They’re easy to make on the grill or in a grill pan on the stove. These Grilled Salmon Burgers with Caper Mayonnaise taste great. To make the salmon burgers low in carbs and gluten-free, I used almond flour and hemp hearts instead of breadcrumbs.
When the weather is nice, I like to grill. From early spring to late fall, you can find me cooking meat, fish, and vegetables on the deck. You don’t have to have an outdoor grill to make tasty meals like these Grilled Salmon Burgers with Caper Mayonnaise. You can just use a stovetop grill pan instead!
This is a salmon recipe that I tried with my nephew Jake. We ate it without a bun and loved it. They would also taste great on a bun or in low-carb pita bread with tomato, lettuce, and the caper mayonnaise spread.
But please don’t skip the caper mayo—it’s what makes these grilled salmon burgers really stand out! The caper mayo, which is made with lemon, pickle relish, salt, and pepper, only takes minutes to make and gives the salmon so much flavor.
Salmon burgers are a lighter healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Achieving the perfect grilled salmon burger requires some special considerations. Follow this complete guide to master salmon burger grilling and enjoy the rich flaky texture of salmon in a fun, burger form.
Picking the Right Salmon
High-quality salmon is key for salmon burgers with the best flavor and texture. Opt for wild-caught varieties like sockeye or coho salmon. The deep orange-red color indicates a high omega-3 content. Inspect the salmon fillets to ensure they look glossy and moist with no dry spots. Previously frozen salmon works well too. For convenience canned red salmon makes wonderful patties after draining and flaking the fish.
Seasonings and Mix-Ins
To boost the flavor of salmon burgers consider adding some of these tasty mix-ins
- Minced garlic, onions, or shallots
- Fresh parsley, dill, or other herbs
- Spices like Old Bay, paprika, or cayenne (for heat)
- Grated lemon zest
- Chopped pickles or capers
- Breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs as binder
- Grated parmesan or cheddar cheese
- Egg or mayo to help hold mixture together
Gently mix the salmon with your desired additions, being careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to dense or dry patties.
Shaping the Patties
Once your salmon mixture is prepped, use lightly oiled hands to shape it into 3-4 inch wide patties about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Handle the mixture gently when forming patties to retain the delicate texture. Chilling patties for 30 minutes firms them up for easier grilling.
Time to Grill
Properly preheating your grill is key. Heat the grill to about 400°F, and then brush oil on the grates to keep food from sticking. If you want to flip salmon burgers more easily, use a grilling basket or a pan with holes in it.
Cook patties over direct high heat for about 4 minutes per side. Let them develop nice grill marks before flipping once with a thin spatula. They may need another minute or two to finish cooking on the second side based on thickness.
Doneness and Temp
Salmon burgers cook fast, so monitor them closely. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. You want the thickest part of the patty to reach 145°F. At this point, they will be opaque and flake apart slightly when poked. Be careful not to overcook or they can dry out. When unsure, remove them from the grill slightly underdone.
Serving Your Salmon Burgers
Let salmon burgers rest for two to three minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute. You can put patties on buns and make salmon burger sandwiches, or you can eat them by themselves with coleslaw, lemon wedges, or tartar sauce. A crisp wheat beer or Sauvignon Blanc make excellent pairings.
Handy Salmon Burger Grilling Tips
Follow these tips for flawless salmon burgers off the grill every time:
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Chill patties briefly before grilling to help them hold shape.
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Use a grilling basket or perforated pan if needed for easy flipping.
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Preheat grill fully and oil grates well to prevent sticking.
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Cook over direct high heat for best sear and color development.
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Only flip patties once per side for stability.
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Monitor temperature carefully to prevent over or undercooking.
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Let patties rest after grilling so juices redistribute evenly.
With premium salmon, flavorful additions, and proper grilling methods, you can enjoy the delicious combination of a crispy seared exterior with a moist, tender interior that makes salmon burgers so crave-worthy. Grill up a batch for your next cookout or summer picnic for a refreshing, lighter take on the classic burger.
What ingredients do you need for this recipe?
(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. You can also use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page to go straight to the full recipe. ).
How low in carb are these Grilled Salmon Burgers?
The salmon burgers have less than 4 net carbs each if you eat them without a bun, like we did.
H-E-B Salmon Burger Grilling Tutorial
FAQ
What temperature do you grill salmon burgers?
How do you know when salmon burgers are done?
How long does salmon need to be on the grill?
How do you keep salmon burgers from sticking to the grill?
How do you cook salmon burgers on a grill?
In a large bowl, mix the salmon and eggs together. Add chopped scallions, cilantro, pepper, and the bread crumbs to the mix. Shape into burger patties. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Spray a large piece of heavy foil with grilling spray, place over grill grates. Brush each side of salmon patties with olive oil.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
How do you cook salmon Patty on a grill?
Shape the salmon mixture into patties. Place them on a greased grill basket, then spray a little cooking oil on each patty. Place the grill basket with patties onto the grill. Close the lid, then cook the patties for 5-6 minutes. Carefully flip each patty, then cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the grill.
How do you cook salmon on a gas grill?
Shape salmon mixture into patties that are about 4 inches in diameter and place them onto the greased grill basket. Spray some cooking oil on top of each patty. Place the grill basket with patties onto the grill, close the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes. Carefully flip each patty over and add cook another 5 minutes. Take it off the grill.