As a devoted admirer of salmon, my usual go-to meal features a simple, perfectly cooked filet, often enhanced with a refreshing squeeze of lemon and paired with a crisp green vegetable. It’s a classic, healthy, and satisfying combination that rarely disappoints. However, the culinary journey doesn’t always end there. Sometimes, despite my best intentions, there are leftovers. And as any salmon enthusiast knows, reheating a delicate salmon filet rarely achieves the same exquisite texture and flavor as when it was freshly prepared.
So, what’s a salmon lover to do with those precious leftovers, unwilling to let them go to waste or settle for a subpar reheated meal? The answer, my friends, is a truly delightful and versatile creation: salmon patties! These savory, crispy cakes transform leftover salmon into a completely new and exciting dish, packed with flavor and incredibly simple to prepare.
My journey with salmon goes beyond just enjoying a good meal; it’s a commitment to health and sustainable sourcing. For years, I’ve been a proud participant in a salmon CSA from Sitka Salmon Shares. This fantastic program guarantees a consistent supply of wild-caught, sustainably harvested Alaskan salmon delivered directly to my door. Not only does this ensure I’m regularly incorporating essential Omega-3 fatty acids into my diet, but it also means I’m supporting independent fishing families, much like how small family farms contribute to local vegetable CSAs. This conscious choice ensures that every bite is not only delicious and nutritious but also aligns with my values of environmental stewardship and community support. The abundance of this high-quality fish also means I’m often faced with the pleasant challenge of creatively utilizing leftovers, which is precisely how these incredible salmon patties became a staple in my kitchen.
For many years, I relied on a traditional salmon patty recipe that was incredibly popular with everyone who tried it. It was a beloved classic, always yielding flavorful results. However, when I embarked on my keto journey, a crucial ingredient in that cherished recipe presented a significant hurdle: bread crumbs. The cornerstone binder of many classic patties, bread crumbs are decidedly not keto-friendly. Determined not to abandon my beloved salmon patties, I set out to find a low-carb alternative that wouldn’t compromise on taste or texture. After some experimentation, I stumbled upon a surprisingly simple yet revolutionary substitute that would forever change my salmon patty game.
The secret ingredient, the game-changer for a truly delicious and keto-compliant salmon patty, is none other than crushed pork rinds! These crispy, savory snacks, when ground, provide the perfect texture and binding capabilities without any of the unwanted carbohydrates. It was a culinary revelation that opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my low-carb cooking.
To truly put my new keto salmon patty recipe to the test, I decided on a rigorous, albeit delicious, experiment. I prepared both my old, traditional recipe and the new keto version side-by-side, ensuring all other ingredients and cooking methods were identical. Then, I enlisted my partner, a connoisseur of all things salmon patties, for a blind taste test. His unwavering love for these savory cakes made him the perfect, unbiased judge. After sampling both, he gave a resounding “thumbs up” to both versions, acknowledging their individual merits. But the real question lingered: was I sacrificing any flavor by making the keto-friendly substitutions?
“You know I like anything you make,” he charmingly smiled, attempting to deflect my probing question. While I appreciate his loyalty, I pressed him gently for a definitive answer. “Pick the best one,” I insisted. To my absolute delight, he unequivocally chose the keto version! That moment sealed the deal. This low-carb, pork rind-bound salmon patty recipe immediately became my new go-to, a testament to its superior taste and texture, even without traditional bread crumbs. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on deliciousness.
These versatile salmon patties are incredibly adaptable. While they are a perfect solution for utilizing leftover cooked salmon, their convenience extends far beyond that. I’ve successfully made them using pre-cooked salmon from pouches, which offer a fantastic option when you don’t have enough leftovers or need a quick meal solution. The 5-ounce pouches are particularly convenient, providing just the right amount to supplement your salmon base. You simply flake the salmon, and it’s ready to mix with the other ingredients. I tend to avoid canned salmon, however, as I’ve found its quality and texture to be less appealing for patties, often resulting in a product that doesn’t quite meet the mark. While this might be a personal preference, the difference in flavor and mouthfeel between fresh, wild-caught salmon (or high-quality pouched salmon) and canned is noticeable. In fact, these days, I often find myself purposely cooking extra salmon when preparing a meal, with the delightful anticipation of transforming it into these mouthwatering patties a few days later. It’s a delicious way to ensure no quality salmon goes to waste and to always have a quick, healthy meal option on hand.
