Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors and irresistible texture with healthy, everyday ingredients, Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties will absolutely win you over. Crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy in the middle, these patties are bursting with Asian-inspired aromatics and the nutty pop of sesame seeds. They’re as gorgeous on a plate as they are delicious, whether you serve them for a weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or as a creative twist on classic salmon cakes. Trust me: once you try these, you’ll want them in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties is how accessible yet impactful the ingredients are. Every element adds its own magic—bright color, fresh aroma, richness, or that all-important golden crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each piece matters:

• Canned wild-caught salmon: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and bold flavor, this is the quick-and-easy foundation for these patties. Opt for boneless and skinless for extra convenience!
• Green onions: Their subtle sharpness and fresh crunch lift the salmon and add gorgeous color flecks to each patty.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet, vibrant, and crunchy—this veggie brings visual appeal and a gentle sweetness to every bite.
• Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley adds herby brightness and a touch of garden-fresh flavor.
• Soy sauce or tamari: A splash of umami depth from soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari!) infuses the patties with savory richness.
• Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil creates a deeply aromatic, nutty undertone that makes the flavor pop.
• Garlic powder: For a background whisper of garlicky goodness—easy and always reliable.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brings its signature warmth and slight heat.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style panko creates lighter, crispier patties that hold together beautifully.
• Large egg: Acts as the binder, helping the patties hold their shape (no crumbly salmon here!).
• White sesame seeds: They form half the crunchy outer layer, with a light, nutty taste and pretty color contrast.
• Black sesame seeds: Paired with white, these create a striking two-toned crust and an extra hit of sesame flavor.
• Olive oil: For pan-frying, olive oil helps the patties turn beautifully golden and crisp without being greasy.

How to Make Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties

Step 1: Mix the Salmon Patty Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked canned salmon with finely chopped green onions, red bell pepper, parsley, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and the egg. Use a fork or your hands to gently but thoroughly mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when pressed—don’t be afraid to get a little hands-on here!

Step 2: Shape into Patties

Divide the mixture into six equal portions (an ice cream scoop or your hands work perfectly). With dampened hands, shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. You want them compact enough to hold together during cooking, but not overly dense.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

In a shallow dish or plate, mix together the white and black sesame seeds for your striking exterior. Gently press each salmon patty into the sesame seeds on both sides, firmly enough that the seeds stick but without squashing the patties. This step is where Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties really shine, both in flavor and visual appeal!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (make sure it’s hot, but not smoking). Carefully add the patties, giving them plenty of room. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around too much—let that crust develop! Flip gently and fry the other side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties warm, either as the star of a healthy dinner plate, over a vibrant salad, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce. The contrast of the crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior is pure magic!

How to Serve Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties

Garnishes

For a simple yet show-stopping finish, sprinkle your patties with extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and a light dusting of flaky sea salt. A few sesame seeds scattered on top tie everything together. And if you want even more flavor, a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a tangy soy-ginger dip transforms this dish into something truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These patties pair beautifully with so many sides! Try them over a bed of mixed greens, beside jasmine rice, or with a refreshing Asian-style slaw. Steamed vegetables or lightly sautéed bok choy add a healthy touch. Or go classic with roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get fabulously creative with Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties. Tuck them into slider buns with spicy mayo and pickled veggies for a fun party bite, or slice them into strips and serve over rice bowls. For a lighter take, wrap them in lettuce leaves with cucumber and carrot ribbons. These versatile patties are your ticket to endless dinner inspiration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), cool the patties completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked and cooled sesame crusted salmon patties in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zipper-top freezer bag or sealed container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For best results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat, or in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but a quick pan-fry revives that magical sesame crust!

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the canned salmon with an equal amount of cooked, flaked fresh salmon. This will give the Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties an even richer, more delicate flavor—just make sure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.

Are these patties gluten-free?

With one simple swap, yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free batch of Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties that everyone can enjoy.

What dipping sauces go best with these salmon patties?

I love serving them with sriracha mayo, a tangy soy-ginger vinaigrette, or even a dollop of wasabi-spiked yogurt. Each sauce brings out a different facet of the savory, nutty crust—feel free to mix it up and find your signature!

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You sure can. Place the sesame-crusted patties on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get quite the same crisp as pan-frying, but they’ll still taste fantastic and the cleanup is minimal.

What if I don’t have both black and white sesame seeds?

No problem! Using just one kind of sesame seed is perfectly fine. The classic look and flavor of Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties will still shine—just use what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about bringing big flavor to the table with simple, wholesome ingredients—and that’s exactly what you get with Sesame Crusted Salmon Patties. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or already a salmon lover, these are sure to become a crave-worthy favorite. Give them a try and watch them disappear—your family and friends will thank you!