Recipe My Special Salmon Patties

Somehow I had never been satisfied with the various Salmon Patty recipes I found until found and slightly modified this one. It has been a hit with all those who have tried it. Hope you like it also.
.
Salmon Patties

Ingredients

• 1 (14.75 ounce) can of pink or red salmon, drained (save the juice)
• 1/3 cup of finely minced onion
• 1/3 cup of fine chopped bell pepper
• 1/3 cup of fine chopped celery
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama), or to taste.
• 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper
• 15 saltine crackers, crushed fine
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/8 cup of reserved salmon juice
• 1/4 cup of canola or vegetable oil .... for frying

Instructions

Use a fork to gently break apart the salmon, leaving some small chunks. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, parsley and lemon zest; gently toss. Add the cracker crumbs, egg and juice. Shape into 6 to 8 patties. I used a shallow 1/3 or 1/2 cup measure, and then my moistened hands.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat oil and carefully add the patties, cooking until browned; (bout 3 minutes per side) use a fish turner or wide spatula to carefully turn and brown the other side. (I actually used 2 turners, one under, and one to gently control the action as I flipped them), Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.