If you’re a fan of salmon patties, especially those seeking a healthier, low-carb alternative, then you absolutely must give this recipe a try! It’s a revelation in flavor and simplicity. These crispy, savory cakes are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also pack a powerful nutritional punch, making them an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even an appetizer. Their versatility means they can be served in countless ways, from nestled in a lettuce wrap to atop a fresh salad, or simply as a standalone star with a delicious dipping sauce. The satisfying crunch and rich salmon flavor are sure to make them a new favorite in your kitchen, proving that eating well can be both effortless and incredibly delicious. Prepare to be delighted by how effortlessly these patties come together and how quickly they disappear from the plate!
And for those who love exploring seafood in this delightful “patty” form, you might also enjoy discovering this fantastic crab cakes recipe, exquisitely flavored with the iconic Old Bay seasoning. It’s another excellent way to enjoy the flavors of the sea, offering a different yet equally delicious experience. These crab cakes are a true treat for any seafood lover, bringing that classic, zesty Maryland flavor right to your table. They offer a wonderful variety if you’re looking to expand your repertoire of crispy, savory seafood dishes.
📖 Recipe: Keto Salmon Patties
Want to save this recipe for later?
Enter your email below to have this recipe sent directly to your inbox!
Print
Pin it!
SaveSaved!
Keto Salmon Patties
Ingredients
- 10 oz cooked salmon (flaked, pouches work great!)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ c ground pork rinds
- 2 TB mayonnaise
- Dash of sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 TB avocado oil (or other high-heat cooking oil)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, egg, ground pork rinds, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape.
- Divide the mixture into approximately 10 equal portions and form them into small, round patties. Place the formed patties on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the patties firm up, preventing them from falling apart during cooking and ensuring a beautiful, crispy crust.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chilled salmon patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until each patty is golden brown and beautifully crisp on the exterior.
- Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve these delectable Keto Salmon Patties warm with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as a classic tartar sauce or the fresh, vibrant avocado cream sauce (recipe provided below). Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
📖 Recipe: Avocado Cream Sauce
Want to save this recipe for later?
Enter your email below to have this recipe sent directly to your inbox!
Print
Pin it!
SaveSaved!
Avocado Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
- ¼ c sour cream
- 3 TB fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of half a lemon (or lime, for extra zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 TB avocado oil (optional, to thin consistency)
- 1-2 teaspoon water (as desired, to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) in a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually add avocado oil or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately with your Keto Salmon Patties or as a vibrant accompaniment to any other meal.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Explore More Keto Recipes
If you’re embracing the low-carb lifestyle, there’s a world of delicious and satisfying keto-friendly recipes waiting for you. From savory snacks to refreshing drinks, here are some of my favorite creations that keep mealtime exciting and your keto journey on track:
- Keto Tartar Sauce: The perfect creamy, tangy accompaniment for any seafood, especially these salmon patties, without the hidden sugars.
- Sugar-Free Lemonade: A wonderfully refreshing and guilt-free beverage to quench your thirst on a warm day.
- “Nutella” Fat Bombs with Hazelnut: Indulge your sweet tooth with these rich, satisfying, and easy-to-make fat bombs, perfect for a quick energy boost or dessert.
- Keto Snack Crackers: Crispy, savory crackers that are ideal for pairing with cheese, dips, or enjoying on their own.
- Keto Cream Cheese Roll-Ups: A versatile and customizable snack or light meal, these roll-ups are quick to prepare and always a hit.