This salmon patties with cornmeal recipe delivers crispy juicy fish patties. The addition of cornmeal makes them deliciously crunchy, while the salmon flakes stay moist and tender inside.
These patties are loaded with goodness and hold their shape beautifully. The best part about this dish is everything comes together with just a little effort and only 30 minutes of cooking!
Are Our Salmon Patties With Cornmeal Healthy?
Yes, they are.
Making these salmon patties is a tasty and brilliant way to incorporate healthy nutrients into one meal. You'll have protein, calcium, and B vitamins packed into each serving of this dish.
Salmon is one of the most powerful sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent inflammation and lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of strokes. They are also one of the most commonly prescribed supplements for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
The cornmeal adds a source of dietary fiber to the patties. In comparison to white rice, cornmeal fills your stomach and keeps you satisfied for longer while offering fewer carbs and calories. Also, please get yourself whole-grain cornmeal if possible — it contains twice as much nutrition as degerminated cornmeal.
According to a guidance from the WHO, cornmeal also comes with a good amount of folic acid, which has been linked to reduced risk of occurrence of births with neural tube defects.
Main Ingredients
Salmon patties with cornmeal, much like most patties made of meat, are easy-going and super versatile. There is always room for you to add your favorite ingredients to them.
As listed in the recipe card below, we also combined many flavor enhancers and binders to create super firm and flavorful salmon patties. First let's take a look at the two main ingredients, salmon and cornmeal, as well as how to choose and prepare them.
1. Salmon
In this salmon patties with cornmeal recipe, we chose fresh salmon and use a food processor to grind it up with the cornmeal. Though it took us an extra 5 minutes to do, it was worth the effort.
By using fresh salmon, we were able to calculate the nutrition more accurately and avoid the absorption of unnecessary oil. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean canned salmon is any less appropriate for this dish.
If you're short on time but still crave a nutritious light meal, we recommend choosing a high-quality canned salmon to make patties. Not only will it make a remarkable difference in the final flavor, but it is guaranteed to provide nourishment.
If you're using fresh salmon, bone removal is a must — this is so they don’t get lodged in your throat when swallowing.
If you are using canned salmon, you'll need to make sure it's completely drained before going any further. Oil-soaked salmon won’t bond well with the other ingredients and hold its shape.
Canned salmon also comes in many varieties, the best of which is pink salmon due to its mild and fresh flavor. Please also look for products marked with “boneless and skinless” on the package.
2. Cornmeal
Cornmeal adds texture to the patties and gives a slightly gritty mouth feel to every bite. The amount of cornmeal is totally adjustable according to your taste — simply add more to stiffen the patties if desired.
Likewise, you can also dust the patties with another layer of cornmeal before frying if you want a really crispy exterior.
Cooking Tips
The patties should not be made too big, otherwise, it will be difficult to ensure they're cooked through. It often happens that the outer layer gets charred, while the inside is still uncooked.
You can shape the patties beforehand and refrigerate for a couple of minutes before frying. This is to make sure they're going into the frying pan completely dry and firm.
Spraying non-stick cooking spray on the patties can also help prevent them from browning too quickly.
Egg, mayonnaise, and cornmeal are common binders for these patties, but sometimes flour can also be added to help them stick better. Try adding a small amount of flour at a time until it reaches your desired firmness.
FAQ
1. What Is the Difference Between Salmon Patties and Salmon Croquettes?
There's actually no significant difference between these two dishes. Salmon croquettes are basically southern-style salmon patties.
Salmon patties, or salmon croquettes, can be either fried or baked. They are just regional versions of the same dish tweaked to personal tastes.
2. How Long Does It Last?
Our salmon patties can last for no longer than 2 hours on the counter at room temperature and up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can You Freeze?
Yes, of course. Put the leftovers in airtight containers and these patties will remain edible for up to 2 months in the freezer.
For more salmon patty ideas, have a look at our fried salmon patties, or air-fried ones if you’re watching your fat intake.
Salmon Patties With Cornmeal Recipe
This salmon patties with cornmeal recipe delivers crispy, juicy fish patties. The addition of cornmeal makes them deliciously crunchy, while the salmon flakes stay moist and tender inside.
- cook TIME 15 mins
- prep TIME 15 mins
- total TIME 30 mins
- COURSE Side Dish
- CUISINE American
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 194 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz skinless boneless salmon
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 0.25 oz scallions (chopped)
- 0.25 oz coriander (chopped)
- 1 medium egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil (*)
- 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1/2 tbsp Heinz ketchup
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine 12 oz skinless boneless salmon and 1/4 cup cornmeal together in a food processor.
Grind until they turn to a paste.
In a small bowl, combine the salmon-cornmeal mixture with 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 oz chopped scallions, 0.25 oz chopped coriander, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
Stir together until the ingredients are mixed well. Try pressing it with your hands to check if it holds together firmly.
Shape the above mixture into 12 small patties (about the size of a meat patty for an average burger).
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Wait until the oil is heated then add the patties to fry. Cook for 1 minute on the first side.
Flip and fry for 1 minute for the other side. Flip the patties 2 more times until they're golden brown on both sides. Transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess oil.
Make the dip: Stir 1 tbsp mayonnaise into 1/2 tbsp Heinz ketchup.
Enjoy the salmon patties plain, dip them into the mayo-ketchup sauce, or serve as a side along with the main dish.
(*) Only part of this ingredient will end up in the final product and we have calculated nutritional values based on that amount. The whole amount is needed for the cooking process, but what actually ends up being consumed are 1/3 tablespoon of olive oil.
NUTRITION
Tuyet Pham
Head Chef, Culinary ConsultantLuna Regina
Writer, AuthorLizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
Nutrition Reviewer- Terah_Justin
Just like my grandparents would make
- Luna Regina
Thanks, Terah_Justin. So glad you enjoyed it
- C Rachell
They came out great
- Luna Regina
Thanks, Rachell!
- Shawna PowellDelicious and easy-to-make salmon patties with a crispy cornmeal coating.