If you’re craving something that manages to be crunchy, savory, fresh, and a little bit special—yet comes together in about 20 minutes—look no further than these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties. Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors, colorful veggies, and a golden sesame-studded crust, these patties are endlessly flexible and fun to make. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to put on weekly repeat, especially since it’s equally at home as a healthy main, a creative lunch, or even an impressive appetizer for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—each one plays a crucial role in delivering the rich flavor and perfect texture that make Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties so irresistible. From the freshness of the veggies to the crunch of the sesame seeds, everything just works.
- Wild-caught salmon: Using canned salmon keeps things quick, convenient, and deeply savory; flake it well for best texture.
- Green onions: Chopped finely, these add brightness and a subtle onion bite that really wakes up the patties.
- Red bell pepper: Diced small, this adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs are lighter than regular ones and help create the perfect crisp outer layer.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together for easy shaping and flipping.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Lends rich umami depth without overpowering the salmon.
- Sesame oil: Just a bit amplifies the nutty aroma, tying all the flavors together.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for zing and brightness, a secret weapon for next-level patties.
- Garlic powder: For a mellow garlic undercurrent that blends right in.
- Sesame seeds: White, black, or mixed—coating the patties brings major crunch and visual flair.
- Neutral oil: Avocado or canola work best for frying without competing with the other flavors.
How to Make Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, green onions, red bell pepper, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of sesame seeds. Use a fork or your hands to gently mix everything together until it’s just combined and the mixture looks uniform; you want those veggies and aromatics scattered throughout every bite.
Step 2: Shape into Patties
Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions. With clean, slightly damp hands, gently shape each portion into a patty about three-quarters of an inch thick. They don’t need to be perfect—just firm enough to hold together without falling apart.
Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Pour some extra sesame seeds onto a plate. Take each patty and lightly press it into the seeds on both sides, ensuring the surface is evenly studded. This not only adds texture and flavor but gives your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties that restaurant-worthy look.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the patties carefully, leaving room between each one. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them too much—they need that time to develop a crust. Flip gently and repeat until each patty is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy
Transfer the crisp patties to a paper towel-lined plate and let them rest for a minute. This helps set the crust and makes them easier to handle, so they’re ready to serve with your favorite toppings or side dishes.
How to Serve Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Garnishes
These patties come alive with a sprinkle of sliced scallions, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, and—for a little kick—a drizzle of spicy mayo or a sprinkle of chili flakes. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts, especially if you love a little zip of brightness.
Side Dishes
Serve Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties alongside a crunchy Asian slaw, lightly sautéed greens, or a simple bowl of fluffy jasmine rice. They also shine perched atop a salad with cucumber ribbons and avocado, making for a meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking the patties into steamed buns with pickled veggies, serving them as sliders with wasabi aioli, or slicing them over a fresh soba noodle bowl. These versatile patties even work wrapped up in lettuce leaves for a low-carb, high-flavor option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any extras, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties will keep well for up to three days, making them a fabulous meal-prep candidate for lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully: arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between each patty. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and are super handy for those nights when you need something delicious in a pinch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat thawed patties in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of oil until warmed through and crisp. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven or skillet method keeps that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just cook and flake the fresh salmon yourself, making sure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients. It adds a slightly different texture but is just as delicious in these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties.
Are these patties gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap traditional panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs are key to binding. Don’t skip them, and be sure to mix just enough to combine—overworking can cause them to become dense. Chilling the shaped patties for 15 minutes before frying can also help them hold their shape.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place the sesame-crusted patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Do Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties work for meal prep?
They’re wonderful for meal prep. You can shape the patties ahead of time and store them (covered) in the fridge, frying them just before eating, or cook the full batch and reheat as needed throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
From weeknight dinners to impressive apps for friends, these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties always hit the spot. They’re fast, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying. Give them a try and see just how quickly this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen.
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Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a delicious Asian-inspired dish perfect for a quick and healthy main course. Packed with flavorful ingredients like sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, these salmon patties are easy to make and full of protein.
Ingredients
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties:
- 2 (6 oz) cans wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix), plus more for coating
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola), for frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the salmon, green onions, red bell pepper, panko, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame seeds until well combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 patties and coat each with additional sesame seeds.
- Cook Patties: Fry the patties in oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the patties to rest before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Pair with Asian slaw or rice with spicy mayo or teriyaki glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
