There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming leftover roasted salmon into something completely new and exciting. These salmon burgers first appeared on my dinner table during a busy weeknight when I was staring at beautiful flakes of leftover salmon and craving something fresh and flavorful. What started as a creative way to avoid food waste quickly became one of our family’s most requested meals. The combination of tender salmon, bright herbs, and zesty lemon creates a burger that’s both sophisticated enough for entertaining and simple enough for everyday family dinners.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Why These Salmon Burgers Will Win Your Heart
These aren’t your typical heavy, greasy burgers – they’re a lighter, more nutritious alternative that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or satisfaction. The flaky roasted salmon provides incredible texture and richness, creating burger patties that are tender and moist throughout. Additionally, the fresh herbs bring brightness and complexity that elevates each bite beyond ordinary.
What makes these burgers truly special is their incredible versatility and speed. In just 20 minutes, you can have a complete, restaurant-quality meal on the table that’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, they’re an excellent way to use leftover salmon, transforming it into something that feels completely fresh and new.
The golden-brown crust that forms during cooking creates a delightful textural contrast with the tender interior, while the lemon zest adds that perfect pop of brightness that makes each bite memorable. Best of all, these burgers are naturally lighter than beef alternatives while still providing substantial protein and satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients & Components
Salmon Burger Base
- 1 lb. roasted salmon, flaked into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup fresh chopped chives (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- Vegetable oil for greasing the grill pan
Serving Components
- Brioche buns for the perfect buttery base
- Dill yogurt sauce for creamy tanginess
- Fresh lettuce, sliced red onion, cucumber
- Fresh dill and capers for garnish
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
These burgers pair beautifully with sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or grilled vegetables. For beverages, consider serving with iced tea, white wine, or sparkling water with lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salmon Mixture
Start by adding the flaked roasted salmon to a medium-sized bowl, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized but not too small – you want to maintain that beautiful flaky texture throughout the finished burgers.
Next, add the panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, fresh lemon zest, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to the bowl with the salmon. Subsequently, fold in the chopped chives and parsley, then season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
Mixing and Shaping
Using a gentle folding motion, mix the ingredients just until they’re well combined – this is crucial for maintaining the salmon’s flaky texture. Avoid overmixing, as this will break down the salmon into small pieces and result in dense, heavy burgers instead of the light, tender texture you’re aiming for.
Divide the salmon mixture evenly into 4 portions, then gently form each portion into a patty approximately 1 inch thick. Handle the mixture as little as possible during this process to preserve the integrity of the salmon flakes.
Cooking Process
Heat a grill pan or regular grill over medium-high heat, then lightly grease the cooking surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Carefully place the salmon burger patties on the heated surface and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until a beautiful dark golden-brown crust forms on each side and the burgers are cooked through. The key is achieving that perfect crust while ensuring the interior remains moist and flaky.
Assembly and Serving
Warm the brioche buns slightly if desired, then assemble each burger with your chosen toppings. Layer on the dill yogurt sauce, fresh lettuce, sliced red onion, cucumber, fresh dill, and capers according to your preferences.
Creative Serving Suggestions
These versatile salmon burgers adapt beautifully to various presentation styles and occasions. For casual family dinners, serve them with classic burger accompaniments like potato salad and coleslaw. During summer entertaining, consider creating a burger bar where guests can customize their own toppings.
For more elegant presentations, serve the patties over mixed greens as a deconstructed burger salad, or use smaller portions to create slider-sized appetizers for parties. They also work wonderfully as the protein component in grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and avocado.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Flavor Enhancements
Transform these burgers by incorporating different herbs and seasonings. Mediterranean-inspired versions can include fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese crumbles. For Asian-fusion flavors, add ginger, scallions, and a touch of sesame oil to the mixture.
Alternative Preparations
Create salmon sliders for appetizers by forming smaller patties and serving on mini buns with simplified toppings. For those avoiding bread, serve the patties over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Seasonal Adaptations
During summer, incorporate fresh corn kernels and lime zest for a bright, seasonal twist. In autumn, add roasted red peppers and smoked paprika for deeper, warming flavors that complement the season.
Make-Ahead Tips
These salmon burgers are excellent for meal prep and advance preparation. The uncooked patties can be formed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking – simply place them on a plate with parchment paper between layers and cover tightly.
For longer storage, freeze the formed patties for up to 3 months by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
The salmon mixture itself can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before forming into patties. This actually allows the flavors to meld and develop, often resulting in even more flavorful burgers.
Essential Cooking Notes
Handling Technique
Gentle mixing cannot be overstated in importance for these burgers. The goal is to bind the ingredients together while maintaining the salmon’s natural flaky texture. Overmixing will result in dense, heavy patties that lack the light, tender quality that makes these burgers special.
Proper formation of the patties also matters significantly. Use light pressure when shaping, and aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more panko breadcrumbs; if too dry, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
Cooking Considerations
Temperature control is crucial for achieving the perfect crust without overcooking the interior. Medium-high heat allows for proper browning while giving the patties time to cook through completely. Additionally, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this can squeeze out moisture and result in dry burgers.
Sauce Pairing
Dill yogurt sauce truly elevates these burgers from good to extraordinary. The creamy, tangy sauce provides the perfect complement to the rich salmon while adding cooling freshness that balances the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh salmon instead of leftover roasted salmon? A: Absolutely! Simply roast fresh salmon fillets at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until flaky, then let cool before proceeding with the recipe. This method actually gives you more control over the salmon’s seasoning and texture.
Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? A: Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko creates a lighter texture. You can also substitute with crushed crackers, oats processed into coarse crumbs, or even finely chopped nuts for different flavor profiles.
Q: How can I tell when the burgers are fully cooked? A: The patties should have a golden-brown crust on both sides and feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the center should appear opaque throughout rather than translucent.
Q: Can these burgers be made gluten-free? A: Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious, and you’ll maintain all the wonderful salmon flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent the patties from falling apart? A: Ensure you’re using enough binding agents (eggs and mayonnaise) and don’t overmix the salmon. Let the formed patties rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together better.
Q: Can I grill these burgers outdoors? A: Definitely! Use medium-high heat on a well-oiled grill grate. Consider using a grill basket or foil with holes if you’re concerned about the patties falling through the grates. The cooking time remains the same – 3-5 minutes per side.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 367
- Protein: 32.4g
- Fat: 16.9g
- Carbohydrates: 20.3g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sodium: 454.8mg