Salmon Burgers

The pan-seared salmon burgers in this recipe are the perfect balance of fresh, herby flavor and satisfying texture. Each patty is made from finely chopped fresh salmon, delicately seasoned with lemon, dill, and Dijon mustard, then cooked to golden perfection. The accompanying dill yogurt sauce takes it to the next level with a cool, creamy tang that complements the fish beautifully.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter twist on a classic burger or a new way to enjoy salmon, these burgers hit the mark. They’re quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve at a summer gathering or casual dinner party. Serve them on toasted buns with fresh toppings or go bunless with a crisp green salad for a low-carb option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

• 2 green onions, finely sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For Serving:

• Burger buns

• Lettuce leaves

• Tomato slices

• Red onion slices

• Dill yogurt sauce or tartar sauce

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, green onions, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until well combined. Form mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Lightly toast burger buns if desired.

5. Assemble burgers: place lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a salmon patty, tomato, onion, and a generous spoon of dill yogurt sauce. Top with the other half of the bun.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 burgers

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Salmon Burgers

When you think of burgers, your mind probably jumps to the classic beef variety, but there’s a whole world beyond the bun. Enter salmon burgers: a light, nutritious, flavor-packed alternative that’s just as satisfying and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to switch up your usual dinner rotation, salmon burgers are a must-try. They’re rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, quick to make, and offer a gourmet twist on comfort food.

In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into why salmon burgers deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. We’ll explore what makes them so special, share pro cooking tips, suggest variations, and even discuss the best sides and sauces to serve them with. So let’s dive in.

Why Choose Salmon Burgers?

Salmon burgers strike a beautiful balance between indulgent and wholesome. Unlike their red meat counterparts, salmon patties are loaded with heart-healthy fats and protein, while being lower in saturated fat. This makes them ideal for anyone following a Mediterranean, pescatarian, or heart-smart diet.

But the real beauty lies in their flavor profile, zesty, bright, and herbaceous. The lemon and dill combination adds a fresh, almost Scandinavian vibe to the dish, while the sear from the pan gives you that satisfying, crispy bite. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.

Choosing the Right Salmon

The success of any salmon burger begins with the quality of the salmon you choose. For the best flavor and texture:

• Fresh, skinless fillets are ideal. Chop them finely to retain some texture.

• You can also use canned wild salmon in a pinch. If you go this route, be sure to drain it well and remove any skin or bones.

• Opt for wild-caught salmon for a more sustainable and nutrient-rich option compared to farm-raised varieties.

Always check for freshness: your salmon should be firm, with a mild smell (never overly fishy), and vibrant in color.

Binding It All Together

One of the challenges when working with fish is achieving a patty that holds its shape without being too dense. That’s where binders come in. In this recipe, a combination of egg and breadcrumbs does the trick beautifully.

• Egg provides structure and richness.

• Panko breadcrumbs add lightness and help absorb excess moisture.

• A touch of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard enhances flavor and gives a creamy texture.

These ingredients work together to ensure that the salmon patties hold together during cooking without feeling heavy or overly processed.

Herbs, Aromatics, and Seasonings

Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Since salmon has a mild, buttery flavor, it pairs well with bright, aromatic ingredients:

• Fresh dill brings a citrusy, slightly grassy note that complements the salmon.

• Green onions add sharpness and crunch.

• Lemon juice lifts the flavor and helps cut through the richness of the fish.

• A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper balances everything out.

Want to kick it up a notch? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of horseradish to the mix for a subtle heat that doesn’t overpower.

Cooking Techniques: Pan-Searing vs. Grilling

There are a few different ways to cook salmon burgers, each with its own advantages.

• Pan-searing is the most popular method. It creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky. Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for best results.

• Grilling is ideal for summer. Be sure to oil the grill grates and use a fish spatula to prevent sticking.

• Baking is the healthiest option and still delivers great flavor, just place the patties on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Regardless of the method you choose, avoid overcooking the patties. Salmon is best when it’s just opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork.

Sauce It Up: The Best Toppings and Spreads

No burger is complete without a killer sauce. For salmon burgers, the options are deliciously diverse:

• Dill Yogurt Sauce: A blend of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and a pinch of salt. Light, zesty, and refreshing.

• Tartar Sauce: A classic pairing made with mayo, pickles, capers, and lemon juice.

• Avocado Crema: Blended avocado with lime and a bit of sour cream for a creamy, tangy finish.

• Spicy Aioli: Mayo mixed with sriracha or chipotle peppers, perfect if you like heat.

For toppings, think crunchy and crisp to contrast the soft texture of the salmon patty. Thinly sliced red onions, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and even pickled cucumbers work wonders.

Bun or No Bun?

Salmon burgers are flexible enough to be enjoyed with or without bread.

• Toasted brioche buns are luxurious and buttery.

• Whole wheat buns offer a nutty flavor and added fiber.

• Lettuce wraps or collard green wraps are great low-carb, gluten-free alternatives.

• For a grain-free version, serve patties over a bed of arugula, quinoa, or even inside a sweet potato bun.

Salmon Burger Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily make it your own by experimenting with different flavor profiles and ingredients.

• Asian-Inspired: Add grated ginger, soy sauce, and scallions. Serve with a sesame slaw and drizzle with teriyaki glaze.

• Mediterranean: Mix in chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

• Spicy Southwest: Use cilantro, lime, jalapeños, and cumin. Top with a corn and black bean salsa.

This kind of versatility makes salmon burgers ideal for meal prepping and preventing dinner fatigue.

Nutrition Highlights

Salmon is known as a nutritional powerhouse, and these burgers deliver in more ways than one:

• High in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support heart and brain health.

• Packed with lean protein, promoting satiety and muscle recovery.

• A good source of Vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium.

• When paired with whole ingredients and fresh veggies, the entire meal stays low in saturated fats and refined carbs.

By skipping heavy cheeses and fatty sauces and opting for a yogurt-based sauce and fresh herbs, you get maximum flavor with minimal calories.

What to Serve With Salmon Burgers

The sides you serve can elevate the dish into a complete, restaurant-worthy meal. Here are some crowd-pleasers:

• Sweet potato fries with a touch of sea salt and smoked paprika

• Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli

• Greek cucumber salad with dill and lemon vinaigrette

• Coleslaw with a light yogurt dressing

• Grilled corn on the cob with lime and cotija cheese

Don’t forget a refreshing drink like sparkling water with lemon or a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re prepping in advance:

• Form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• You can also freeze uncooked patties: place them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Leftover cooked patties will last in the fridge for 2–3 days and are great on top of salads or crumbled into wraps.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Salmon Burgers

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, salmon burgers offer a refreshing take on traditional fare. They’re quick to prepare, loaded with nutrients, and bursting with flavor thanks to herbs, aromatics, and a perfect sear.

With endless ways to customize, from sauces to toppings and side dishes, you’ll never get bored. Plus, they strike a balance between comfort food and health-conscious eating that makes them irresistible for almost any diet.

So next time you’re in the mood for a burger, skip the beef and go for salmon. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your home kitchen rotation.