Easy Salmon Burgers Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Homemade Treat

Salmon burgers bring a delightful twist to classic seafood dining, upgradeing ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

These golden-brown patties combine rich, flaky fish with surprising texture and vibrant seasonings.

Compact and flavorful, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef options.

Mediterranean and Pacific Northwestern culinary traditions inspire these delectable protein-packed discs that elevate home cooking.

The magic happens when fresh ingredients meld together, creating a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition.

Tender, succulent, and impossibly easy to prepare, salmon burgers represent culinary creativity at its finest.

Curious cooks and seafood enthusiasts will find themselves completely captivated by this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Reasons You’ll Keep Coming Back to Salmon Burgers

• Burst with Fresh Seafood Flavor: These salmon burgers pack an incredible punch of ocean-fresh taste, transforming ordinary fish into a restaurant-quality meal that feels luxurious yet totally approachable.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, letting home cooks adjust seasonings, swap ingredients, and create personalized burger experiences without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Quick Gourmet Weeknight Dinner: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, these salmon burgers deliver a sophisticated meal that's faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more delicious, making weeknight cooking feel effortless and exciting.
• Balanced Nutrition in Every Bite: Packed with lean protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and a bright, herb-infused sauce, these burgers transform healthy eating into a genuinely enjoyable culinary adventure that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Salmon Burger Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

• Salmon Fillets: Rich, fatty fish perfect for burgers with a delicate flavor and smooth texture. Wild-caught or fresh salmon works best for optimal taste.

• Dill, Shallot, Garlic: Fresh herbs and aromatics that provide depth and brightness to the salmon burger. Choose fresh, vibrant dill and firm shallots for maximum flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Breadcrumbs, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Key ingredients for creating a moist, well-seasoned burger with perfect texture. Panko breadcrumbs add crispy structure, while mustard and mayonnaise contribute tangy richness.

• Olive Oil: Essential for pan-searing the salmon burgers with a golden, crispy exterior.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds fresh, zesty notes and helps balance the rich salmon.

• Brioche Buns, Baby Arugula: Soft, buttery buns provide a delicate base, while peppery arugula adds a fresh, crisp element to the burger.

How to Build the Perfect Salmon Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Base

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Process until smooth and paste-like.

Step 2: Create the Burger Mixture

Add remaining salmon pieces, chopped dill, and diced shallot to the processor. Pulse gently to maintain texture. Transfer to a mixing bowl and fold in panko breadcrumbs. Shape mixture into four even patties.

Step 3: Chill the Patties

Refrigerate patties for 20 minutes to help them hold together during cooking.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dill Mayo Sauce

• Remaining mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Chopped dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until well blended.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Spread dill mayo on brioche buns. Place cooked salmon patty on bottom bun. Top with fresh arugula and close with bun top.

Cooking Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 450

• Use fresh salmon for best flavor
• Don't overcrowd the skillet while cooking
• Let patties rest before assembling to maintain shape

Enjoy your restaurant-quality salmon burgers right at home!

Tricks to Make Salmon Burgers Juicier and Better

• Chill the Patties: Refrigerate the salmon mixture for 20 minutes to help the burgers hold their shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught for a richer taste.
• Pulse Carefully: When processing the salmon, pulse gently to maintain a coarse texture. Overmixing can result in tough, dense patties.
• Control the Heat: Cook the burgers over medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the dill mayo by adding extra lemon juice or herbs to suit your personal taste preferences.

How to Save and Reheat Salmon Burgers Properly

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon burgers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispy exterior and prevent drying out. Serve with fresh dill mayo sauce for added moisture and flavor.

Toppings and Sides for Salmon Burgers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the salmon's richness, cutting through the creamy dill mayo with bright, zesty notes. Its light acidity refreshes the palate between burger bites.
• Match with Tangy Cucumber Salad: A quick side of sliced cucumbers dressed in light vinaigrette provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the burger's rich texture. The fresh herbs and acid will enhance the salmon's delicate flavor profile.
• Serve with Craft Wheat Beer: A light, slightly hoppy wheat beer balances the burger's creamy elements. Its subtle citrus undertones mirror the lemon in the recipe, creating a harmonious flavor experience that cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus spears seasoned with lemon and dill echo the burger's ingredients. The vegetable's earthy, slightly charred flavor adds depth to the overall meal, making each bite more interesting.

Fresh Takes on Traditional Salmon Burgers

• Spicy Cajun Salmon Burger: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the salmon mixture for a kickin' heat. Top with pepper jack cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest.
• Mediterranean Salmon Burger: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Replace dill mayo with tzatziki sauce and add cucumber slices for a Greek-inspired version.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Burger: Incorporate grated ginger, minced garlic, and green onions into the patty. Swap dill mayo for sriracha aioli and top with pickled carrots and daikon radish for a tangy crunch.
• Smokehouse Salmon Burger: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke to the patty. Top with caramelized onions and a smoky barbecue sauce for a rich, intense flavor profile.

Salmon Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade salmon burgers deliver a delightful seafood twist to classic burger nights. Packed with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly seasoned Pacific salmon, these juicy patties will transport your palate to coastal culinary blends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets, skin removed
• 4 brioche buns
• ½ cup (75 grams) panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 medium lemon
• 1 small bunch fresh dill, divided
• 1 small shallot
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• ¾ teaspoon (4 grams) kosher salt, plus a pinch
• ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper, plus a few grinds

Wet Ingredients and Garnish:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 ounce (28 grams) baby arugula (about 1 packed cup)

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Instructions

1. Carefully segment the salmon into roughly 1-inch chunks, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
2. Place one-quarter of the salmon pieces into a food processor with lemon zest, partial lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive paste.
3. Introduce the remaining salmon pieces, freshly chopped dill, and finely diced shallot into the processor. Pulse minimally to maintain a coarse, textured consistency.
4. Transfer the salmon mixture to a mixing bowl and gently fold in panko breadcrumbs. Carefully form four equal-sized patties, handling the mixture delicately to preserve texture.
5. Refrigerate the salmon patties for approximately 20 minutes to allow them to firm up and help prevent breakage during cooking.
6. While patties chill, prepare the dill mayo sauce by whisking together remaining mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, minced garlic, additional dill, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook two salmon patties simultaneously, allowing 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked.
8. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining patties, maintaining consistent heat and cooking time.
9. Toast the brioche buns lightly for added texture and warmth.
10. Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous layer of dill mayo on each bun, placing a salmon patty, and crowning with fresh arugula leaves.
11. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal temperature and flavor profile of these gourmet salmon burgers.

Notes

• Chilling the salmon patties helps them hold together during cooking, preventing crumbling and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Pulse the salmon mixture carefully to maintain a coarse, chunky consistency that highlights the fish’s natural texture.
• Select fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the most delicious burger experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg