Salmon burgers are juicy and flavor-packed thanks to a few simple tips and this easy recipe. If you put some Tzatziki sauce on top of these salmon patties, they taste great as a burger, on a bed of arugula and vegetables, or just by themselves.
This salmon burger recipe is sure to become part of your rotation. The dry, crumbly, and flavorless disks I often experienced at restaurants have left me wanting more. You can no longer settle for bland, dry salmon patties! After a lot of testing and research, I found a few ways to make juicy salmon burgers every time! As usual, we turned up the flavor! The Mediterranean style adds a new level to this salmon burger recipe, just like it did with my Greek Lamb Burgers. Green onion and herbs add bursts of freshness. A Mediterranean-style spice blend of coriander, tangy sumac, and sweet or smoked paprika adds to the intrigue. A final squeeze of lemon juice adds a tang to balance the rich, buttery salmon. Texture is the other bone I have to pick with your average salmon patty recipe. When I mix the breadcrumbs into the patty, it dries out the salmon by drawing out all the water. I instead make these crabcake-style, using the breadcrumbs (feel free to use gluten-free) as a coating. This makes the patties super tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The breadcrumbs don’t steal all the juices from the burger; instead, they toast up and become toasty, golden brown, and delicious in the pan! These salmon burgers are tasty and versatile; serve them with some Greek-Style Oven Fries on the side. Or, use them as a healthy protein to top simple salads, like Lemony Arugula Salad with Avocado.
This salmon burger recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients. Pan-seared until crispy, they can be made year-round.
Salmon burgers are such a tasty and healthy meal. The omega-3 rich salmon paired with herbs, spices, and crunchy breadcrumbs makes for a delicious patty that is satisfying, yet light. But a great salmon burger needs an equally tasty side dish! The options are endless, but I want to share my top 12 side dish ideas to serve with salmon burgers.
Salad
One of the best things to eat with salmon cakes or patties is a fresh salad. The tangy, crunchy greens pair perfectly with the savory and tender salmon burger. Some of my favorite salad options include:
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Roasted Vegetable Salad – Roasting veggies like zucchini, peppers, onions, and carrots caramelizes their natural sugars and gives them a sweet depth of flavor. The mix of colors and textures takes this salad to the next level
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Healthy Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw with a lighter yogurt-based dressing is a classic Shredded cabbage and carrots give you that satisfying crunch to contrast the soft salmon burger
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A Greek salad is a Mediterranean salad that starts with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Then it’s dressed with a tangy vinaigrette that complements the salmon beautifully.
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Caesar salad, which is made with Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing, is a hit with everyone. It’s hearty enough to stand up to a salmon burger.
Fries
Crispy, golden fries may seem indulgent, but a small serving alongside your salmon burger is delightful. Fries add great texture and comfort to balance a lighter salmon meal. Some fry varieties I recommend include:
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Sweet Potato Fries – Wedges of sweet potatoes, tossed in oil and spices, then oven baked until crisped are a healthier option. Their natural sweetness works so well with salmon.
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Parsnip Fries – Thin slices of parsnip baked until crispy make for potato-free fries. Parsnips have an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with salmon.
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Air Fryer French Fries – Making fries in the air fryer cuts way down on oil for a less guilty pleasure. Cook until super crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
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Beer Battered Fries – For a special treat, coat thin-cut potato fries in a light beer batter before frying up crispy. These fries are irresistible dipped in spicy aioli.
Veggies
In place of fries, go for a healthier oven roasted veggie side. Roasting caramelizes natural sugars and adds great depth of flavor. Some of my go-to veggie pairings include:
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Grilled Asparagus – Fresh asparagus spears tossed in olive oil, then grilled or broiled until lightly charred. Simple seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice lets the vegetable’s flavors shine.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Cubed sweet potatoes, tossed in oil and roasted until tender inside and crispy outside are amazing. The natural sweetness balances the salmon perfectly.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts halved and air fried until browned and crispy are so addictive! The nutty taste and crunchy texture make them an easy veggie side.
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Blistered Green Beans – Fresh green beans blistered in a skillet with garlic and olive oil gets that nice char while maintaining their crisp-tender bite.
Chips
For those days you want to indulge, a small serving of chips completes the meal. The satisfying crunch pairs so nicely with soft and flaky salmon cakes. Some of my favorite chips to serve include:
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Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips – These tangy and salty kettle-cooked chips hit the spot. The thin slices get super crispy.
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Baked Pita Chips – For a lighter option, baked pita chips flavored with sea salt, garlic, or za’atar spice are tasty. Dunk them in hummus!
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Tortilla Chips and Guacamole – This classic combo is fool-proof. The creaminess of the guac balances the crispy corn chips perfectly.
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Sweet Potato Chips – Dehydrated sweet potato slices get beautifully crispy without deep frying, for a healthier chip option with salmon.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to side dishes for salmon patties or cakes. Salads, fries, veggies, and chips all pair deliciously with these omega-3 packed salmon burgers. Though salmon burgers make for a lighter meal, don’t be afraid to add a small indulgence with your side. The combination of textures and flavors will make your meal extra satisfying.
What are some of your favorite sides to serve with salmon cakes or patties? I’d love to get your tips and favorite pairings in the comments!
How to Make Salmon Burgers
Making salmon burgers is easy. Just make sure you leave yourself 30 minutes to allow the mixture to get to know itself. This makes it more flavorful and ensures it holds together.
- Process the salmon. Cut 1 ½ pounds of salmon into bite-sized chunks. In the bowl of a large food processor, put about ¼ of the salmon. Add 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Run the processor until the mixture is pasty. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Coarsely process the remaining salmon. Place the remaining salmon in the food processor. Just pulse it a few times until it’s roughly cut into ¼-inch pieces. (Do not over-process this second batch of salmon. It should keep some texture without getting pasty. ) Add to the bowl with the finely processed salmon.
- Flavor the salmon. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions and 1 cup of chopped parsley to the bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and 1 teaspoon of sumac to the food. Add a lot of kosher salt and mix everything together. Cover and chill in your fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Get ready. While the salmon chills, make the Easy Tzatziki Sauce. Grab a few handfuls of arugula. Slice a tomato and red onion. Toast the burger buns (if using). Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet and paper towels on a plate. Prepare the food.
- Make the salmon patties. Spread the bread crumbs on a plate. Cut the chilled salmon mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties that are about an inch thick. Cover one side of each patty with bread crumbs and press to cover. Flip and press on the other side to coat. Place the breaded salmon patties on the lined sheet pan.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. The patties should be carefully put into the hot oil once the oil shimmers but before it starts to smoke. Cook until lightly browned on the bottom, then flip. It will take about 4 minutes of cooking until the patty is medium-rare and lightly browned on both sides. If you need to, change the heat while cooking to keep things sizzling and cooking well without burning the bread crumbs. For medium-rare, the meat should be at least 115 to 120°F on the inside.
- Finish the salmon: Place the cooked salmon burgers on the plate lined with paper towels to drain. Put a little salt on top and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Put it together: If you’re serving burgers, put some tzatziki sauce on the buns. Place the arugula, tomato, and onion slices on top of the salmon. Enjoy!.
What to Serve with Salmon Patties
If you’re making these salmon patties burger-style, keep it classic with Greek-Style Oven Fries. Use any creamy-meets-tangy leftover tzatziki as a dipping sauce for the crispy oven-baked potatoes. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp salad like Celery Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing. You can put these crispy salmon patties on a lot of different salads and make them taste great. I often keep things simple with arugula and sliced seasonal veggies. All I have to do is squeeze some lemon juice over everything, drizzle some olive oil on top, and maybe even give it a good toss if I’m feeling fancy. Or, I’ll make myself a big batch of Greek Salad Dressing to use all week long. Creamy avocado and buttery salmon are also a beautiful pairing. A simple Lemony Arugula Salad with Avocado, which is light and herbaceous, would be the perfect base for your tasty salmon patties. A backyard party in the afternoon would be fun with a pitcher or two of cool Agua De València to drink.
Salmon burgers
FAQ
Are frozen salmon burgers healthy?
What to put on a salmon burger?
Brush each burger with some of the glaze. Place the burgers on the toasted buns and top with the cucumber salad. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side. Give your usual beef patties the weekend off and make these salmon burgers instead. Here’s what to put on your salmon burger, from toppings to sauce.
Is smoked salmon good for you?
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and selenium. In addition, it provides healthy fatty acids for the body. It contains large amounts of omega 3, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents certain types of Cancer.
What salad goes with salmon burgers?
A green salad is a must-have side dish for salmon burgers. The light, refreshing taste of the greens pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful salmon burgers. And this honey-lime dressing elevates the dish to new heights. The key to a good green salad is to use a variety of greens. I like to use spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce.
How do you make a salmon burger?
FINELY Dice the Salmon. This step is very important! Combine All the Ingredients. Mix with a fork. Form Patties. Refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes. Prepare the Sauce. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Cook the Burgers. Serve as desired on hamburger buns with fresh dill sauce, and DIG IN! What Do You Put On a Salmon Burger?
How do you eat a salmon burger?
Top your burger with extra veggies like fresh, juicy tomato slices and/or sliced red onion. Add caramelized or pickled onions for a different flavor. Once you’ve got your salmon patties cooked, you can serve them several different ways. On a bun, burger style. Add arugula or another fresh green and any other favorite burger toppings.
What sauce goes with salmon burgers?
Salmon burger sauce ideas to try are: Remoulade sauce, a traditional French and Cajun mayo-based sauce (our top pick!) Horseradish sauce, creamy with a spicy bite! Once you pick a sauce, you can customize your salmon burger toppings to go with the theme. There are so many great ideas, so we’ve got a separate list going!