Mexican Salmon Patties
If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on traditional salmon patties, these Mexican Salmon Patties are a must-try. Packed with bold flavors, colorful ingredients, and a delightful mix of textures, they transform a simple canned salmon into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With a crispy exterior, tender interior, and a hint of spice, these patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes Mexican Salmon Patties stand out is the combination of ingredients that add both texture and flavor. The canned salmon forms a rich, protein-packed base, while the crushed saltine crackers act as a perfect binder, keeping the patties intact without being heavy. Black beans and corn provide a slight sweetness and hearty texture, balancing the mild flavor of the salmon.
The addition of lime juice adds brightness, while diced jalapeños bring just the right kick. Taco seasoning and garlic powder elevate the dish with familiar Mexican flavors, and fresh cilantro gives it a vibrant, herby finish. The eggs and mayonnaise help the patties hold together and fry up golden brown with a slightly crispy edge, while still remaining tender inside.
In short, this recipe works because every ingredient serves a purpose — from flavor enhancement to structural support — creating a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make dish.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before diving in, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools on hand. For the Mexican Salmon Patties, you’ll need:
Ingredients
25 oz canned salmon, drained & deboned
Juice of 2 limes
1½ sleeves saltine crackers, crushed (or another binder of your choice)
15 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
15 oz can corn, drained
2 tbsp mayonnaise
4 eggs
1 medium–large onion, minced
1 cup chopped cilantro
3–4 diced jalapeños (seeds in or out depending on your heat preference)
4 tbsp taco seasoning
2 tbsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Tools
Large mixing bowl
Fork or spatula for mixing
Skillet or frying pan
Measuring cups & spoons
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
Plate or tray for forming patties
Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
How To Make Mexican Salmon Patties
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Mexican Salmon Patties that are flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked.
Step 1: Mix the Patty Mixture
Start by combining your main ingredients in a large bowl. Add the drained salmon, lime juice, crushed saltines, black beans, corn, mayonnaise, eggs, minced onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix — you want the mixture to hold together without becoming mushy. If it feels too loose, add a few more crushed crackers until the mixture forms a moldable consistency.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Once your mixture is ready, shape it into patties using your hands. Aim for uniform sizes, so they cook evenly. For this recipe, you should get about 6 patties.
Tip: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking while forming the patties. You can also make them slightly thinner if you prefer a crispier exterior.
Step 3: Fry the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium–high heat with enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes, or until the patties turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in soggy patties. Flip them gently to prevent breaking.
Step 4: Drain & Serve
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step ensures your Mexican Salmon Patties stay crisp on the outside without being greasy.
Tip: Serve them immediately while they’re warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Making perfect Mexican Salmon Patties is easy if you follow a few simple tips:
Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the salmon flavor and balances the richness.
Adjust spice level: Leave seeds in the jalapeños for extra heat, or remove them for milder patties.
Crispier patties: If you love crunch, lightly coat the patties in additional crushed crackers before frying.
Prevent sticking: Make sure your skillet is hot and use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom.
Binder alternatives: If you don’t have saltines, breadcrumbs, crushed tortilla chips, or even oats work well.
Make ahead: You can form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Oven-bake option: For a healthier version, bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
By following these tricks, your Mexican Salmon Patties will turn out perfectly every time.
How To Serve Mexican Salmon Patties
These patties are versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas:
Classic style: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
With a sauce: Pair with cilantro cream, spicy mayo, or salsa verde for added flavor.
Inside tacos: Make mini salmon tacos with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado.
As a salad topper: Add sliced patties to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed meal.
With sides: Serve alongside grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or rice for a hearty dinner.
No matter how you serve them, these patties are sure to impress with their bold flavor and satisfying texture.
Serving Suggestions
Tacos: Place patties in small tortillas with avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Sandwiches: Toast a bun, add lettuce, tomato, and your patty for a delicious salmon burger.
Appetizers: Cut smaller patties into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauce for a party platter.
Breakfast twist: Top with a fried egg and avocado for a filling breakfast or brunch option.
Time
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate time commitment for making Mexican Salmon Patties:
Preparation time: 15–20 minutes (mixing, chopping, forming patties)
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes (frying in batches)
Total time: 25–32 minutes
This makes it a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mexican Salmon Patties are more than just a salmon dish — they’re a complete flavor experience. The combination of creamy, crispy, spicy, and savory elements makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables, making them both healthy and satisfying.
They’re also extremely versatile — perfect for meal prep, parties, or even a quick lunch. You can serve them in tacos, on a bun, or straight off the pan with a side salad.
Variations To Try
Cheesy Mexican Salmon Patties: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the mixture for a cheesy surprise.
Spicy version: Include an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Herb twist: Swap cilantro with parsley or fresh basil for a different flavor profile.
Crunch factor: Mix in crushed tortilla chips for added crunch inside the patties.
Experimenting with variations keeps the Mexican Salmon Patties exciting and adaptable for any taste preference.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Patties can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Final Thoughts
These Mexican Salmon Patties are a game-changer for anyone who loves salmon or wants a quick, flavorful, and versatile meal. With bold Mexican-inspired flavors, a perfect balance of textures, and endless serving possibilities, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner, packing them for a work lunch, or preparing them as appetizers for a party, these patties are sure to impress.
Try this recipe, follow the tips for success, and you’ll discover just how delicious simple canned salmon can become when paired with the right ingredients.
Mexican Salmon Patties are:
Quick and easy to make
Full of bold flavors
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
Versatile for meals, tacos, sandwiches, or appetizers
Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
Give this recipe a try, and it’s likely to become a staple in your recipe rotation — a dish you’ll return to again and again for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.