Salmon Burgers Recipe

Crafting these salmon burgers is an unexpectedly delightful way to elevate your typical burger nights, offering a refreshing twist with their blend of fresh dill, lemon, and capers. Assembling them with a perfectly toasted brioche bun, crispy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, and maybe a slice of avocado if I’m feeling fancy, creates a bite that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light.

I adore putting together these lovely salmon burgers with fresh salmon fillets and a few grains of Dijon mustard for that additional zest. Combining the next three ingredients brightens the whole dish as they mingle with the richness of the salmon: fresh dill (or its more accessible cousin, thyme); lemon juice (or its milder alternative, lemon zest); and fresh panko breadcrumbs.

They really are quite simple to make and pimiento cheese is one of those spreadable sandwiches that saves you a ton of work.

Salmon Burgers Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein-packed, heart-healthy.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor; low-calorie condiment.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors, high in vitamin C, refreshing.
• Capers: Briny, adds zest; low-calorie, rich in antioxidants.
• Fresh Dill: Introduces aromatic and earthy notes, good source of vitamin A.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light crunch, low in calories and helps bind ingredients.
• Scallions: Mild onion flavor, rich in vitamins like A and C.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, enhances flavor, packed with monounsaturated fats.

Salmon Burgers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillets, skin removed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Brioche or hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, red onion, tartar sauce

How to Make this Salmon Burgers Recipe

1. Prepare the Salmon:
Cut the salmon fillets into tiny, delicate pieces. You can also pulse them a few times in a food processor until they are coarsely ground. Don’t over-process!

2. Mix Ingredients:
In a big bowl, mix the chopped salmon with the ingredients below until they’re evenly combined.

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp finely chopped capers
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tbsp dill weed
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or more if needed to bind the mixture)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped scallions
• Salt and fresh pepper to taste (I used 1/2 tsp salt and several grinds of pepper).

3. Shape Patties:
Split the mixture into equal parts and form them into burgers. You can make around four, but the number and thickness of the patties depend on how big you like your burgers.

4. Chill the Patties:
Cover and refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

5. Preheat and Apply Oil:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

6. Cook the Patties:
When the oil is hot, put the salmon patties in the skillet carefully. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and completely cooked. Avoid putting too many patties in the pan at once; if you have a lot of patties to cook, do them in batches.

7. Prepare the Buns:
Lightly toast the brioche or hamburger buns until they are golden on the inside while the patties are cooking.

8. Add Lettuce and Tomato:
Add one layer of lettuce and one or two slices of tomato as the base for the burger to each bun.

9. Assemble the Burgers:
Put a salmon patty, cooked and ready to go, atop a bed of romaine lettuce and tomato slices in each half of the bun.

10. Add Optional Toppings:
Top it, if you like, with sliced avocado, red onion, or tartar sauce as desired. Serve it immediately and enjoy!

Salmon Burgers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Food processor (optional)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Citrus juicer
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Cling wrap or container with lid (for chilling)
9. Large non-stick skillet
10. Spatula (for flipping patties)
11. Plate (for resting patties after cooking)
12. Toaster or toaster oven (for buns)

FAQ

• Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon fillets?
  Yes, you can use canned salmon as a substitute for fresh salmon fillets. Make sure to drain it well and remove any skin or bones.
• What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
  You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar texture.
• How can I tell when the salmon burgers are fully cooked?
  The burgers are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F and they are opaque throughout.
• Can I grill these salmon burgers instead of frying them?
  Absolutely! You can grill them on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
• What are some good side dishes to serve with salmon burgers?
  Consider serving with a fresh green salad, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Salmon Burgers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For ease, high quality, and boneless, fresh salmon fillets can be replaced with canned salmon.
You can substitute whole grain mustard for Dijon mustard. What you get is a texture and flavor that is distinctly different from what you get when you use Dijon.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise, making for a healthier alternative.
If panko is unavailable, replace it with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Using fresh dill can be exchanged for using dried dill, but only 1 teaspoon should do as dried herbs pack a more powerful punch.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Moisture and Binding If your salmon mixture feels too wet and isn’t holding together well, add a bit more panko breadcrumbs. Alternatively, if it’s too dry, you can incorporate a bit more mayonnaise to enhance moisture and binding.

2. Avoid Overmixing When combining the salmon with other ingredients, mix just enough to evenly distribute without making the mixture too pasty. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.

3. Chill the Mixture Allowing the patties to chill properly in the refrigerator helps them maintain their shape and makes them easier to handle during cooking. This also enhances flavor blending.

4. Control Cooking Temperature Use medium-high heat to cook the patties to ensure a golden crust without overcooking the inside. Adjust the temperature as needed to prevent burning.

5. Customizable Flavor Experiment with incorporating a variety of herbs and spices based on personal preference. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or some minced garlic to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.