Low Carb Keto Salmon Patties Recipe

I used to roll my eyes at canned salmon recipes—until I figured out how to turn it into crispy, savory patties that didn’t fall apart, taste fishy, or mess with my macros. These are not your grandma’s bland fish cakes. They’re golden on the outside, tender in the middle, and packed with flavor thanks to crushed pork rinds and a hit of smoked paprika.

No almond flour. No weird binders. Just solid pantry staples and keto smarts.

Why This One Works So Well

Most keto salmon patties are either too eggy, too mushy, or fall apart before they hit the skillet. This version solves all three:

• Crushed pork rinds give just enough structure to keep the patties crisp without carbs or grainy filler.
• Mayo and egg bind without drying things out.
• Chilling the patties before cooking firms them up—so they stay together in the pan instead of turning into salmon scramble.

What I Used (And Why It Worked)

• Canned salmon (340g / 12 oz, drained) – Affordable, easy, and macro-friendly. I mash up the bones for extra calcium and zero waste.
• Egg (1 large) – Essential binder. Don’t skip.
• Mayonnaise (80ml / ⅓ cup) – Adds fat and moisture. Keto gold.
• Crushed pork rinds (60g / 1 cup, measured after crushing) – The low-carb breadcrumb that actually crisps.
• Freshly grated onion (2 tbsp) – Big flavor boost without many carbs.
• Italian seasoning (¾ tsp) – Adds depth without needing extra ingredients.
• Sea salt (1½ tsp) – Yes, it’s a lot. Salmon needs it.
• Smoked paprika (½ tsp) – A smoky punch that makes it feel fancy.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp) – A little kick.
• Olive oil (3 tbsp) – For that golden crust in the pan.

Keto Swaps That Actually Work

Swap	Result	My Take
Use tuna instead of salmon	Works, but less rich	Tastes drier—add a little extra mayo
Use coconut flour instead of pork rinds	Nope	Texture turns spongy and off
Add fresh herbs	Excellent	Try dill, parsley, or chives for brightness
Sub avocado mayo	Totally fine	Adds a slightly different flavor—still keto-safe

What Went Sideways (And Why)

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Patties fell apart	Too wet / not chilled	Drain salmon well + chill 30 min
Burned outside, raw inside	Heat too high	Medium heat is your friend
Greasy texture	Too much oil + soft pan	Use a nonstick skillet and measure oil
Mushy inside	Overmixed or undercooked	Mix gently, don’t over-handle

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Mix gently: In a bowl, combine everything except the olive oil. Don’t overmix or it’ll get gluey.
2. Shape the patties: Form into 6 patties, about ½-inch thick. They’ll feel sticky—totally normal.
3. Chill: Let them rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. (This step matters.)
4. Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add patties without crowding and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
5. Flip with care: Use a wide spatula and a gentle hand.

I portion these into 6 equal patties—makes macro tracking way easier.

My Go-To Low-Carb Hacks

• I keep crushed pork rinds in a jar—faster than crushing fresh each time.
• Grate the onion on a microplane for fine texture and no chunks.
• Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s the secret to holding together.

Freezing + Reheating Without Ruining It

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to bags. Use parchment between layers. Keeps 3 months.
• Reheat: 180°C / 350°F in the oven for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness.

Can I Eat This on Keto? (Yes, Here’s Why)

Net carbs? Just 0.7g per patty.
No fillers, no starches, and you’re getting quality fats and protein in every bite.

Worried about the mayo? If you use a clean brand (or make your own), it’s all good.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry? Technically yes, but you’ll lose the crisp. Pan-fry is worth it.

Nutrition Facts

Per Salmon Patty

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	264.7 kcal
Total Fat	21.4 g
– Saturated Fat	3.5 g
Cholesterol	75 mg
Sodium	400 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Total Carbs	0.7 g
– Dietary Fiber	0.3 g
– Sugars	0.4 g
Net Carbs	0.4 g
Protein	17.2 g

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
• Low Carb Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
• Low Carb Keto Zucchini Alfredo