Thanks!
Rhonda
I love this recipe.
Gummies
Looks so alluring and eye catching with bright color. I like to enjoy salmon. The recipe you described sounds good. Thanks for sharing this.
Ashley Dow
I made these tonight for dinner, and quadrupled the recipe because we were hungry and I was so lazy I didn’t make a side dish. I used two 14 oz cans of wild caught salmon from Trader Joe’s. We all (my hubby and two toddlers) loved them! I didn’t have coconut flour but they turned out great without it. It’s possible I added in a little extra almond flour…I didn’t measure real carefully. Thank you, we will make them again!
Gigi
Excellent! How can food this good for you be so tasty? I had everything on hand for the salmon patties and for the homemade thousand island except my Organic Mayo – which I have been meaning to buy for a month now – so I replaced with my always-on-hand Greek yogurt. Yummy yummy yummy.
Cate Forrester-Jones
I have made these numerous times, doubling or quadrupling the recipe. These are the best salmon croquettes I have ever had, my family loves them. They ever conjure flavors of deviled crab for me. I do add finely diced onion and peppers if I have. Being made with non-grain flour is perfect as I’m following the GAPS diet, and have a gluten allergy.
Thanks Mommypotamus. 😊
Leone
Hi.
Recently I made the Gingerbread Biscuits and the Salmon Patties and they are absolutely delicious.
Have been searching for years for a grain free recipe for these and you have made me one very happy lady.
Just have to make sure I don’t eat them all in one sitting now.
Many Thanks.
Katie
I’ve made these several times and they are a big hit. Wondering about baking them in the oven? Any thoughts?
Heather Dessinger
I like to pan fry them because it makes the outside crispy, but the flavor would probably be good if they were baked, too.
Beth
How about cooking them in an air fryer?
Hannah B
I’ve made these 4 or 5 times. Once in the oven, flavor was good, but didn’t have the nice crispy outside. A couple times I made them in the frying pan, but today I’m making them in a well-greased waffle iron and it is a success! You still get some of the crisp ones without needing to clean up after frying! 🙂
Danielle
Great idea, Hannah! So you make as the recipe described but just put in the waffle iron instead of frying?
Candace
anything I could substitute for the mayo? I am not a fan at all. I’ve made my own and tried a lot of paleo brands. Can’t even stand the smell of it. Would love your suggestions, as I’d love to try these salmon patties!
Kate
I’m hoping the calorie count is for all 4 servings? Not one serving?
Danielle
These look delicious! Think I could use a flax or chia egg instead of regular egg?
Heather Dessinger
I haven’t tested it so I’m not sure, sorry!
Kristy
My son who is a super picky eater ate these no problem.. I called them “magic burgers” and he and his sister chow them down! He didn’t know what they had in them but ate the anyways and I have to say I’m tickled pink! Thank you.