If you are craving something fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Salmon Burgers. These delectable patties offer a unique twist on traditional burgers, showcasing the tender, rich taste of salmon combined with vibrant herbs and spices. Salmon burgers not only taste great, but they are also loaded with nutrients, making them a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Why We Love This Salmon Burger Recipe
There’s something special about crafting your own burgers, especially when they’re made with such a healthy and delicious ingredient like salmon. The combination of fresh herbs and spices elevates the salmon’s natural taste, creating a dish that is truly delightful. This recipe is also versatile, perfect for customization! Whether you serve them with tangy tzatziki sauce, atop a fresh salad, or in a toasted bun, these burgers will surely be a hit with family and friends. Plus, preparing them is a breeze, so you can enjoy your time in the kitchen as much as you enjoy the meal.
Ingredients for Salmon Burgers
To whip up these mouthwatering salmon burgers, you’ll need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you will require:
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons minced green onions
- 1 cup chopped parsley leaves and tender stems
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/3 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, halved
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- Baby arugula (for serving)
- 1 tomato, sliced (for serving)
- 1 red onion, sliced (for serving)
- Toasted buns (for serving)
How to Make Salmon Burgers Directions
Creating your salmon burgers is a straightforward process that allows you to explore your culinary skills. Follow these steps to craft your flavorful patties:
Process the salmon: Start by placing about a quarter of your salmon pieces in a food processor. Add the Dijon mustard and blend until it forms a smooth paste. This step is crucial as it helps bind the ingredients together and enhances the overall flavor. Once blended, transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Flavor the salmon: Next, add the remaining salmon pieces to the bowl. Using the food processor again, pulse the salmon lightly until it’s coarsely chopped. This texture is key for creating delicious patties. Now, mix in the minced green onions, chopped parsley, ground coriander, sumac, sweet paprika, and black pepper. Season it with kosher salt to your taste. This aromatic blend of herbs and spices will elevate your burgers.
Chill the mixture: After all ingredients are combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to form patties.
Make the patties: Once chilled, take your mixture and divide it into four equal portions to shape into patties. To create a beautiful crust and added texture, roll each patty in breadcrumbs. Place them on a lined sheet pan, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Cook the patties: In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place your patties in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook each patty for about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a light golden brown. Be gentle when flipping them, as the patties can be delicate.
Finish the salmon: After cooking, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Just before serving, sprinkle a touch of salt on each patty and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for a burst of fresh flavor.
Assemble the burgers: Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the toasted buns. Add a cooked salmon patty, followed by a handful of baby arugula, slices of tomato, and red onion. Assemble the burger and get ready to dig in!
This method not only ensures your salmon burgers are perfectly cooked, but the combination of lemon and tzatziki truly elevates each bite. You’ll find that your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas, making the cooking experience just as enjoyable as the meal.
How to Serve Salmon Burgers
Serving your salmon burgers is an opportunity to get creative. You can opt for a classic burger setup or experiment with different sides and presentations. Here are some serving ideas:
Classic burger style: Serve the salmon burgers on toasted buns with your favorites like tzatziki, arugula, slices of tomato, and red onion. This offers a delightful crunch and fresh taste with every bite.
On a bed of greens: For a lighter option, place your cooked salmon patties atop a bed of mixed greens or baby arugula. Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil for a simple salad.
Accompaniments: Serve alongside sweet potato fries or crispy vegetables for a satisfying meal. A light side salad or coleslaw pairs well too, offering a refreshing crunch.
Garnishes: Add extra garnishes like capers or sliced pickles for a zing of flavor. Lemon wedges can also enhance the presentation and provide an additional spritz of freshness.
Beverages: Pair your salmon burgers with iced tea, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic fruit punch that complements the meal’s vibrant flavors.
The way you choose to serve your salmon burgers can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for family gatherings or summer cookouts.
Expert Tips: Salmon Burgers
To ensure your salmon burgers turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Fresh salmon: Use the freshest salmon you can find, as quality fish makes a significant difference in flavor. Look for bright, shiny flesh and avoid any off-putting smells.
Chilling is key: Do not skip the chilling step! Chilling the salmon mixture before forming patties will help them hold their shape during cooking.
Don’t over-process: When using the food processor, pulse lightly. You want to maintain a bit of texture in your patties rather than a mushy consistency.
Test cooking: If you’re unsure whether the patties are cooking evenly, fry one patty first to test the seasonings and ensure it holds together well.
Variations: Feel free to get creative with the herbs and spices. Adding dill, cilantro, or lime juice can offer different flavor profiles.
Watch the heat: Cook the patties on medium-high heat to achieve a nice golden brown crust without burning them. Adjust the temperature as needed.
Following these tips will make you feel confident in your cooking skills and ensure your salmon burgers impress everyone at the table.
How to Store Salmon Burgers
Storing your salmon burgers properly will help maintain their quality for future meals. Here’s how to go about it:
Leftovers: If you have any salmon patties left after serving, allow them to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate: Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a great texture.
Defrosting: If you freeze the uncooked patties, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
These storage methods will help you enjoy the indulgence of homemade salmon burgers at your convenience!
Variations of Salmon Burgers
Exploring variations of salmon burgers allows you to keep your meals exciting. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spicy Salmon Burger: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture for a spicy kick. Serve with spicy mayo for an extra layer of flavor.
Asian-Inspired Salmon Burger: Incorporate soy sauce and grated ginger into the mixture. Top with pickled cucumber and sriracha mayo for a delicious twist.
Mediterranean Salmon Burger: Mix in chopped olives and feta cheese. Serve with tzatziki and roasted red peppers for a delightful Mediterranean vibe.
Herbed Salmon Burger: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or cilantro instead of parsley. This can change the flavor profile completely and suit different tastes.
Nut-Crusted Salmon Burger: For added texture, try coating the patties in crushed nuts such as pistachios or walnuts before cooking.
Cheesy Salmon Burger: Introduce a slice of cheese in the center of each patty before cooking. This adds a melty surprise that will impress your diners.
No matter how you choose to vary your salmon burgers, experimenting with flavors and textures will surely keep your meals lively and enjoyable.
FAQ: Salmon Burgers
What are the key ingredients for making salmon burgers?
The primary ingredients for salmon burgers include skinless salmon fillet, Dijon mustard, herbs like parsley and green onions, spices such as coriander and sumac, and unseasoned bread crumbs for binding.
Can I make salmon burgers in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salmon patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes meal prep easier on busy days.
How can I ensure my salmon burgers hold together while cooking?
To ensure the patties hold together, be sure to chill the mixture before forming patties. Avoid over-processing the salmon to maintain a bit of texture.
What are some sides that go well with salmon burgers?
Great sides include sweet potato fries, crispy salad, or a light coleslaw. Fresh vegetables also make a fantastic accompaniment.
Can I grill salmon burgers?
Absolutely! Grilling salmon burgers can add a unique flavor. Just be gentle when flipping them to avoid breaking.
Salmon Burgers
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb skinless salmon fillet cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2-3 Tbsp minced green onions
- 1 cup chopped parsley leaves and tender stems
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/3 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Tzatziki sauce for serving
- Baby arugula for serving
- Toasted buns for serving
Instructions
- In a food processor, place about 1/4 of the salmon pieces with Dijon mustard and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the remaining salmon pieces and pulse lightly until coarsely chopped. Mix in green onions, parsley, coriander, sumac, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties. Roll each patty in breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice before serving.
- Serve on toasted buns with tzatziki sauce, baby arugula, tomato, and red onion.
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