Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Zesty Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe: Dinner Magic

Salmon patties bring hearty, protein-packed goodness to any dinner table with their crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.

These delightful seafood parcels combine fresh ingredients and smart culinary techniques to create something truly memorable.

Rich maritime flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite, promising a delectable experience that surprises and satisfies.

Mediterranean and coastal cuisines have long celebrated these delectable morsels as a versatile meal option.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly salmon patties redefine simple ingredients into an elegant dish that impresses family and guests alike.

The accompanying lemon garlic sauce elevates the entire recipe, adding bright, tangy notes that complement the seafood’s natural richness.

Mediterranean zest and classic cooking methods merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why You’ll Be Making Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce Again Soon

  • Savor Quick Seafood Magic: Whip up these salmon patties in under 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort.
  • Enjoy Texture-Rich Delight: Experience a perfect crispy golden exterior that gives way to a tender, flaky salmon interior, creating a mouthwatering contrast with every single bite.
  • Master Versatile Meal Solution: These patties work brilliantly as a protein-packed lunch, elegant dinner option, or crowd-pleasing appetizer that suits multiple dining scenarios from casual family meals to fancy dinner parties.

What Goes Into Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce

Salmon Base:
  • Salmon, Canned Salmon: Fresh or canned fish as the main protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and perfect for creating hearty patties.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Almond Flour: Eggs help bind the patties together and provide structure, while almond flour adds texture and acts as a low-carb breadcrumb alternative.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic, Parsley, Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Fresh onion and garlic create a robust flavor base, parsley adds freshness, sea salt and black pepper provide balanced seasoning and depth to the salmon patties.
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Neutral Oil: Helps create a golden-brown crust when pan-frying the salmon patties.
  • Lemon, Fresh Parsley: Bright, zesty garnish that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Sauce Components (not specified in original recipe): A creamy lemon garlic sauce to complement the salmon patties, adding moisture and tangy flavor.

Steps for Cooking Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Garlic Sauce

Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Refrigerate until serving time. Optional garnish with:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Cracked black pepper

Step 2: Break Down Salmon

Gently flake cooked salmon into a large mixing bowl. Use canned or freshly cooked salmon.

Step 3: Create Salmon Mixture

Combine salmon with the following ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Diced onion
  • Almond flour
  • Chopped parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper

Stir ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape Salmon Patties

Scoop quarter-cup portions of salmon mixture. Roll and flatten into circular patties using hands. Place on parchment paper.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm skillet over medium heat. Add neutral cooking oil, ensuring even coating.

Step 6: Cook Salmon Cakes

Place patties in hot skillet. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Transfer cooked salmon cakes to serving plate. Top with:
  • Fresh parsley sprigs
  • Lemon wedges
  • Prepared lemon garlic sauce

Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy.

Cooking Tips for Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce Perfection

  • Flake with Care: Use a fork to gently break salmon into uniform, small pieces ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Bind Brilliantly: Mix ingredients lightly to prevent dense patties; overmixing can make salmon tough and compact.
  • Temperature Matters: Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the delicate salmon.
  • Pat Perfectly: Shape patties with gentle pressure, keeping them consistent in size for even cooking and professional presentation.
  • Oil Selection: Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed to prevent burning and maintain clean flavor profile.

Reheating and Storing Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat in Skillet: Warm patties over medium-low heat with a touch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps restore their crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
  • Freeze Option: Wrap individual cooled patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce Beautifully

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complement the salmon's richness, cutting through the fatty texture with their bright, zesty notes and refreshing acidity.
  • Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: A cool, light cucumber salad with dill and a light vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the warm, golden salmon patties, balancing the dish's richness.
  • Match with Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest echoes the lemon garlic sauce's brightness and adds a elegant green vegetable side that enhances the salmon's delicate flavor.
  • Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: A cold, light pilsner with its clean, hoppy profile cuts through the salmon's richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's garlic and lemon notes.

Twists for Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • Mediterranean Salmon Cakes: Enhance the patties with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Salmon Patties: Kick up the heat by adding Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and a touch of cayenne pepper to create a zesty and bold variation.
  • Herbed Salmon Croquettes: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, and thyme into the mixture, then coat the patties with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior and aromatic herb boost.
  • Smoky Salmon Fritters: Mix in smoked paprika, finely chopped bacon bits, and a dash of liquid smoke to develop a rich, deep flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
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Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade salmon patties with zesty lemon garlic sauce offer a delightful seafood experience that merges classic comfort with Mediterranean flair. Crispy exterior and tender center promise a satisfying meal packed with fresh flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) salmon, fresh or canned
  • ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 grams) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lemon garlic sauce by thoroughly whisking all sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well integrated. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while preparing the salmon patties.
  2. Carefully break down cooked salmon into delicate, bite-sized flakes using a fork, ensuring no large chunks remain in the mixture.
  3. Incorporate eggs, finely diced onion, almond flour, chopped parsley, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper into the salmon flakes. Gently fold ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to preserve the salmon’s texture.
  4. Using clean hands, form the salmon mixture into uniform patties approximately 2 ounces each. Place formed patties on parchment paper, creating a neat arrangement for easy cooking.
  5. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding a thin layer of neutral oil to prevent sticking. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
  6. Carefully position salmon patties into the heated skillet, maintaining space between each patty to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
  7. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes on the first side, watching for a golden-brown crust to develop. Gently flip and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides are evenly bronzed and crispy.
  8. Transfer cooked salmon patties to a serving plate, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs, lemon wedges, and a generous drizzle of prepared lemon garlic sauce.
  9. Serve immediately while patties remain hot and crisp, accompanied by extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Master the art of flaking salmon perfectly to ensure a cohesive and delicious patty texture without breaking apart during cooking.
  • Almond flour acts as an exceptional gluten-free binding agent, replacing traditional breadcrumbs while adding subtle nutty undertones.
  • Gentle mixing prevents overworking the salmon mixture, which helps maintain a light, tender patty that won’t become dense or tough.
  • Use a medium heat setting when pan-frying to achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley elevate the flavor profile, providing a bright, fresh element to the rich salmon patties.
  • Refrigerating the lemon garlic sauce before serving allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious condiment.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 164
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 215 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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