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These keto salmon patties (sometimes called keto salmon cakes) make a wholesome and healthy seafood meal, without breaking the bank – or even a trip to the grocery store. If you need a recipe that makes do with what you have, low carb salmon patties are probably it. They are super quick to make (15 minutes, seriously!), because they’re made with canned salmon, meaning no need to cook the salmon separately. And, you need just 8 common pantry ingredients total, which you probably already have at home.
Serve this keto salmon patty recipe with a slice of lemon and an easy veggie side (and find more ideas for serving further down below). Perfect for a simple last-minute dinner, or even an appetizer.
What Are Salmon Patties?
Salmon patties are kind of like salmon burgers, with plenty of seasonings added, along with egg and breadcrumbs to hold it all together.
To keep the recipe keto friendly, we make a simple swap by making these low carb salmon patties with pork rinds. They are very similar to keto crab cakes.
Ingredients In Salmon Patties
This keto salmon cake recipe is made with just 8 pantry-staple ingredients:
- Yellow onion – Grating the onion is key, so that the low carb salmon patties don’t have big chunks of onion.
- Canned salmon – Can’t make the best salmon cake recipe without the salmon. 😉
- Eggs and mayonnaise – These act as a binder for the keto salmon patty recipe.
- Crushed pork rinds (these are my favorite!) – Instead of the typical breadcrumbs, we’re using pork rinds as a low carb alternative. You can also replace the pork rinds with almond flour if you like, though the texture is a bit different.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add flavor to the salmon keto cakes.
- Olive oil – This is used to fry the low carb canned salmon patties.
Which canned salmon is best for salmon cakes?
Any canned salmon will work for this low carb salmon cake recipe, as long as it’s boneless, but I recommend wild caught for the nutritional value.
This canned wild Alaskan salmon is great quality, sustainable wild-caught, and affordable. Triple-win.
Is canned salmon already cooked?
Yes, canned salmon is already cooked. That’s one of the reasons this keto salmon patty recipe comes together so fast.
How To Make Salmon Patties
Making low carb salmon patties is super quick, with just a few easy steps:
- Grate onion. As I mentioned above, we’re grating the onion instead of dicing it so that there aren’t big onion chunks.
- Mix keto salmon cakes mixture. In a medium bowl, combine onion, salmon, egg, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form low carb salmon patties. Using your hands, form mixture into 6 patties and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let mixture stiffen.
- Cook salmon patties. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side.
How do you know when salmon patties are done?
Salmon patties are done when they are golden brown on both sides. As long as you have heat on medium, they will cook through inside by the time they are golden brown on the outside.
Are Salmon Patties Healthy?
Yes, this keto salmon patty recipe is very healthy! In addition to being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (also known as healthy fats!), these salmon patties are a great source of protein and very low in carbs.
Are salmon patties low carb?
Traditional salmon patties contain bread crumbs, so they are not low carb.
But these salmon patties have just 1g net carb per patty! The full nutrition stats can be found below the recipe card.
How To Store & Reheat Keto Salmon Patties
Can you make salmon patties ahead?
Yes, you can definitely prepare salmon cakes up to 1-2 days in advance. Store the uncooked patties in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
How to store salmon cakes
Store these keto friendly salmon patties in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for best results.
Can salmon patties be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this keto salmon patty recipe. Store in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a hot skillet, until heated through.
Tools To Make Low Carb Salmon Patties
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Folding Grater – This grater folds down on itself, which can save you major space in the kitchen.
- Hard Anodized Frying Pan – Your keto salmon cakes won’t stick to these pans! I use these in my kitchen almost daily.
How To Serve Keto Salmon Patties
Serving salmon patties doesn’t need anything fancy. Here are some basic ideas:
- Serve plain, over leaf lettuce. A lemon wedge, plus a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt goes nicely.
- Wrap patties in a lettuce wrap. Smear with some extra mayo or aioli inside.
- Make keto salmon sliders. I actually like to use keto dinner rolls. (I also have another burger bun recipe in my Easy Keto Cookbook.)
What goes with salmon patties?
