Growing up, I have fond memories of my grandmother’s delectable salmon patties. They were always a staple in our family’s weekly dinner rotation, and I looked forward to those crispy, golden-brown bites of seafood heaven. But it wasn’t until I discovered the magic of sesame seeds that I truly fell in love with this dish.
One day, I decided to experiment by adding a generous coating of sesame seeds to the classic salmon patty recipe, and let me tell you, it was an absolute game-changer. The nutty, toasted flavor of the sesame seeds perfectly complemented the rich, buttery salmon, creating a mouthwatering combination that had me coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Ever since that fateful day, Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties have become a staple in my household, and I’m thrilled to share this delicious recipe with you.
Why This Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
What sets this Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the carefully selected ingredients and the technique used to bring them together. By finely chopping or pulsing the fresh salmon in a food processor, you create a delicate yet cohesive patty that holds together beautifully. The addition of panko breadcrumbs provides a light and crispy exterior, while the sesame seeds lend a delightful nutty crunch.
The eggs and mayonnaise act as the binding agents, ensuring that each Sesame Crusted Salmon Patty maintains its shape and doesn’t fall apart during the cooking process. And the subtle hint of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper elevates the overall flavor profile, making these patties truly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh salmon, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor: The foundation of this dish, the fresh salmon provides the rich, buttery flavor and tender texture that makes these patties so special.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs lend a delightfully crispy exterior to the patties, setting them apart from traditional salmon cakes.
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds: The star of the show, the sesame seeds add a delicious nutty flavor and irresistible crunch to every bite.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Acting as the binding agent, the eggs help hold the patties together and create a cohesive texture.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adding a creamy richness, the mayonnaise enhances the overall flavor and texture of the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped: The fresh, vibrant onion flavor provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the salmon.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This aromatic seasoning adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: These classic seasonings help balance and enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and sesame seeds.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the patties, the olive oil helps to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Step-by-Step Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Instructions
Preparing Your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
With a total preparation and cooking time of just 23 minutes, this Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a skillet to bring these delicious patties to life.
1- Start by finely chopping or pulsing the fresh salmon in a food processor until it has a uniform, almost ground-like texture. This will help the patties hold together seamlessly during the cooking process.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, lightly beaten eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
3- Divide the salmon mixture into 8 equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet or plate, ensuring they are not touching each other.
4- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties to the pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the patties for 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden-brown and crispy on the exterior.
5- Carefully transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining patties until all have been cooked.
6- Serve your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy these delightful bites of seafood heaven as a main course or as an appetizer.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen salmon, as it can release more moisture and make the patties more prone to falling apart.
- Be gentle when mixing the ingredients – overworking the salmon can result in dense, tough patties. Aim for a light, delicate touch.
- Refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking to help them firm up and hold their shape better during the sauté process.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the sesame seeds from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the patties – work in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties immediately for the best texture and flavor. They’re at their absolute best when hot and fresh from the pan.
Serving and Storing Your Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Perfect Pairings for Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
These Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a light and refreshing meal, serve them atop a crisp salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. They also make a delightful main course when paired with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, and a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa.
If you’re looking to turn this recipe into an appetizer, serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties on small plates or toothpicks, accompanied by a creamy dill or lemon-garlic dipping sauce. They’re also a wonderful addition to any seafood-themed gathering or holiday spread.
When it comes to beverages, these patties pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, a refreshing iced tea, or a light and citrusy cocktail. With 8 servings per recipe, this dish is sure to please a crowd.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are incredibly easy to prepare in advance, making them the perfect option for busy weeknights or meal-prepping. To store them, simply place the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until they’re hot and crispy, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. For longer-term storage, the uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
To cook the frozen patties, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then sauté them as directed in the recipe. With these convenient make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties any time the craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
Creative Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Variations
While this classic Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties recipe is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a touch of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko, regular, or even crushed crackers.
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the sesame seeds for a blend of sesame, poppy, and chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost and textural contrast. And if you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, try adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or rice vinegar to the patty mixture, or serve them with a drizzle of teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
For a seasonal twist, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley, or swap the green onions for thinly sliced shallots. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Making Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Diet-Friendly
To accommodate various dietary needs and preferences, there are a few simple substitutions you can make to this Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties recipe:
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. You can also use ground almond meal or oat flour in place of the traditional breadcrumbs.
To make these patties vegan, substitute the salmon with a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms. Replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use a vegan mayonnaise in place of the regular variety.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly spin, skip the breadcrumbs altogether and use a combination of finely ground pork rinds and sesame seeds as the coating. You can also replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a keto-friendly aioli.
No matter your dietary needs, these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious and nutritious seafood dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?
A: While you can use frozen salmon, the texture and flavor may not be as optimal. Fresh salmon will provide the best results for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before chopping or pulsing in the food processor.
Q: How long do the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties take to prepare and cook?
A: This recipe has a total preparation and cooking time of 23 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 8 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?
A: Absolutely! The uncooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw the frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: How many servings does this Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 8 servings of Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties.
Q: What should I do if the patties start to fall apart while cooking?
A: If the patties are having trouble holding their shape, it could be due to overworking the salmon mixture or not refrigerating the formed patties before cooking. Next time, be more gentle when mixing the ingredients and chill the patties for 30 minutes before sautéing to help them firm up.
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties
- Total Time: 23
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Discover the ultimate Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties – a quick, easy, and flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. These patties feature a crispy, golden-brown sesame seed crust that perfectly complements the tender, flaky salmon inside.
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh salmon, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form the salmon mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully add the salmon patties to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties warm, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill, if desired.
Notes
For a crispier crust, you can refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking. These patties also freeze well – simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are a true seafood delight, blending the rich, buttery flavor of fresh salmon with the irresistible crunch of toasted sesame seeds. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare, with a total time of just 23 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties are sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to indulge in a taste of seafood heaven. Don’t forget to share your creations and feedback in the comments below!
