Easy and Delicious Gluten Free Salmon Pattie Recipe
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Growing up one of my favorite meals my mom made was delicious salmon patties. We didn’t have them often, but when we did, I gobbled it down!
My recipe includes the best sauce, light and fresh with the lemons, making it a great addition to your spring line-up!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy meal – These salmon patties come together in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Naturally gluten-free, with Healthy Ingredients – Using gluten-free breadcrumbs keeps the patties perfectly tender while staying safe for a gluten-free lifestyle.
- Pantry-friendly recipe – Made with canned salmon and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Packed with protein – Salmon is rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nourishing meal.
- Crispy outside, tender inside – Pan-searing creates a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
- Delicious creamy sauce – The lemon garlic sauce adds brightness and tang that perfectly complements the salmon.
Ingredients:
32 oz canned salmon – Use cans of wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutrition. Drain the liquid well. You can remove the skin if desired, but the soft bones can be mashed into the mixture since they add calcium and disappear once cooked. I prefer wild-caught salmon.
½ cup mayonnaise – Adds moisture and richness to the salmon mixture while helping bind the patties together. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs – Helps hold the patties together and gives them structure. Use store-bought gluten-free bread crumbs or pulse gluten-free crackers in a food processor to make your own.
1 tablespoon parsley (fresh or dried) – Adds a bright, herby flavor that complements the salmon. Fresh parsley provides the best flavor, but dried parsley works well too.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all of the flavors in the patties. Adjust slightly depending on the saltiness of your canned salmon.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a mild garlic flavor that blends evenly throughout the mixture without overpowering the salmon.
2 scallions, chopped – Also called green onion. They add a fresh, slightly sweet onion flavor and a pop of color.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the salmon and balances the richness of the mayo. Fresh lemon juice works best.
2 large eggs – Acts as a binder to hold the patties together while cooking.
For the Sauce
½ cup sour cream – Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the salmon patties.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth and a gentle garlic flavor to the sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brings brightness and acidity that complements the salmon.
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste – Balances and enhances the flavors of the sauce.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the salmon mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained canned salmon. If desired, remove any large pieces of skin, though the soft bones can remain since they break down easily and add extra calcium. Flake the salmon gently with a fork.
Add the mayonnaise, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, garlic powder, chopped scallions, lemon juice, and eggs. Using a spoon or clean hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 additional tablespoons of gluten-free breadcrumbs until it becomes easy to shape.
2. Make the lemon garlic sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Place the sauce in the refrigerator while you cook the patties so the flavors can meld together.
3. Form the patties
Using a ½-cup measuring cup, scoop the salmon mixture and gently shape it into patties about ¾–1 inch thick. Lightly press them together so they hold their shape. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare to cook them.
This recipe typically yields about 6–8 salmon patties, depending on size.
4. Cook the salmon patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place several patties in the pan, leaving space between them so they cook evenly.
Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crisp. Gently flip and cook another 2–3 minutes on the second side until heated through and nicely browned.
Work in batches if needed, adding a little more oil between batches to prevent sticking.
5. Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon patties to a serving plate. Spoon or dollop the lemon garlic sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Serve warm alongside fresh fruit, a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or gluten-free crackers for a light and satisfying meal. Top with fresh lemon zest.
Store in an airtight container
Tips and Tricks:
Drain the salmon well
Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet and cause patties to fall apart while cooking.
Don’t overmix
Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense.
Adjust the breadcrumbs if needed
If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time until the mixture holds together easily.
Let the patties rest before cooking
If you have time, let the formed patties sit for about 5–10 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better when cooking.
Use medium heat
Cooking over medium heat allows the patties to develop a golden crust without burning.
Flip carefully
Use a thin spatula and flip gently once the first side is fully browned so the patties stay intact.
Perfect Pairings:
These salmon patties pair well with a variety of simple sides:
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Gluten-free dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Steamed rice or quinoa
They are also delicious served on top of a salad, inside lettuce wraps, or on a gluten-free bun as a salmon burger.
Check out the recipe card below to make these gluten-free salmon cakes!
Easy and Delicious Gluten Free Salmon Pattie Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz canned salmon Use cans of wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutrition. Drain the liquid well.
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs you could also use Simple Mills crackers
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh or dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 scallions chopped.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Prepare the salmon mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained canned salmon. If desired, remove any large pieces of skin, though the soft bones can remain since they break down easily and add extra calcium. Flake the salmon gently with a fork.
- Add the mayonnaise, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, garlic powder, chopped scallions, lemon juice, and eggs. Using a spoon or clean hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 additional tablespoons of gluten-free breadcrumbs until it becomes easy to shape.
Make the lemon garlic sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Place the sauce in the refrigerator while you cook the patties so the flavors can meld together.
Form the patties
- Using a ½-cup measuring cup, scoop the salmon mixture and gently shape it into patties about ¾–1 inch thick. Lightly press them together so they hold their shape. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare to cook them.
- This recipe typically yields about 6–8 salmon patties, depending on size.
Cook the salmon patties
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place several patties in the pan, leaving space between them so they cook evenly.
- Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crisp. Gently flip and cook another 2–3 minutes on the second side until heated through and nicely browned.
- Work in batches if needed, adding a little more oil between batches to prevent sticking.
Serve
- Transfer the cooked salmon patties to a serving plate. Spoon or dollop the lemon garlic sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.
- Serve warm alongside fresh fruit, a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or gluten-free crackers for a light and satisfying meal. Top with fresh lemon zest.
- Store in an airtight container
These gluten-free salmon patties are a quick, flavorful meal made with simple pantry ingredients like canned salmon, gluten-free breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Pan-seared until golden and crispy, they are tender on the inside and packed with savory flavor. Served with a creamy lemon garlic sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or a protein-packed dinner the whole family will love.
