Can I use raw salmon to make salmon burgers or should it be cooked first?

For salmon burgers, it’s best to start with cooked salmon. Using cooked salmon—either canned or fresh that’s been fully cooked and flaked—helps achieve the right texture and flavor. Raw salmon contains more moisture, which can make the patties fall apart and harder to bind. If you prefer fresh salmon, cook it by baking, grilling, or pan-searing before mixing it with the other ingredients.

How can I stop my salmon burgers from falling apart when cooking?

To keep salmon burgers intact, drain any excess liquid from the salmon thoroughly before mixing the ingredients. Adding binders like egg and breadcrumbs (panko or gluten-free options) helps hold the patties together. Handle the patties gently while forming and flipping them in the pan or on the grill, and avoid pressing down too hard, which can cause them to break.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover salmon burgers?

Store leftover salmon burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the patties, uncooked or cooked, for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, flipping occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.

Are salmon burgers suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets?

Yes, salmon burgers can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the patties gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, replace Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or your favorite dairy-free sauce. These swaps maintain flavor and texture without compromising the recipe’s quality.

Can I cook salmon burgers on the grill, and what should I keep in mind?

Salmon burgers can be grilled successfully. Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Handle the patties carefully when placing them on the grill and when flipping. Cooking times may vary but aim for an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure food safety. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and a nice charred texture to the burgers.

Salmon Burgers Recipe with Slaw and Juicy Cooking Tips

Name: salmon burgers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds (about 680 grams) skinless, boneless salmon; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 shallots, peeled and cut into chunks; ½ cup (about 60 grams) coarse or panko bread crumbs (alternatives: rolled oats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, almond flour for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for cooking; Lemon wedges, for serving; Tabasco sauce or preferred sauce (optional); About ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro); Garlic powder or finely chopped garlic; Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon); Spices like crushed red pepper flakes, ginger, lemongrass, or scallions for regional flavor

Description

🐟 Salmon burgers are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, making them a nutritious choice for a wholesome meal.
🍔 These burgers are easy to prepare and customizable, delivering juicy flavor and a satisfying texture with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds (about 680 grams) skinless, boneless salmon

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 shallots, peeled and cut into chunks

½ cup (about 60 grams) coarse or panko bread crumbs (alternatives: rolled oats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, almond flour for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for cooking

Lemon wedges, for serving

Tabasco sauce or preferred sauce (optional)

About ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro)

Garlic powder or finely chopped garlic

Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon)

Spices like crushed red pepper flakes, ginger, lemongrass, or scallions for regional flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting 1½ pounds of skinless, boneless salmon into large chunks. Process about one-quarter of the fish with 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Food Processor
Add 2 peeled and chunked shallots and the remaining salmon pieces to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well blended but still retains a slightly coarse texture to keep the patties moist and tender.

Step 3: Mix Binding Ingredients by Hand
Transfer the salmon mixture to a bowl. Stir in ½ cup of coarse or panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternatives), 1 tablespoon drained capers (optional), salt, and black pepper. Add optional herbs, lemon zest and juice, or spices you prefer.
If the mixture feels too wet, gradually add more bread crumbs or rolled oats to achieve a consistency that holds together well.

Step 4: Form and Chill Patties
Shape the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about three-quarters of an inch thick. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help them firm up, which makes cooking easier and prevents falling apart.

Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown on the outside but still tender and slightly pink inside.
Alternatively, grill the patties: cook for 4 minutes on the first side until firm, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.

Step 6: Serve
Serve the salmon burgers on buns or on a bed of fresh greens. Garnish with lemon wedges and your favorite sauces such as Tabasco, wasabi-ginger-lime mayo, or a yogurt-based dressing for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Notes

🐟 Grinding part of the salmon finely helps the burger hold together, while leaving some chunks maintains moisture and texture.
🧼 Ensure salmon is well-drained before mixing to avoid soggy patties.
🍞 If patties are fragile, add extra bread crumbs or panko to improve binding.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling time (optional): 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying or grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: salmon, burgers, seafood, healthy