Oatmeal Salmon Patties: A Wholesome Twist on a Family Favorite

There’s a certain comfort that washes over me whenever I think about salmon patties. For years, they were a staple in my home, a reliable and delicious way to get my family to eat fish. But as with many cherished family recipes, a little voice in the back of my head started nudging me towards a healthier preparation. The thought of swapping out some of the usual binding agents for something more wholesome led me down a path of experimentation. It was during one of those kitchen explorations that the idea of oatmeal struck me – it’s fantastic in meatloaf, it’s packed with goodness, and it seemed like the perfect, nutritious answer to my quest for a lighter salmon patty.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-8
• Yields: 8 Patties
• Dietary Type: Contains Fish, Eggs

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14 ¾ ounce each) pink salmon, drained
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg white
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup quick whole grain oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup canola oil, for frying

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Refrigerator
• Large skillet, preferably cast iron
• Paper towel-lined plate

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the salmon. Drain both cans of pink salmon thoroughly. Carefully remove any skin and round bones from the fish. It’s important to be thorough here for the best texture and eating experience.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and egg white. Whisk them together until well blended.
3. Add the diced red onion, quick whole grain oatmeal, dried basil, and black pepper to the bowl with the eggs. Stir everything together.
4. Now, add the prepared salmon to the mixture in the bowl. Using your hands is often the most effective way to ensure everything is well incorporated – just be sure to remove any rings or jewelry beforehand! Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the salmon is broken down and evenly distributed.
5. Once the mixture is well combined, score out 8 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty. Aim for a thickness that will cook evenly.
6. Place the formed patties onto a plate and stick them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
7. When you’re ready to cook, fill a large skillet, ideally a black iron skillet, with the canola oil. Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat. You’re looking for the oil to be shimmering, but not smoking.
8. Carefully add the chilled salmon patties to the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches.
9. Cook the patties for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
10. Once cooked, remove the salmon patties from the skillet and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even smoother texture, you can pulse the drained salmon a few times in a food processor before adding it to the other ingredients, but be careful not to turn it into a paste. If you don’t have quick oats, you can lightly pulse rolled oats in a food processor for a similar effect. Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the patties; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy, and if it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These delicious Oatmeal Salmon Patties are wonderfully versatile. They are excellent served hot as a main course, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes and carrots as suggested. They also make a fantastic sandwich filling or can be enjoyed cold as part of a picnic lunch.

For storage, allow the patties to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, in a toaster oven, or in a conventional oven at around 350°F (175°C) until heated through. While freezing is possible, the texture might be slightly altered upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming 4 servings (2 patties each):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	637.2 kcal	32%
Total Fat	48.1 g	62%
Saturated Fat	5.2 g	26%
Cholesterol	189.9 mg	63%
Sodium	208.3 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	2.1 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	0.8 g	2%
Protein	47.6 g	95%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully simple, feel free to experiment! If you prefer a different type of canned salmon, feel free to substitute it. For a bit of a flavor boost, you could add a pinch of garlic powder or a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley to the mixture. For those looking to avoid gluten, ensure your quick whole grain oatmeal is certified gluten-free.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes, you can. If using rolled oats, it’s best to pulse them a few times in a food processor to break them down slightly, or they might not bind as effectively.

Q: Why do I need to chill the patties before cooking?
A: Chilling the patties in the refrigerator helps them firm up, which prevents them from falling apart or becoming too soft when they hit the hot oil.

Q: What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A: Red onion offers a nice color and a slightly milder flavor when used raw, but yellow or white onion can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: How can I make these patties healthier?
A: This recipe is already a healthier take due to the oatmeal. You could also consider baking the patties instead of frying them, though this will change the texture. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
A: Absolutely! Finely grated carrots, zucchini (squeezed dry), or bell peppers can be a delicious addition. Just ensure they are finely chopped or grated to integrate well.

Final Thoughts

These Oatmeal Salmon Patties are a testament to how simple substitutions can breathe new life into beloved dishes. They’re not just a healthier option; they’re a flavorful and satisfying meal that proves wholesome doesn’t mean boring. I encourage you to give them a try, perhaps pair them with some roasted root vegetables for a hearty supper, or enjoy them in a light lunch. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you discover along the way!