Salmon Burgers (2024)

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I really, really love to grill. And I especially love to make burgers on the grill. But, I don’t always want a beef burger. Lately, I’ve been really into Salmon Burgers, which are a great beef alternative and are quickly becoming one of my favorite summertime meals. They’re made (mostly) with ingredients I already have in my pantry and take just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Another huge win about these salmon burgers is that they come together mostly in a food processor! I like to finely chop half the salmon, set it aside, and then fold it into the pureed salmon mixture so that the patties have some texture. I also keep the seasonings simple: Green onions, dill, salt, and pepper are all you need. My family loves these salmon patties on buns with lettuce and creamy tartar sauce (tzatziki would also be good!), but I also enjoy them as a light lunch or dinner on top of a chopped salad.

Recipe At a Glance

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Grill
Dietary Info: Pescatarian
Key Flavor: Salmon
Skill Level: Easy

Summary

• Cook them outside or inside: Give me the choice and I’ll head outside to grill. However, these burgers can made on the stovetop with a grill pan (or even a nonstick or cast iron skillet, though you won’t get the grill marks!).
• Good for you: Salmon has immune-boosting vitamin D, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and muscle-building protein.
• Nicely textured: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and with flakey bits of salmon and crunchy green onion, I love the mix of textures these salmon burgers have.
• Can be made gluten-free: I’ve made these salmon burgers for friends who are gluten-free and they love them. Just swap the breadcrumbs and buns for gluten-free ones!

Ingredients to Make Salmon Burgers

• Salmon: You can use fresh or frozen.
• Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess to the salmon mixture and helps bind it.
• Mustard: I prefer Dijon mustard, which has more tanginess and sharpness.
• Lemon: For the flavor without the extra moisture, you’ll use just the lemon zest and not the juice!
• Green onions: Also called scallions, these taste like very mild onions! Make sure to trim off the scraggly ends before chopping.
• Dill: This herb tastes a little citrusy. I like to use fresh dill, but you can use half the amount of dried herbs.
• Breadcrumbs: These help hold the salmon burgers together! You could use all-purpose flour instead.
• Olive oil: I brush the grill grates with oil so the burgers don’t stick! If cooking on the stovetop, the oil will help the patties brown and get crispy.
• Buns: Any type of bun will do!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Switch up the bun. Instead of a burger bun, you could serve these patties in a pita or on a flatbread.
• Add in spices. Paprika, cumin, coriander, curry powder, red pepper flakes, or even bbq seasoning would all taste great.
• Use different herbs. I think dill and salmon are a natural match, but you could use fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, or chives (or a mix of them!).
• Swap in canned salmon. Fresh salmon definitely tastes and works better here, but you can use canned salmon instead.

How to Make Salmon Burgers

The salmon patties are made up of uncooked salmon, yogurt, dijon mustard, and lemon zest. When you mix them together in the food processor, the salmon breaks down while the yogurt helps to bind it together. You’ll notice the color will lighten, and that’s perfectly normal!

Tips for Making the Best Salmon Burgers

1. Don’t break down the salmon too much. These burgers are better with a chunky texture. Part of getting that texture comes from not overly pulsing the salmon and then folding in small, chopped pieces of salmon.
2. Chill the salmon burgers for 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps them harden and not fall apart when grilled because the breadcrumbs then have time to absorb the wet ingredients. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this part!
3. Use medium heat. Unlike a beef burger where you want the grill or pan to be super hot, these salmon burgers call for medium heat. You want to make sure the burger is crisp on the outside and that the fish is cooked medium-rare.
4. Avoid over-cooking. As I said above, salmon burgers are best when they’re cooked medium rare! That’s about 3-5 minutes per side, and it’s all you need to get tender, flaky salmon.
5. Toast the buns. This is optional, but I like to brush the burger buns with a little oil and grill or toast them over low heat. They taste better this way, and get a little crispy!

Salmon Burger Toppings

Like a regular burger, you can really add any toppings to these salmon burgers. I keep it super simple with tartar sauce and lettuce. I feel like both complement this salmon burger recipe really well. You can also add the following toppings to your burger:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Avocado
• Pickles
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Cheese
• BBQ sauce
• Peppers

What to Serve With Salmon Burgers

I have so many ideas for what to serve with burgers here (I’ve even broken it down by condiments, sides, salads, slaws, and more). Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grilled Baby Potatoes
• Red Cabbage Slaw
• Corn Avocado & Tomato Salad
• Veggie Kabobs

Frequently Asked Questions

These easy, protein-packed salmon burgers really do come together super quickly, which is one of my main requirements for a summer dinner. I love that these salmon burgers have very basic ingredients, but are big on flavor…especially after they hit the grill and crisp on the outside. You know it’s a win when even your kids ask for them over beef burgers.

More Burger Recipes:

• Salsa Black Bean Burger
• Quinoa Burger
• Homemade Hamburgers
• Ground Chicken Burgers

More Salmon Recipes

• Honey Lemon Salmon
• Crispy Seared Salmon
• Panko Crusted Salmon
• Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
• Garlic Cilantro Oven Baked Salmon

If you try this feel good Salmon Burger recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it onInstagramso we can repost on Stories!

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