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Sun-Kissed Salmon and Potato Patties

A delightful Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic fish cakes, these patties are packed with flavor from fresh herbs and lemon zest, making them perfect for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

For the Patties:

  • 8 oz 227g cooked salmon, flaked
  • 1 1/4 cups approx. 260-270g chilled mashed potatoes (leftover is ideal)
  • 1 small egg approx. 44g, lightly beaten
  • 1 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste, especially if potatoes are unsalted
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 small egg approx. 44g
  • 2 tsp water
  • 2/3 cup approx. 75g plain breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of salt and pepper for breadcrumbs optional

For Pan-Frying:

  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil or as needed

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, gently combine the flaked salmon, chilled mashed potatoes, the small beaten egg (for the mixture), finely chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Mix with a fork until all ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; the salmon should be broken into smaller pieces but retain some texture. If the mixture feels too soft to easily shape, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, which will help it firm up.
  • Set up your coating station: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk the other small egg with the 2 teaspoons of water. In a separate shallow dish, spread out the plain breadcrumbs and, if desired, season them with a little salt and pepper.
  • Divide and shape the salmon-potato mixture into 6 medium-sized patties (this will provide 2 patties per serving). Handle the mixture gently.
  • Carefully dip each patty into the egg wash, ensuring it's fully moistened on all sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
  • Immediately transfer the egg-washed patty to the dish of breadcrumbs. Dredge the patty, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere evenly to all surfaces, creating a complete coating.
  • Place the coated patties on a clean baking sheet or large plate as you finish them.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers slightly.
  • Carefully place the salmon patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in two batches if necessary to maintain an even cooking temperature and make flipping easier).
  • Pan-fry the patties for approximately 3-5 minutes on the first side, or until they are a rich golden brown and crispy.
  • Gently flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side, until equally golden brown and heated through. If the pan seems too dry during cooking, you can add a little more olive oil.
  • Once cooked, transfer the golden patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess frying oil.
  • Serve warm, perhaps with a wedge of lemon, a dollop of yogurt-dill sauce, or a fresh side salad.

Notes

  • Freezing: These patties freeze exceptionally well. After coating (step 7), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment or waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Reheating Frozen Patties: Thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before pan-frying as per the recipe. Alternatively, to cook from frozen, preheat your oven to approximately 200∘C (400∘F). Place frozen patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and heated thoroughly. An air fryer is also an excellent option for reheating, typically at around 190∘C (375∘F) for 10-15 minutes from frozen, flipping once.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving of 2 patties):
  • Calories: ~433 kcal
  • Protein: ~24.7 g
  • Fat: ~20.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35.5 g
  • Fiber: ~2.4 g
  • Sugar: ~2.7 g
  • Sodium: ~633 mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the composition of leftover mashed potatoes, sodium content of breadcrumbs, and the precise amount of oil absorbed during frying. Adjust salt according to your potatoes' initial saltiness and dietary needs.