QUICK GARLIC SAUCE SALMON PATTIES

Craving a delicious seafood dinner but short on time? Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crisp salmon patty, bursting with savory garlic flavor in every bite, and then picture it ready in under 30 minutes! These Garlic Sauce Salmon Patties are about to become your new go-to weeknight meal, I promise!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Salmon Patties:

• 1 pound canned salmon, drained
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Preparing the Salmon Patties:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently flake the drained salmon with a fork. Add the breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Gently: Gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the Patties: Divide the salmon mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Making the Garlic Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
5. Add Lemon Juice and Season: Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Keep Warm: Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep the sauce warm.

Cooking the Salmon Patties:

1. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook Patties: Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be gentle when flipping them.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Your Masterpiece:

1. Plate and Drizzle: Place the cooked salmon patties on plates. Drizzle generously with the garlic sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Patties

Dealing with Sticky Mixture:

Sometimes the salmon mixture can be a little sticky. If you’re having trouble forming the patties, try wetting your hands with cold water before shaping them. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

Preventing Patties from Falling Apart:

A common issue is patties falling apart during cooking. To prevent this, make sure you don’t overmix the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs, which can make the patties tough. Also, chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape. If they’re still falling apart, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Adjusting the Garlic Flavor:

If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more garlic to the sauce! Start with an extra clove or two and adjust to your taste. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Spice it Up!

For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture or the garlic sauce.

Add Some Veggies!

Mix in some finely diced bell peppers, celery, or spinach to the salmon mixture for added nutrients and flavor.

Switch Up the Sauce!

Experiment with different sauces! A Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine inspired sauce could be amazing, or even a lemon-dill sauce would be a great complement to the salmon.

What to Serve with Your Salmon Patties

These Garlic Sauce Salmon Patties are delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain like rice or quinoa is a great way to soak up the delicious garlic sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful options.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the salmon patties.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Other Delicious Seafood Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of seafood, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Southern Salmon Patties: A classic recipe with a crispy exterior.
• Garlic Butter Baked Scallops: An easy and elegant dish perfect for a special occasion.
• Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Irresistibly crispy salmon bites with a spicy-sweet sauce.
• Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp: Quick and easy shrimp recipe with a sweet and savory glaze.
• Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos: Though not seafood, these tacos showcase the magic of garlic butter!

Making Garlic Sauce Salmon Patties: FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes, you can! If using fresh salmon, cook it first until flaky and then flake it with a fork. Make sure to remove any bones.

Can I freeze the salmon patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

The Final Bite: You’ve Got This!

These Garlic Sauce Salmon Patties are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table quickly. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying these flavorful patties in no time. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!