How to Season Frozen Salmon Burgers for Maximum Flavor

Salmon burgers are a quick, easy and healthy meal option. When made right they are juicy, flaky, and packed with flavor. While you can buy pre-made frozen salmon burgers for convenience, making your own lets you control the seasonings and tailor them to your taste. The key to delicious homemade salmon burgers is properly seasoning the patties before cooking.

Seasoning is what takes your salmon burgers from bland and boring to irresistibly tasty. With the right combination of herbs, spices, and other flavorings, you can make your frozen salmon patties pop with flavor. Follow these tips on how to season frozen salmon burgers for the best, most flavorful results:

Use Fresh Ground Spices

The foundation of flavorful salmon patties starts with using fresh high-quality spices. Ground spices lose potency over time so make sure you aren’t using old, stale bottles. To check, simply smell your spices. If the aroma is weak, it’s time to replace them. Buy small quantities of spices you use often so they stay fresh.

Some classic spice pairings that complement salmon include

• Lemon Pepper: The sourness of the lemon cuts through the rich fat in the salmon. Add some black pepper for bite.

• Old Bay: This mix of mustard, paprika, celery salt, and other spices makes seafood taste great.

• Italian Seasonings – Basil, oregano, thyme and garlic powder give salmon a taste of Italy.

• Chili Powder – A little smoky, spicy chili powder kicks up the flavor a notch.

Use Fresh Herbs

In addition to ground spices, fresh herbs are a must for maximum salmon burger flavor. Chopped parsley, dill, basil, cilantro or other soft herbs provide a vibrance and aroma that spices can’t match. Mix a tablespoon or two of your favorite chopped herbs into the salmon when forming patties.

Some tasty herb combinations to try:

• Dill & Parsley – These traditional pairings give an authentic salmon flavor.

• Basil & Oregano – The classic Italian duo packs a flavor punch.

• Cilantro & Green Onion – Bright cilantro and onion freshness taste amazing with salmon.

• Mint & Dill – Uniquely delicious mixed into salmon burgers.

Season Before Forming Patties

To allow the seasonings to permeate the salmon, it’s important to mix in herbs and spices before forming the patties. As you break down the salmon and combine with other ingredients, sprinkle your chosen spices and herbs over the mix. Thoroughly incorporate so flavor is evenly distributed.

If adding larger mix-ins like onions or peppers, mince or dice them finely so they blend into the salmon. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings until you are happy with the flavor. Overmixing can make the texture too dense and pasty, so handle the salmon as little as possible while mixing.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Since frozen patties won’t take on additional flavor, it’s important to start with fresh, flavor-packed ingredients. High-quality wild salmon has a richness that makes seasoning stick. If using canned salmon, go for varieties packed in water, not oil, so seasonings come through.

Ingredients like onions, garlic, lemon, mustards and mayonnaise will also impart lots of flavor. Make these from scratch rather than using pre-made versions. Fresh tastes better!

Coat With Oil or Marinade

Before cooking frozen salmon patties, brush or drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter for added moisture and flavor. Oil helps sear the burgers while also allowing any seasonings on the exterior to adhere.

For even more flavor infusion, marinate the patties in a mix of oil, acids like lemon or vinegar, and herbs. Combine marinade ingredients, pour over patties in a zip top bag, and let sit 15-30 minutes. The acid helps break down proteins so marinade absorbs better.

Toppings Add Fresh Flavor

While properly seasoning the salmon itself is key, toppings provide another layer of flavor. Cool, crisp toppings contrast with the richness of salmon. Bright acids, herbs, crunchy veggies and flavorful sauces take the burgers over the top.

Some delicious salmon burger topping combos:

• Arugula, tomato and lemon aioli

• Cucumber yogurt sauce with dill

• Guacamole and pickled red onions

• Bacon, avocado and sriracha mayo

• Caramelized onions with whole grain mustard

Get creative with fun mixes of textures and flavors!

Handling Precautions

When seasoning and handling raw salmon, be sure to follow food safety guidelines:

• Wash hands and prep surfaces before and after.

• Season patties just before cooking so they don’t sit too long.

• Work quickly and refrigerate salmon if not cooking immediately.

• Cook to a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

With proper handling, you can confidently enjoy delicious seasoned salmon burgers safely.

Go-To Seasoning Recipes

These combinations of herbs, spices, and other flavorings make fantastic seasoned salmon patties everyone will love:

Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers

• 1 lb salmon, chopped
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cajun Salmon Burgers

• 1 lb salmon, chopped
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mediterranean Salmon Burgers

• 1 lb salmon, chopped
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Asian Salmon Burgers

• 1 lb salmon, chopped
• 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning Tips and Tricks

• Rub lemon or lime juice and zest directly onto the salmon before mixing and forming patties. The acid helps seasoning absorb better.

• Let patties rest 5-10 minutes after forming to allow flavors to distribute evenly throughout.

• Add a squirt of condiment like mustard, ketchup or hot sauce to the mix for a flavor punch.

• For a crispy coating, coat the outside of patties with panko breadcrumbs, parmesan or seasoned flour before cooking.

• Use a light hand with stronger seasonings like garlic, chili powder and cayenne pepper to avoid overpowering the salmon.

• Cool, creamy sauces and toppings like ranch, tzatziki and guacamole offset spice and bring out salmon’s richness.

• For easy handling when forming patties, coat hands lightly with oil first and press patties gently to avoid over-working the texture.

Season to Perfection

Learning how to properly season salmon patties takes your burgers from bland to beautiful. With fresh herbs, spices, and other flavor-packed ingredients mixed throughout, you can create irresistible salmon burgers bursting with flavor. Use these seasoning tips and recipes to make your frozen salmon patties the star of the meal. Just add creative toppings and a side or two, and dinner is served!