Salmon Burgers Worth Getting Excited About
RECIPES

Salmon Burgers Worth Getting Excited About

Ready IN
20 mins
Servings
6
Save

I’ve always loved a good salmon burger, but this homemade version is next level! The key to a perfect salmon burger that holds together (and the meat is still tender) is not over-processing the salmon, so you get real chunks throughout.

My kids love loading them up with avocado and tzatziki, and I love that the patties only take 15 minutes of prep; then we stick them in the fridge and cook them for only 5 minutes.

Look in the recipe card for all of my serving suggestions, and don’t forget homemade hamburger buns! These are on our summer rotation for good.

How to Make Salmon Burgers

Make Binding Paste: Cut the salmon into large chunks. Place about one fourth of the fish in a food processor. Add Dijon mustard, onion powder, lemon zest, mayonnaise, and egg white and pulse several times until it forms a paste-like texture. Add remaining chunks of fresh salmon and pulse just a few times to coarsely chop (don’t over-mix–you want small pieces of salmon for the best texture.)
Add Seasoning: Transfer to a bowl and stir in panko, chives, dill, salt, and pepper, just until combined.
Form Patties: Scoop mixture into about 1/3 cup portions, to make 6 salmon burgers. Press them gently into about a 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate raw salmon patties for at least 30 minutes to help them hold together.
Cook and Serve: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. The centers should be moist and slightly pink. Don’t overcook (and remember they will continue to cook as they rest). Serve warm, on a hamburger bun with desired toppings.
(Lauren Allen)
Lauren Allen
This article was originally published on tastesbetterfromscratch.com. Follow on Instagram.
Easy Salmon Burgers
Lauren Allen
Time
20 mins
(Prep 15 minsCook 2 mins)
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless salmon
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For serving
  • lemon wedges
  • hamburger buns
Instructions
STEP 1
Make Binding Paste: Cut the salmon into large chunks. Place about one fourth of the fish in a food processor. Add Dijon mustard, onion powder, lemon zest, mayonnaise, and egg white and pulse several times until it forms a paste-like texture.
STEP 2
Add remaining chunks of fresh salmon and pulse just a few times to coarsely chop (don’t over-mix—you want small pieces of salmon for the best texture.)
STEP 3
Add Seasoning: Transfer to a bowl and stir in panko, chives, dill, salt, and pepper, just until combined.
STEP 4
Form Patties: Scoop mixture into about 1/3 cup portions, to make 6 salmon burgers. Press them gently into about a 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate raw salmon patties for at least 30 minutes to help them hold together.
STEP 5
Cook: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. The centers should be moist and slightly pink. Don’t overcook (and remember they will continue to cook as they rest).
STEP 6
Serve warm, on a hamburger bun with desired toppings. Check out my serving ideas below—my favorite is fresh and herby!
Make Ahead Instructions
Form the patties up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftover cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
Freezing Instructions
Freeze uncooked patties until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. If cooking from frozen, cook over medium-low heat for a few extra minutes per side until cooked through.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten free breadcrumbs.
Topping Ideas for Salmon Burgers
Fresh & Herby (my favorite!): Bun and salmon burger topped with arugula, cucumber, avocado, pickled red onions, tzatziki
Classic Salmon Burger: Bun and salmon burger topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, lemon aioli
With Slaw: Bun and salmon burger topped with cabbage slaw (vinegar-based or creamy) and avocado
Tip To Clean Food Processor
When washing equipment that touched salmon, to keep it from smelling like fish, wash first with liquid soap and cold water. Then wipe it dry with a paper towel. Then wash a second time with hot water and soap.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 407mg, Potassium: 580mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 97IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1mg
Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen
Author
Lauren Allen is the founder of Tastes Better From Scratch. Visit her food blog at TastesBetterFromScratch.com.