Ingredients You'll Need
You only need three ingredients for the basic recipe.
1. Canned Salmon
Use canned salmon that's been drained well.
If your canned salmon contains bones and skin, check the label and remove anything you don't want in the finished patties. Many canned salmon varieties have very soft edible bones, but the choice is yours.
2. Eggs
Eggs act as the binder, helping hold the salmon patties together.
3. Shredded Cheese
Sharp cheddar is a great choice because it adds plenty of flavor while helping the patties brown beautifully.
For the easiest mixing, shred the cheese fairly finely.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Keep it simple:
Mixing bowl
Fork or spatula
Measuring cups
Nonstick skillet or well-seasoned skillet
Spatula
Plate lined with paper towels, if desired
How to Make 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties
Ready? These are incredibly easy.
Step 1: Drain the Salmon
Drain the canned salmon thoroughly.
This step matters because excess liquid can make the mixture too loose and make the patties harder to flip.
Transfer the salmon to a mixing bowl and gently break it apart with a fork.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Cheese
Add the eggs and shredded cheese to the salmon.
Mix everything together until evenly combined.
The mixture should be moist but cohesive enough to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into several portions and gently shape each one into a small patty.
Don't make them too thick. Slightly flatter patties are easier to cook through and develop more of those delicious golden edges.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil or butter if needed.
Allow the pan to heat before adding the patties.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon Patties
Carefully place the patties into the hot skillet.
Cook until the first side is nicely browned and firm enough to flip, then gently turn them over.
Continue cooking until the second side is golden and the patties are heated through.
Depending on their size and thickness, this generally takes several minutes per side.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the salmon patties to a plate and serve while they're hot.
And don't forget that crispy little edge that always seems to be the first bite everyone wants!
Tips for Making Perfect Salmon Patties
Drain the Salmon Well
Too much liquid can make the mixture difficult to shape.
If your salmon seems particularly wet, give it an extra moment to drain.
Don't Make the Patties Too Thick
Thinner patties cook more evenly and give you more crispy surface area.
And let's be honest—the crispy edges are one of the best parts!
Chill the Mixture if It's Too Soft
If your mixture feels difficult to shape, refrigerate it for about 15–20 minutes before forming the patties.
This can make handling much easier.
Let the First Side Brown Before Flipping
Resist the temptation to move the patties around constantly.
Give them time to develop a crust before carefully turning them.
Use a Thin, Wide Spatula
A thin spatula makes flipping delicate patties much easier.
Easy Ingredient Additions
The basic recipe is intentionally simple, but you can add extra ingredients when you aren't concerned about keeping it strictly three ingredients.
Try:
Fresh parsley
Green onions
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Paprika
Old Bay-style seafood seasoning
A little Dijon mustard
Fresh dill
Lemon zest
Chopped jalapeño
A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished patties can brighten the entire dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Can I Use Fresh Salmon?
Yes. Cooked salmon can be flaked and used in place of canned salmon.
Just make sure it is fully cooked, cooled enough to handle, and free of excess moisture.
Can I Use Another Cheese?
Absolutely.
Cheddar is especially flavorful, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Parmesan, or another good melting cheese can work depending on the texture you're after.
Can I Make Them Without Cheese?
You can, but the cheese contributes both flavor and structure in this particular three-ingredient recipe.
If you leave it out, you'll likely need another binder to keep the patties together.
What to Serve With Salmon Patties
These little patties are incredibly versatile.
For a low-carb meal, serve them with:
Green salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted asparagus
Sautéed spinach
Cauliflower mash
Green beans
Roasted zucchini
Cucumber salad
Coleslaw
For a simple lunch, place two salmon patties over a bed of greens and add a squeeze of lemon.
For dinner, pair them with roasted vegetables and your favorite dipping sauce.
Low Carb Sauces for Salmon Patties
A good sauce can make these even better.
Try:
Lemon Mayo
Mix mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice and a little black pepper.
Dill Sauce
Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Spicy Mayo
Mix mayonnaise with your favorite hot sauce.
Garlic Aioli
A simple garlic-and-mayonnaise sauce is fantastic with crispy salmon patties.
Just remember that added sauces can change the carbohydrate and calorie content, so check the labels of packaged ingredients if you're tracking nutrition closely.
Can You Make Salmon Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes.
You can shape the uncooked patties, place them in a covered container, and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook.
For best quality, cook them within about a day.
You can also cook the patties ahead of time and gently reheat them when needed.
How to Store Leftover Salmon Patties
Allow cooked salmon patties to cool promptly, then refrigerate them in an airtight container.
For best quality, use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Reheat them in a skillet or air fryer if you want to bring some of the crispness back.
Microwaving works too, but the exterior won't be as crisp.
Can You Freeze Salmon Patties?
Yes.
Place cooled patties in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary.
For best quality, use within about 2–3 months.
Thaw safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are salmon patties low carb?
This three-ingredient version contains no breadcrumbs, crackers, or flour, so it is relatively low in carbohydrates. However, the exact carbohydrate amount depends on the canned salmon, cheese, and other ingredients you use.
Can I use canned salmon with bones?
Yes. The small bones in many canned salmon products are soft and edible. If you prefer a smoother texture, simply remove them before mixing.
Why are my salmon patties falling apart?
The mixture may contain too much moisture, the patties may be too thick, or they may have been flipped before developing a crust.
Drain the salmon well and handle the patties gently.
Can I bake salmon patties instead of frying them?
Yes. Arrange the patties on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake until firm and cooked through, turning carefully if desired. They won't have exactly the same skillet-fried crust, but it's a convenient alternative.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Lightly oil the basket and cook the patties in a single layer, turning carefully halfway through. Exact timing depends on the size of the patties and your air fryer, so watch for a browned exterior and a fully cooked center.
What kind of salmon is best?
Pink salmon and sockeye salmon both work. Sockeye generally has a stronger flavor, while pink salmon tends to be milder and softer.
Can I make smaller salmon patties?
Absolutely. Mini patties are perfect for appetizers or lunchboxes. Just watch them closely because smaller patties cook faster.
General Recipe Information
Recipe: Low Carb 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Seafood
Cuisine: American comfort food
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Cook Time: About 10 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate Nutrition Information
Nutrition varies depending on the size of the patties, type of salmon, cheese, and cooking oil used.
As a rough estimate, one serving may provide approximately:
Calories: 250–350
Protein: 25–32 g
Fat: 15–22 g
Carbohydrates: 2–5 g
If you're following a specific low-carb or ketogenic eating plan, check the nutrition labels on your exact ingredients and calculate the serving size accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I love recipes like this because they prove you don't need a refrigerator full of ingredients to put something delicious on the table.
These Low Carb 3-Ingredient Salmon Patties are simple, affordable, crispy, cheesy, and wonderfully satisfying.
They're perfect when you need a quick dinner, when you're trying to use pantry staples, or when you simply want something comforting without reaching for a complicated recipe.
And once you see how easy they are, don't be surprised if you start keeping canned salmon in the pantry just for these.
Three ingredients. One skillet. A whole lot of deliciousness.
If you make them, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I always love seeing how readers serve their salmon patties—and what delicious little twists they add!
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