If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting way to enjoy salmon, these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are the perfect option. Combining the rich, tender flavors of salmon with a crunchy, nutty sesame crust, these patties are a delightful blend of texture and taste. Whether you’re looking to add more fish to your diet or simply craving a satisfying, homemade meal, these patties are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why you’ll want to add Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties to your meal plan:
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The salmon is paired with Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek (or Sriracha), and lime, offering a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that’s truly irresistible.
- Crispy, Crunchy Texture: The sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior of the salmon patties.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, making this a heart-healthy and nutrient-dense meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy to Make: These patties are simple to prepare, and the process only takes about 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Versatile: Whether served on their own, with a dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal, these salmon patties are incredibly adaptable to different serving styles and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious sesame-crusted salmon patties, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salmon Patties:
- 1.5 pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillets, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or Sriracha, for a milder version)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 lime, zested
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these flavorful Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties.
Prepare the Salmon
Start by finely chopping the skinless, center-cut salmon fillets into small pieces. You can do this by hand or pulse it lightly in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process it—you’re looking for small, chunky pieces, not a smooth paste.Mix the Salmon Patty Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon with mayonnaise, soy sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek (or Sriracha), garlic, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, mint, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.Add the Breadcrumbs
Gradually fold in 1.5 cups of panko breadcrumbs to the salmon mixture. You want to use enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together without making it too dry. The mixture should be firm enough to form into patties but not too stiff.Form the Patties
Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into patties about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should get about 8-10 patties, depending on the size you make them.Coat with Sesame Seeds
In a shallow dish, combine the white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Dredge each patty lightly in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to coat the entire surface. The sesame crust will give the patties a delightful crunch and beautiful color when cooked.Cook the Patties
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, cook the patties in batches. Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.Serve
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties on their own with a side of dipping sauce, or serve them in a salad, on a bun, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 salmon patties, depending on the size. If you’re serving them as an entrée, they’ll easily feed 4 people, or you can serve them as appetizers for a party.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: These patties pair wonderfully with a simple soy dipping sauce, a tangy ginger-lime sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Side Dishes: Serve them alongside steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or brown rice to complete the meal. They also go well with a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for extra freshness.
Variations
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Add Veggies: If you’d like more veggies in the patties, try adding grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spicy: For an extra kick, add more sambal oelek or sriracha to the salmon mixture, or top the patties with a drizzle of spicy mayo.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—these salmon patties store well and can be enjoyed later!
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon, but be sure to drain it well and remove any bones before using it in the patties. Fresh salmon will provide a better texture and flavor, but canned salmon is a convenient alternative.
Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the patties. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the cooking process faster. You can also freeze the uncooked patties for later use.
Final Thoughts
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a delightful way to enjoy the nutritious benefits of salmon while satisfying your taste buds with a crunchy, flavorful twist. With their simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and versatility, they make an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining. Whether you serve them as appetizers or part of a full meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, make these delicious patties, and enjoy the bold flavors of homemade salmon in a whole new way!
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Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
Description
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties offer a perfect balance of tender salmon and crispy sesame coating, enhanced with bold flavors like ginger, garlic, and lime
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds skinless center-cut salmon fillets, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or Sriracha)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 lime, zested
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Finely chop the salmon fillets and add to a large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, soy sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek, garlic, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, mint, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Gradually add 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs and mix until the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into 8-10 patties.
- Coat each patty with a mixture of white and black sesame seeds.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve with a dipping sauce or a side of vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sambal oelek or sriracha.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the salmon is finely chopped to avoid large chunks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes

