I want to share with you my delicious recipe for salmon patties with dill sauce. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy the flavorful and healthy benefits of salmon. The patties are made from a combination of fresh salmon, bread crumbs, eggs, and a medley of herbs and spices. They are then pan-fried to crispy perfection, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

The dill sauce, made with creamy Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill, adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these salmon patties with dill sauce will surely become a crowd-pleasing favorite in no time!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Salmon Patties:

2 cans (14.75 oz each) of pink or red salmon, drained and flaked
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons of dried dill)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for frying

For the Dill Sauce:

1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons of dried dill)

1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for Making Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce

Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Patties: Divide the salmon mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.

Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Dill Sauce: While the patties are cooking, prepare the dill sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
Serve: Serve the salmon patties hot with the dill sauce on the side. You can garnish with additional dill or lemon slices if desired.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Use Quality Salmon: The type of salmon you use can greatly affect the flavor and texture of your patties. Opt for wild-caught salmon if available, as it tends to have a richer flavor compared to farmed salmon. If using canned salmon, ensure it’s well-drained and bones and skin are removed if preferred.

Getting the Right Texture: The key to perfect salmon patties is in the texture. You want your patties to be moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. Achieving this starts with the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. If your mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a little more lemon juice or another egg can help.

Season Well: Don’t be shy with seasonings. Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices. In addition to dill and lemon, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of warmth. Taste your mixture before forming the patties and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Forming Patties: When forming your patties, press them together firmly enough to hold their shape, but try not to compact them too tightly. This will help keep them moist during cooking. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, moisten your hands with water or a bit of oil before shaping.

Cooking to Perfection: Ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before adding the patties. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the patties will burn before the inside is cooked through. Conversely, if the oil isn’t hot enough, the patties won’t get that desirable crispy exterior. A medium heat is usually just right.

Serving Suggestions

On a Bed of Greens: Serve your salmon patties atop a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper complements the flavors of the salmon and dill beautifully.

With Grain Sides: Pair the patties with a side of quinoa, couscous, or brown rice. These grains offer a neutral base that allows the flavors of the salmon patties and dill sauce to shine. For an extra touch of flavor, stir some chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil into the cooked grains.

As a Burger: For a heartier meal, serve the salmon patties on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a generous dollop of the dill sauce. Add a slice of avocado or some crispy bacon for additional flavor and texture.

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes make excellent accompaniments to salmon patties. Their natural sweetness and slight char complement the savory flavors of the fish.

As an Appetizer: Make mini salmon patties to serve as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of the dill sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Salmon Patties Ahead of Time? Yes, you can form the patties and refrigerate them a few hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the fridge to prevent drying out. You can also cook the patties in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Can I Freeze Salmon Patties? Cooked salmon patties freeze well. Let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs? If you need a gluten-free option or just don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, gluten-free panko, or even rolled oats as a binder. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor.

How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free? For the dill sauce, you can substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or a soy-based sour cream. Just be sure to check the product’s consistency to ensure your sauce doesn’t become too thin.

Why Are My Salmon Patties Falling Apart? If your patties are falling apart, the mixture may be too wet or not packed firmly enough. Ensure you’ve drained the salmon well and adjust the amount of breadcrumbs or add another egg if necessary to achieve the right consistency.

Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce

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Salmon patties, affectionately referred to as salmon cakes, present an effortlessly delightful option for a swift evening meal or an elegant brunch gathering.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Patties:

2 cans 14.75 oz each of pink or red salmon, drained and flaked
2 large eggs beaten
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
1/4 cup of finely chopped onion

1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
1 garlic clove minced
2 tablespoons of fresh dill chopped (or 2 teaspoons of dried dill)

1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for frying

For the Dill Sauce:

1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of fresh dill chopped (or 2 teaspoons of dried dill)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 garlic clove minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Patties: Divide the salmon mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Make the Dill Sauce: While the patties are cooking, prepare the dill sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
Serve: Serve the salmon patties hot with the dill sauce on the side. You can garnish with additional dill or lemon slices if desired.