How to Cook Perfect Salmon Burgers on the Stove

Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making these burgers a nutritious choice. With the right techniques, you can make tender, flaky salmon burgers at home on the stovetop.

Ingredients for Salmon Burgers

The main ingredient for salmon burgers is of course, fresh salmon. When shopping look for salmon fillets without bones or skin. Common options are wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho.

Besides the salmon, you’ll need a few other things to help the burgers stay together and give them flavor:

• Greek yogurt or mayonnaise Mix a couple tablespoons into the salmon to bind the burgers. Mayo adds richness, while yogurt provides tang.

• Eggs: One beaten egg helps bind the ingredients.

• Breadcrumbs or panko: To soak up the extra water and keep the burgers together, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs or panko.

• Some fresh herbs and spices that add a lot of flavor are chopped parsley, dill, chives, garlic, shallots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Other mix-ins: Consider chopped bell peppers, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or hot sauce to customize the flavor.

Preparing the Salmon

Chopping the salmon properly ensures the burgers hold together on the stove or grill. Here are a few tips:

• Remove any skin or pin bones from salmon fillets. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.

• Place the cubes in a food processor. Pulse 5-6 times until the salmon is finely chopped into very small pieces, about 1/8 inch each.

• Be patient with this step and resist overprocessing. Pulse just until chopped, not pureed. Small pieces make tender, flaky burgers.

• Alternatively, you can finely chop the salmon with a sharp knife on a cutting board until it reaches a minced texture. This takes more time but avoids overprocessing.

Mixing the Burgers

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped salmon with the binder ingredients and any seasonings or mix-ins you desire.

• For 2 pounds of salmon, use 2-3 tablespoons mayo or Greek yogurt, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko, and seasonings like 2-3 tablespoons fresh herbs, 1 minced shallot, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

• Gently mix everything together just until combined. Overmixing makes dense burgers, so handle the mixture as little as possible.

• Form patties by hand, compacting the mixtures gently into 3/4 inch thick patties. Make them a bit wider than the bun.

• Place the patties on a parchment lined plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. Chilling firms up the burgers for easier cooking.

Cooking Salmon Burgers on the Stove

Stovetop cooking provides the high heat needed to get a crispy sear on the salmon burgers. Follow these tips:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

• When the oil shimmers, gently add the patties without overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed.

• Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Salmon burgers are fully cooked when they register 145°F internal temperature.

• If the burgers brown too quickly, reduce the heat to prevent burning. Gently flip them only once during cooking.

• For a restaurant-style presentation, toast the split buns in the skillet after removing the cooked patties. Quickly melt cheese on the burgers if desired.

• Serve the salmon burgers on buns with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, tartar sauce, or the Greek yogurt herb sauce included below.

Easy Greek Yogurt Herb Sauce

Make this quick sauce while the burgers cook for a tangy, fresh topping:

• Whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste.

• Let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to blend before serving.

Grilling Salmon Burgers

You can also cook salmon patties on an oiled grill for delicious charred flavor. Follow these tips:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.

• Oil the grill grates right before adding patties. Use a grill basket if concerned about sticking or breaking.

• Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side until firm with nice grill marks. Check temperature.

• Add cheese slices during the last minute on the grill if desired for easy melting.

• Grill buns alongside the burgers to toast them.

• Top grilled burgers as desired and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon burgers pair well with various flavors. Consider serving them with:

• Specialty aiolis: Roasted garlic, sriracha, herb, spicy mayo, etc.

• Crispy toppings: Bacon, onion rings, fried shallots

• Quick pickles: Pickled cucumbers, onions, or jalapeños

• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack

• Cold toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts

• Starchy sides: French fries, potato wedges, sweet potato fries

• Veggie sides: Grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli

Salmon Burger Storage

Properly stored, leftover salmon patties keep for 2-3 days in the fridge:

• Let burgers cool completely before storing.

• Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a single layer of burgers on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes if avoiding the microwave.

For longer storage, wrap individual uncooked patties in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.

More Flavorful Ideas for Salmon Burgers

• Add minced garlic, ginger, chili pepper, or citrus zest to the salmon mixture.

• Mix in chopped bell peppers, shredded carrot, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts.

• Coat patties with panko or shredded coconut before cooking for crunch.

• Top with mango salsa, guacamole, or teriyaki sauce for flavorful options.

• For breakfast, top with a fried egg or hollandaise sauce.

• Make mini salmon cakes by forming smaller patties. Serve as appetizers.

• Bake the patties in the oven at 375°F until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

• Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tips for the Best Salmon Burgers

Follow these tips for tender, flavorful salmon burgers every time:

• Handle the salmon gently when chopping to avoid overprocessing into mush.

• Chill the formed patties before cooking so they hold their shape better.

• Use a nonstick pan and don’t move the patties once they are in pan to prevent breaking.

• Flip the patties gently only once during cooking for the best texture.

• Be careful not to overcook, as salmon dries out quickly. Cook just until opaque in center.

• Add fresh herbs, spices, citrus, and other flavors to jazz up the burgers.

• Serve immediately while hot and juicy. Cold burgers quickly dry out.

• Store leftovers properly by chilling completely before refrigerating or freezing.

With a little practice, you can master cooking moist, delicious salmon burgers at home. Follow the recipe tips for flavorful burgers that please a crowd. Salmon also lends itself well to creative add-ins, global flavors, and easy serving ideas for amazing burgers everyone will love.