I love serving this low carb salmon patty recipe with a slice of lemon and a low carb veggie side or salad. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted Asparagus – With its bright flavors, it’s the perfect pairing.
- Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms – These mushrooms make a tasty side to keto salmon cakes.
- Cauliflower Potato Salad – An easy side dish to make ahead, great in the summer especially. If you have family members who aren’t low carb, make them regular potato salad.
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Let the cauliflower roast while you fry up the best salmon patty recipe!
- Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad – Fresh, vibrant, and so beautifully simple.
Low Carb Keto Salmon Cakes Recipe
Reader Favorite Recipes
The recipe card is below! Readers that made this also viewed these recipes:
Low Carb Keto Salmon Patties Recipe (Salmon Cakes)
Low carb keto salmon patties (a.k.a. salmon cakes) are ready in 15 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients. This keto salmon patty recipe is a budget-friendly way to enjoy healthy fish.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except olive oil. Mix until just combined, but don't over mix.
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Using your hands, form mixture into 6 (1/2-inch thick) patties and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Patties will feel wet and sticky. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon patties to the skillet without touching each other, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until browned on the other side.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 salmon patty
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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93 Comments
Helen Goller
What can you use instead of pork rinds?
Wholesome Yum D
Hi Helen, You can replace the pork rinds with almond flour if you like, though the texture is a bit different.
Sharon
I made this tonight and everyone loved them! I followed the recipe almost as written with the following changes. I omitted the salt as the can of pink salmon was salt enough. I added 2 eggs, and replaced pork rinds (don’t like them & didn’t have any) with 1/2 cup of fine almond flour + 1/2 cup of ground up Parmesan cheese crisps (Whisps) – gluten free & zero sugar. The Italian seasoning was unexpected in these but worked out really well. Next time I’ll add homemade Mayo for a better calorie count. Thanks for the recipe; it’s a keeper!
Roberta
These are fantastic. I would use less salt next time
Joanie
My husband loved salmon “croquettes” before eating low carb, I was never a fan, but these were great and so easy to make! Just a bit salty. Thanks, Maya
Marianne Sgrillo
I never made salmon patties before and they were delicious. I will be making a bigger batch and freezing them for future meals.
Gary F
Quite tasty. Will hold off on the salt. Plenty of salt from pork rinds.
Ina
Thank you for sharing it!! I love this recipe!!
Lisa H
These are awesome!!! Even my non-keto son likes them. Thanks for such a great recipe, putting this into the weekly rotation.
Helen C Williams
I made this recipe tonight and posted it on Instagram, in the 3 keto groups I am a member of and on my FB page with your recipe link. I didn’t season my patties enough as I have become sensitive to seasonings, esp salt since I’ve been on keto – but I followed your recipe to the letter with the exception of using pork rinds (didn’t have any) so I added an extra egg and used almond flour. I was happy with my results and will use the exact amount of seasonings you use next time. Also I think I’ll use red salmon next time for a richer flavor. This recipe is a keeper as my patties did not break apart and was good. Thanks for a lovely recipe.
Michele
How much almond flour did you use?
Donna Stillwell
My husband said I knew it would be good but I didn’t know it was going to be that good. We loved it.
William
Great Keto Salmon Patty Recipe! Took another reviewer’s advice, crushed the pork rinds very finely. Also, next time will reduce the salt from 1 1/2 tsp. to just 1 tsp.
Nanette
Unless the pork rinds are very well ground, any blobs absorb moisture and become yucky. Next time I’ll use a paper bag and a rolling pin (don’t have a food processor). Otherwise… Thanks!
Bianca
KEEPER!! I’ve been on keto for three weeks and I felt like I was cheating it’s that good. For my preference, I did not use pork rinds since I didn’t have any and I added green onion. I ate two cakes from the skillet with an over medium (dippy) egg on it and it was soooooo good (just too salty for my taste). Can’t wait for the next batch!!
Next time, I’ll will cut wayyyy back on the salt and add cut up celery as suggested by another reviewer.
Fred
I’ve made the recipe about 5 times now and my friends and I seem to enjoy it more each time. Recipes like this make it so easy to eat healthy keto meals. Thanks!