📖 Instructions

1. First things first – preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting perfectly cooked patties. Trust me on this one!
2. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, you're going to gently flake 1.5 pounds of cooked salmon. I like to use a fork for this; it's less messy than your fingers, and you get a really nice texture.
3. Now, grab a small saucepan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Don't burn them, we want them sweet!
4. Add 1/4 cup of bread crumbs to the flaked salmon. I prefer panko, but regular breadcrumbs work fine. Now, add the sautéed onions, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it all together gently, so you don't break up the salmon too much; we want some lovely texture in the patties.
5. Shape the salmon mixture into 6 patties, about 3/4 inch thick. You can do this with your hands – it's a surprisingly satisfying process!
6. Place the patties on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Now comes the fun part! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. A fork inserted into the thickest part should come out clean, or else it needs more time in the oven!
7. While the patties are baking, make a simple dill sauce (optional): Combine 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This part is optional, but it pairs delightfully with the patties.
8. Once the salmon patties are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve them hot, perhaps with your dill sauce (or your favorite sauce!).