The Juiciest Salmon Burgers Recipe for a Perfect Weeknight Meal

Succulent salmon burgers change ordinary dinner routines into extraordinary culinary adventures.

These maritime marvels blend rich omega-packed fish with vibrant herbs and crisp seasonings for an unexpected protein experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising complex layers of taste and texture.

Light yet substantial, salmon burgers reinvent traditional patty expectations with their elegant profile.

Fresh herbs and delicate spices elevate each carefully crafted bite beyond basic expectations.

Home cooks seeking a nutritious alternative to standard beef options will adore these vibrant seafood creations.

Flavorful Salmon Burgers That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

• Craft Seafood Delicacy: These salmon burgers elevate traditional burger experience by transforming fresh salmon into gourmet handheld meals with restaurant-quality flavor and texture.
• Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Surprisingly simple preparation method allows home cooks to create sophisticated dish in under 30 minutes, making elegant dining accessible without complicated techniques.
• Bright Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon, fresh dill, and tangy Dijon mustard combine to create a vibrant, multilayered taste profile that transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary culinary adventure, awakening taste buds with every bite.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with high-quality protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and balanced macronutrients, these salmon burgers deliver exceptional nutritional value while satisfying hunger and providing delicious eating experience.

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Salmon Burgers

• Salmon: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich flavor and omega-3 benefits, preferably wild-caught for best taste.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy ingredients that help bind the burger and add tangy, rich flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide structure and crisp texture to the burger.

• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit providing zest and juice for fresh, tangy notes and enhancing salmon flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb with distinctive flavor that complements salmon perfectly, adding freshness and depth.
• Shallot: Mild, sweet onion variety offering subtle aromatic base for the burger mixture.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient adding depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for even, gentle cooking and achieving golden-brown burger exterior.

How to Make Perfect Salmon Burgers

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice

Grate one medium lemon to get the zest.

Juice the same lemon to collect the liquid for the recipe.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Herbs and Shallot

Finely chop fresh dill to get the needed amount.

Coarsely chop one medium shallot until you have the right portion.

Step 3: Process Salmon Base

Cut skinless salmon into bite-sized pieces, measuring out the full amount.

In a food processor, combine some of the salmon with lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Process for 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 4: Mix Salmon Patty Ingredients

Add the remaining salmon to the processor.

Pulse in the chopped dill and shallot 6 to 8 times.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Form Burger Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.

Shape each one into a patty about 4 inches wide and ½ inch thick.

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

Step 6: Create Dill Sauce

Grate one small garlic clove and place it in a bowl.

Mix with reserved dill, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, a pinch of kosher salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Cook Salmon Burgers

Heat olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

When the oil is shimmering, gently place two patties in the pan.

Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is browned.

Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Place the cooked salmon burgers on plates.

Top with the creamy dill sauce and serve right away while they’re hot and crispy.

Tips for Grilling the Best Salmon Burgers

• Pulse Precisely: Avoid overprocessing the salmon mixture to maintain a coarse, chunky texture that keeps the burgers moist and flavorful.
• Chill for Stability: Refrigerating the patties for 20 minutes helps them hold together better during cooking and prevents crumbling.
• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon with firm flesh for the best taste and texture in your burger patties.
• Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning or drying out the delicate salmon.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, ensuring a bright, tangy complement that enhances the salmon's natural flavors.

Storing and Reheating Salmon Burgers for Later

• Refrigeration: Wrap salmon burgers individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume quickly for best taste and texture.
• Freezing: Place cooled salmon burgers between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date to track storage time and ensure quality.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out and maintain the burger's delicate texture. Add a touch of olive oil to help retain moisture and restore crispy exterior.

Perfect Pairings for Salmon Burgers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Salmon burgers shine alongside a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the rich fish flavors with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Tangy Slaw: Create a light cucumber-dill coleslaw that echoes the burger's herbal ingredients, providing refreshing crunch and complementary texture.
• Add Zesty Roasted Potato Wedges: Toss potato wedges with lemon zest, fresh dill, and olive oil before roasting to mirror the burger's citrusy and herbal profile, creating a harmonious side dish that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match with Sparkling Water Cocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a sprig of dill for a sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage that cleanses the palate and highlights the salmon burger's delicate flavors.

Variations of Salmon Burgers You Should Try

• Spicy Salmon Zinger: Replace dill with chopped cilantro and add a teaspoon of sriracha sauce to the burger mixture for a bold, fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Salmon Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and oregano to transform the burger with a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Asian-Style Salmon Sensation: Incorporate grated ginger, minced green onions, and a splash of soy sauce to create an umami-rich burger with an East Asian twist.
• Herb Garden Salmon Delight: Swap dill for a blend of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon to introduce a vibrant, garden-fresh taste to the salmon patties.

Delicious Salmon Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Salmon burgers bring Pacific Northwest flavors to your dinner table with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings. Crisp herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly grilled salmon patties create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets, skin removed
• 4 brioche buns
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot
• 1 small clove garlic

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 medium lemon
• 1 small bunch fresh dill, divided
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon plus 0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard, divided

Sauces and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 0.25 cup plus 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, divided
• Baby arugula (about 1 packed cup or 1 ounce)

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Instructions

1. Carefully zest one medium lemon to extract approximately of zest, then squeeze the same lemon to obtain of juice.
2. Finely mince fresh dill to yield ¼ cup plus of herbs from a small bunch.
3. Peel and finely dice one medium shallot, which should create about ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of chopped pieces.
4. Remove skin from salmon and cut into small, uniform bite-sized chunks, using total.
5. Place approximately of salmon into food processor with lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pulse until mixture forms a smooth, consistent paste within 10-15 seconds.
6. Add remaining salmon chunks, chopped dill, and shallot to the processor. Pulse 6-8 times to create a coarse texture without over-processing.
7. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and incorporate ½ cup (120 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
8. Divide mixture into four equal portions, each approximately ¾ cup (180 milliliters) or . Shape into uniform patties measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide and ½ inch (1.3 centimeters) thick.
9. Refrigerate formed patties for 20 minutes while preparing accompanying sauce.
10. Create sauce by combining finely grated garlic, remaining dill, mayonnaise, additional lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
11. Heat olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until surface appears shimmering and evenly coated.
12. Carefully place two salmon patties into hot skillet, cooking undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip patties and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches at least 120°F (49°C).

Notes

• Precision matters when grating zest and chopping ingredients to maintain the perfect salmon burger texture.
• Combining salmon pieces with zesty lemon, fresh dill, and creamy mayonnaise creates a flavor-packed burger base.
• Processing one-fourth of salmon into a fine paste helps bind the burger mixture while keeping the remaining pieces chunky for great texture.
• Chilling patties before cooking ensures they hold together and develop a crispy exterior when pan-fried.
• Homemade dill-garlic sauce elevates these salmon burgers from simple to spectacular, adding a bright, tangy complement to the rich fish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 688 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg