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Simple Thai Salmon Patties Recipe

Featured in Quick Healthy Meals.

Kick your salmon dish up a notch with these easy Thai-flavored salmon patties. They use freshly chopped salmon instead of canned, blended with lime, mint, cilantro, garlic, and ginger for bold tasty flavors. Coated with sesame seeds and panko for a crispy finish, these patties benefit from a quick chill for ideal texture. Try them with a fresh salad or in a sandwich for a meal you can prep in advance and enjoy over several days.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:17:47 GMT
Golden sesame-covered salmon patties with a flavorful, herby inside. Pin it
Golden sesame-covered salmon patties with a flavorful, herby inside. | pinchofyummy.com

These elegant Thai-inspired salmon patties combine fresh fish with aromatic Asian flavors and a crunchy sesame seed crust. Premium salmon is hand-chopped and mixed with fragrant ginger, citrus, and a touch of sambal oelek for gentle heat. The result is a sophisticated yet accessible dish that perfectly balances Eastern and Western culinary traditions.

Hand-chopping the salmon rather than using a food processor yields the ideal chunky texture, allowing distinct pieces of fish to shine through in each bite.

Essential Ingredients

  • Salmon: Select fresh center-cut fillets with bright color
  • Kewpie Mayonnaise: Japanese mayo provides rich, smooth texture
  • Nam Pla: Thai fish sauce delivers authentic umami
  • Sambal: Fresh chili paste adds controlled heat
  • Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and mint provide aromatic freshness
  • Sesame Seeds: Mix of black and white for visual contrast
  • Panko: Light Japanese breadcrumbs for crispy texture
  • Ginger Root: Fresh, firm ginger adds zesty warmth

Preparation Method

Preparing the Salmon:
Check for pin bones and remove. Hand-chop into 1/4-inch pieces at an angle, keeping distinct chunks. Maintain cold temperature throughout prep.
Preparing Aromatics:
Finely mince garlic and ginger. Toast sesame seeds until fragrant. Chop herbs just before using. Mix wet ingredients separately first.
Mixing:
Combine ingredients with clean hands until evenly distributed. Add panko gradually to achieve proper binding. Mixture should hold shape while remaining light.
Forming Patties:
Use 1/3 cup portions for consistency. Shape gently with dimpled centers. Press sesame coating on firmly but carefully.
Golden salmon patties coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried to perfection. Pin it
Golden salmon patties coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried to perfection. | pinchofyummy.com

Professional experience shows that chilling shaped patties uncovered for one hour develops a protective surface that improves handling and coating adhesion.

Serving Recommendations

Serve atop sesame-dressed Asian slaw with quick-pickled vegetables. Accompany with spicy mayo or wasabi aioli. Complete the meal with soba noodles or steamed rice.

Recipe Variations

Try Thai basil or shiso leaves for different herb profiles. Add minced water chestnuts for texture. Season with togarashi spice blend. Incorporate tobiko for special occasions.

Storage Guidelines

Layer uncooked patties between parchment paper. For longer storage, freeze individually then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight before cooking. Reheat cooked patties at 350°F until warm.

Savory salmon patties with a crunchy sesame crust and rich flavor. Pin it
Savory salmon patties with a crunchy sesame crust and rich flavor. | pinchofyummy.com

This refined recipe balances traditional Western cooking methods with vibrant Asian flavors. The result is an elevated yet approachable dish that consistently delivers sophisticated taste and elegant presentation, whether served as an appetizer or main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is skipping the chill time an option?
Letting the patties chill for 2 hours helps them firm up. If short on time, at least pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
→ What size should I chop the salmon?
Aim to cut the salmon into pieces about 1/4 inch wide—small enough to cling together but not minced into a paste.
→ Can I make these mild instead of spicy?
Totally! You can reduce or leave out sambal oelek or Sriracha to adjust the spice level. A mild chili sauce works too.
→ How do I reheat them to keep them crispy?
Warm them in a skillet over medium heat to keep that crispy crust, or bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes.
→ Are these patties freezer-friendly?
Yes! Shape them and freeze before adding sesame seeds. Thaw overnight in the fridge before coating and cooking.

Fresh Thai Salmon Patties

Juicy salmon mixed with Thai herbs, lime, and ginger, surrounded by a golden crust of panko and sesame seeds.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 6 Servings (6-7 patties)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Patty Base

01 1.5 pounds of center-cut salmon fillets, no skin, finely diced
02 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
03 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
04 2 tablespoons of fish sauce used in Asian recipes
05 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek or Sriracha sauce

→ Aromatics and Herbs

06 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
07 1 lime, zest grated and juice squeezed from half
08 1 small red onion, diced into tiny pieces
09 3 green onions, sliced
10 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
11 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
12 1/2 cup of cilantro, finely cut

→ Coating

13 1.5 cups of panko breadcrumbs, divided into portions
14 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds
15 1 teaspoon of salt
16 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
17 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Start by removing the skin and any bones from the salmon. Chop it into very small bits, then place them in a big bowl and leave it to the side.

Step 02

In a separate large bowl, combine the mayo, soy sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek, garlic, ginger, red onion, lime zest and juice, all the herbs, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chopped salmon and mix it all thoroughly, using your hands for the best results.

Step 03

Shape the salmon mixture into 6-7 burger-style patties and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Store them in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours so they firm up.

Step 04

Mix the rest of the panko with the white and black sesame seeds. Put it in a shallow dish and coat each patty on all sides, making sure they’re evenly covered.

Step 05

Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the other side until they’re golden and reach 145°F in the center.

Notes

  1. If fresh salmon isn’t available, canned salmon works, too
  2. The patties can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days
  3. Serve either as a burger on a bun or on top of a salad

Tools You'll Need

  • A big mixing bowl
  • A large frying pan
  • A baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes fish (salmon, fish sauce)
  • Contains soy products
  • Egg allergen (from mayonnaise)
  • Gluten present (from panko breadcrumbs)
  • Sesame seeds included

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 404
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 27 g