Salmon patties are quite good, and they can be made in various ways, with various ingredients, and with various toppings if desired.
I'll add my recipe below, but first a few things:
...the "red, sockeye" canned salmon is much tastier than the "pink" canned salmon
...the small bones (backbone discs mostly) in the can are highly nutritious and you won't taste or feel them at all if you just mash them with a fork then blend in with the other salmon
...I do remove as much of the skin as I can though since it has a lot of fat
...when made into patties, etc, I don't notice any particularly strong fishy taste or smell
My version of salmon patties/croquettes:
I can (15 oz) red salmon
20 saltine crackers, smushed but not pulverized
2 ribs celery with leaves, semi-finely chopped (don’t precook, should be crunchy)
handful of fresh parsley (if you have it), finely chopped... or a bunch of dried parsley
2 eggs
1 T Worcestershire sauce (can add a bit more if want --this ingredient is essential)
...form into patties that just hold together
...dust patties on both sides with Wondra or regular flour
...pan-fry on both sides in a mild-tasting oil
Meanwhile, make 1 cup plain "white sauce" while patties are browning, then pour a bit over each when serving
http://www.google.com/search?q=recipe+white+sauce
I also like to eat red salmon right out of the can (it's already cooked in the can), along with sides of cottage cheese, strips of fresh bell pepper, Rye Krisp crackers (the Seasoned ones), and a small can of V-8 juice--the only time I can drink that stuff, but very good here...those tastes just really "go together" for me.
Here are some other recipes for canned salmon from a google search:
http://www.google.com/search?q=recipe+%22canned+salmon%22+cook
http://www.google.com/search?q=recipe+%22canned+salmon%22
http://www.google.com/images?q=recipe+%22canned+salmon%22
...and with pasta: http://www.google.com/search?q=canned+salmon+pasta
...casseroles: http://www.google.com/search?q=canned+salmon+casserole+recipes
From those searches, I happened to run across these too:
kpzoo's Salmon Loaf
1 16 oz. tin salmon (or several smaller tins)
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 1/2 c. cooked rice (I use basmati but any long-grain rice is fine)
3 tbsp. lemon juice
2 beaten eggs
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tbsp. grated onion (or 1 tsp. onion powder if you prefer)
1/2 c. chopped celery
optional: other chopped fresh herbs like oregano or tarragon
In a large bowl, break the salmon into small bits. Add rest of ingredients.
Place in greased dish and bake for 45-50 min. in 350F oven.
Optional: Mix some tomato sauce with 1/2 c. milk and top the loaf with the sauce.
(hollow_legs) fishcakes... Mash some potatoes (don't add any liquid), then add chopped dill, parsley, capers, the salmon and some spring onion. Shape into patties, then dip in flour, egg, breadcrumbs and then back into the egg and into the breadcrumbs for an extra thick and crunchy layer. Panko breadcrumbs also work well. Fry the fish cakes in hot oil until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
(lulubelle)...I mash the salmon into cream cheese along with some finely chopped red onions, and serve it with crackers. You can toss a little fresh dill or some capers in as well.
My mom used to make it with liquid smoke--poor man's smoked salmon.
( jmullen1251)...if i'm in a pinch and need a quick dinner, i'll use canned salmon and fry it up with sweet potatoes to make a hash, top with a poached egg and a roasted poblano hollandaise and you have a quick and yummy din!
(legourmettv) ...I just crush up the bones and skin into the meat with a fork, add a chopped up green onion, salt, pepper, and a couple Tbsp's of vinegar; on to fresh bread with a leaf of lettuce... a great lunchtime treat.
(so MAYBE using some kind of vinegar would also deal with any salmon taste/smell.)
(1sweetpea)
...wholegrain pasta salad (with canned salmon, celery, onion, carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, dill, parsley, yogurt and capers, with some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest)
...or, Asian flavoured patties (with canned salmon, ginger, green onion, garlic, chile, bell pepper, toasted sesame oil, egg, bread crumbs, chile-garlic sauce such as Sriracha)