Okay, picture this: What is the a warm summer evening, the smell of the grill wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter. What is filling the backyard? What is the kind of memory these days?Grilled salmon burgers.Is there a way to bring something to your Forget dry, boring burgers – we’re talking juicy, flavorful salmon patties packed with fresh herbs. All grilled to perfection with a hint of lemon. What are some of the easiest burgers to make? What are some of the best recipes for a cookout? What are some good alternatives to fish sticks?
What is a Grilled Salmon Burger?
Think of grilled salmon burgers as a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger. Instead of ground beef, we’re using fresh salmon – either pre-ground or pulsed in a food processor – and combining it with flavorful ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, and lemon zest. It’s essentially a salmon cake formed into a patty and grilled until it’s cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. The name says it all – it’s a burger, but with salmon! It’s an amazing alternative to beef or even chicken burgers and perfect for those looking to incorporate more fish into their diet. It’s super easy and approachable for even beginner cooks!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with someone.Grilled salmon burgers., but here are just a few:
Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of fresh salmon, dill, lemon, and garlic? The grilling process adds a smoky char that elevates the flavor to another level. My kids are obsessed!
SurprisinglyWhat are some of the easiest burger recipes? Is it really that easy to grill a chicken? What’s a lifesaver on busy weekends?
Budget-Friendly (Relatively!):Can you buy canned salmon? Is this a good meal? Plus, you can stretch the salmon further by adding more breadcrumbs and veggies.
Versatile DelightServe these burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them on bed of greens as a side. What are some good side dishes to serve as part of a larger seafood platter? I’ve even crumbled them over pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes! Prefer a more Mediterranean flavor? Use oregano and sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless! This is a much better alternative than those boring canned tuna sandwiches!
How do you make a grilled salmon burger?
Quick Overview
Making these Grilled salmon burgers.is surprisingly straightforward. First, you’ll combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. Then, form the mixture into patties and chill them for a bit to help them hold their shape. What should I do if I want to grill my burgers over medium heat? What is the chilling step?
Ingredients
For the Salmon Burgers:
* 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks (or 2 cans of salmon, drained) – Fresh. * 2 lb salmon. What is the best way to cook salmon? What are some of the best wild-caught tomatoes in the world?
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs give the best texture, in my opinion, but regular Breadcrumbs are better. Is breadcrumbs a good substitute for butter?
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill – Fresh is a must! Don’t use dried dill.
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon is always best.
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds a bright citrusy note.
* 1 clove garlic, minced – Not too much, just a hint.
* 1 egg, lightly beaten – Helps bind the mixture together.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – For grilling.
* Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with salt!
For Serving:
* Burger buns – Brioche bun is my favorite, but any bun will do.
* Toppings of your choice – Lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, tartar sauce, etc.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
If using fresh salmon, pulse the chunks in a food processor until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste. If using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any bones or skin. I always check even if the label says it is boneless.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground salmon, breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Salt, and pepper. What should I do if I’m not sure what to mix, or the burgers will be tough?
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions. How do you form a patty? I like to use a burger press for perfectly shaped patties, but you can easily do it by hand.
Step 4: Chill the Patties
Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. How do I keep my grills from falling apart? I always do this step when I have a bbq planned!
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. If you are worried about sticking you can place the burgers on a piece of aluminum foil!
Step 6: Grill the Burgers
How do you prepare salmon burgers on a preheated grill? Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until slightly charred. I use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Serve the Grilled salmon burgers. on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
These grilled salmon burgers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and toppings.
For a Classic BBQ: Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and all the fixings. A cold beer or lemonade is the perfect accompaniment.
For a Healthy Meal: Serve on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a Quick and Easy Dinner: Serve on toasted buns with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato. A side of sweet potato fries or onion rings makes it a complete meal.
For a Fancy Brunch: Top with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce for a decadent brunch treat. Serve with mimosas or bloody marys.
My family loves them with a simple avocado and tomato salsa. The creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes perfectly complement the richness of the salmon. I also like to add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing. I have also used a mango salsa and it was a total hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Salmon Burgers
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best grilled salmon burgers ever:
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the salmon mixture will result in tough burgers. Mix gently until just combined.
Chill the Patties: Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial. It helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart on the grill. I sometimes even chill them for an hour!
Use a Hot Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before adding the burgers. This will help them get a nice sear and prevent them from sticking.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon burgers are dry and tasteless. Grill them until they are just cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. I love adding avocado, sprouts, or even a fried egg!
Binder Alternatives: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa as a binder. I’ve tested it with almond flour, and it works really well!
I learned the hard way that using too much egg can make the burgers too soft. Start with a lightly beaten egg and only add more if needed. I also found that adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture helps to keep the burgers moist and flavorful. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftover grilled salmon burgers:
Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing them.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat salmon burgers in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pan fry them in a little olive oil over medium heat until heated through and slightly crispy.
Serving Cold: Honestly, they are delicious cold! I have been known to grab one from the fridge for a quick and healthy snack.
I’ve found that reheating them in the microwave can make them a bit dry, so I always add a splash of water or broth to the container before microwaving. This helps to keep them moist. If you’re planning to freeze them, make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. I always double wrap to be safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These grilled salmon burgers are a game-changer! They’re packed with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and a healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. What truly makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. It’s the perfect dish to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my grilled shrimp skewers or my baked cod with lemon and herbs. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy grilling!
