Harissa Sesame Salmon Patties (Printable)
Crispy salmon patties infused with spicy harissa and nutty sesame, ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish & Protein
01 - 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
02 - 1 large egg
→ Aromatics & Flavor
03 - 2 tbsp harissa paste
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
→ Binding & Crunch
08 - 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
09 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
→ Seasoning
10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
→ For Frying
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Steps:
01 - Cut the salmon into chunks and pulse in a food processor until a coarse mixture forms—not a paste.
02 - Transfer the salmon to a bowl. Add harissa paste, minced garlic, scallions, cilantro, cumin, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix until just combined.
03 - With damp hands, shape the mixture into 8 small patties. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for garnish, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
05 - Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro or lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something you'd order at a restaurant and pay triple for
- The harissa gives this gentle heat that builds instead of overpowering, making them perfect for people who say they don't like spicy food
02 -
- Overworking the salmon mixture in the food processor turns it into a dense, rubbery texture, so pulse carefully and stop as soon as it comes together
- Chilling the formed patties for 15 minutes before frying helps them hold their shape better, especially if your kitchen is warm
03 -
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying—cook in batches if necessary so the patties develop that gorgeous golden crust instead of steaming
- Let the cooked patties rest on a wire rack for a minute or two instead of paper towels, which keeps them crispy on all sides