Flavor-Packed Salmon Burgers Recipe That Kids Love Too

The sizzling summer heat calls for a mouthwatering salmon burgers recipe that breaks the monotony of traditional beef patties.

These delectable salmon burgers pack a punch of flavor and nutrition in every bite.

Fresh, wild-caught salmon creates a rich, succulent base for these incredible patties.

Herbs and spices dance through the mixture, adding depth and excitement to each morsel.

The burgers grill to a perfect golden-brown, promising a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Light, zesty, and packed with omega-3s, these salmon burgers offer a healthier alternative to standard cookout fare.

Let’s find out this simple yet spectacular dish that will surely become a new weekend favorite.

Ingredients to Build Delicious Salmon Burgers

• Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught salmon delivers rich, omega-3 packed flavor with firmer texture perfect for burger patties, choose fresh fillets without dark spots or strong fishy smell.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth to salmon mixture, select fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin and no green sprouts.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates light, crispy texture while helping salmon patties hold together, choose Japanese-style breadcrumbs for superior crunch.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy kick and helps bind ingredients with smooth, sharp flavor profile, select high-quality French-style mustard.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes creamy moisture and helps maintain burger's structural integrity, opt for full-fat version for best results.

• Lemon: Brings bright, citrusy notes that complement salmon's richness, select firm fruits with vibrant yellow color and smooth skin.
• Fresh Dill: Offers delicate, herbal undertones that elevate salmon's natural flavor, choose bright green sprigs without wilting.
• Shallot: Delivers mild, sweet onion essence without overwhelming burger's delicate taste, pick firm bulbs with smooth exterior.
• Baby Arugula: Provides peppery, crisp green layer with elegant texture, select fresh, bright leaves without yellowing.
• Brioche Buns: Offers rich, buttery foundation with soft interior, choose golden-brown buns with slight sheen.
• Olive Oil: Enables perfect pan searing with heart-healthy Mediterranean touch, select extra virgin variety.

Equipment Checklist for Salmon Burger Recipes

• Large food processor: Essential for creating smooth salmon paste and mixing ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining breadcrumbs and salmon mixture.
• Sharp grater: Needed for zesting lemon and grating garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Chef's knife: Used for chopping dill, shallots, and cutting salmon.
• Cutting board: Provides workspace for chopping ingredients.
• Skillet (cast iron or nonstick): Key for cooking salmon patties.
• Flat spatula: Helps flip and transfer burger patties.
• Baking sheet: Used for shaping and holding burger patties.

Cooking Instructions for Salmon Burgers

• Lemon Zest Magic

Grab a vibrant lemon and gently scrape its bright outer skin to release those tangy citrus notes. The natural oils will infuse incredible flavor into your salmon creation.

• Salmon Preparation

Select high-quality fresh salmon fillets and chop them carefully into small, uniform pieces. The goal is creating a delicate texture that promises mouthwatering bites.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine salmon pieces with fresh herbs, minced shallots, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Pulse ingredients gently in a food processor to maintain a rustic, chunky consistency.

• Binding Mixture

Mix panko breadcrumbs into the salmon blend, ensuring each morsel gets coated with crispy goodness. The breadcrumbs help hold the patties together while adding delightful crunch.

• Patty Formation

Shape the mixture into perfect round discs, creating four equally sized burger patties. Let them rest in the refrigerator to firm up their structure and meld flavors.

• Sauce Creation

Whip up a creamy dill sauce by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. This tangy companion elevates the salmon burger’s taste profile.

• Cooking Technique

Heat a skillet with olive oil and carefully cook patties until golden brown. Aim for a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. Flip once to ensure even cooking.

Flavor Boosting Tips for Salmon Burgers

• Pro Tips & Flavor Twists
• Choose fresh, high-quality wild-caught salmon for the most robust flavor and best texture in your burger patties.
• Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold together perfectly and prevents crumbling during pan-frying.
• If mixture seems too wet, add extra panko breadcrumbs to achieve ideal binding consistency without drying out the burger.
• Replace mayo-based sauce with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option that still delivers incredible creamy texture.
• Experiment with alternative fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the salmon's richness.

How to Serve Delicious Salmon Burgers

• Beach Picnic Paradise: Spread these salmon burgers on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, creating a stunning seaside-inspired presentation that screams summer vibes.
• Gourmet Sandwich Upgrade: Layer the salmon burger between toasted brioche buns, topped with the prepared dill sauce, crisp butter lettuce, and thin cucumber slices for elegant texture contrast.
• Fresh Mediterranean Plate: Serve alongside a vibrant Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled feta, drizzling extra dill sauce around the plate for a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
• Wellness Bowl Builder: Place the salmon burger atop a bed of quinoa, mix in roasted seasonal vegetables, and dollop the zesty dill sauce for a protein-packed, nutrient-rich meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

How to Store and Reheat Salmon Burgers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store uncooked salmon burger patties between parchment paper layers inside an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual raw patties separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. These burger bases stay excellent for 2-3 weeks when sealed correctly.
• Smart Sauce Management: Keep prepared dill sauce in sealed glass container within refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and freshness, stirring before each use.
• Leftover Burger Handling: Cooked salmon burgers remain delicious when refrigerated for 2-3 days. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or store in sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Succulent Salmon Burgers Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Salmon burgers blend Pacific Northwest coastal inspiration with kitchen creativity. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques help home cooks craft a memorable seafood meal you can enjoy with confidence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) salmon fillets, skin removed
• 4 brioche buns
• 0.5 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1 tbsp plus 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard, divided
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium lemon
• 1 small bunch fresh dill, divided
• 2 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 0.25 cup plus 1 tbsp mayonnaise, divided
• 1 packed cup (1 oz) baby arugula

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Instructions

1. Preparation: In a food processor, combine salmon, lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a smooth paste forms.
2. Texture Development: Add remaining salmon chunks, dill, and shallot to the processor. Pulse briefly to create a coarse mixture without over-processing.
3. Binding: Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Patty Formation: Shape the mixture into four equal patties, maintaining a uniform 4-inch diameter and ½-inch thickness. Chill patties for 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk together garlic, remaining dill, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a complementary condiment.
6. Cooking: Heat olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place patties in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 120°F (49°C).
7. Serving: Remove salmon burgers from heat and plate immediately, accompanied by the prepared herb-infused sauce.

Notes

• Chill Patties Thoroughly: Refrigerating patties for 20 minutes helps them hold shape and prevents crumbling during cooking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Pulse Carefully: Short, controlled pulses in the food processor prevent over-mixing, maintaining a coarse salmon texture that guarantees juicy burgers.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat and avoid moving patties while cooking to create a golden-brown crust and lock in moisture.
• Check Internal Temperature: Aim for 120°F to ensure salmon is cooked safely while keeping the center tender and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg