Salmon Burger Recipe

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A salmon burger recipe made with fresh salmon fillets. This patties can be made quickly and have great flavor! Top with homemade tartar sauce.

Seafood is not one of my specialties. I enjoy a good fillet a fried fish every now and then. But when I’m feeling fancy I buy salmon fillets to grill or saute.

We’ve been trying to fit more seafood into our diet lately, and this salmon burger recipe made with fresh fish was a fast favorite! Just look at this beauty:

closeup of a salmon sandwich

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Uses fresh salmon fillets rather than canned salmon.
  • Fresh dill and parsley for savory flavor.
  • The patties cook in about 2 minutes!

What is a salmon burger?

A salmon burger is a sandwich made with a salmon patty (rather than ground beef or another meat). Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, so it is a great option for a beef alternative.

Some burgers are made with canned salmon, which we find leads to a really fishy flavor. Our family prefers fresh fillets of salmon, which is easier than you may think!

salmon burger with one bite missing

How to Make Salmon Burgers

You’ll need to start by removing the skin from the salmon fillets. You can do this easily with a sharp knife. Here is a tutorial.

  • Divide the salmon into 2 equal pieces. Cut one piece up into small cubes about pea size. Chop the second piece until it is nearly a paste. You can also put it in a ziplock bag and smash it with a mallet.
chopped salmon on a cutting board
  • Place all the salmon into a large mixing bowl. Add the onions, onion, capers, egg, bread crumbs, lemon zest, dill and parsley. Mix until well combined.
  • Divide into 6 large balls. Press these well together so everything holds well, then press each ball into a round patty.
uncooked salmon burgers on a cutting board
  • Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and spray with nonstick spray. Salt patty on one side before adding to skillet, making sure salted side is down. Salt the other side. Cook for about 1 minute on each side. Remove from pan and repeat until all 6 patties are cooked.
fried salmon patty in a skillet

What goes on a salmon burger?

Tartar sauce is always our choice when it comes to fish! We’re sharing a homemade tartar sauce here with fresh dill, dijon, a hint of lemon and sweet relish.

Tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and onion are perfect for salmon sandwiches. Avocado and bacon are fun options too.

golden brown salmon burgers on lettuce

What to serve with these sandwiches?

Think of picnic side dishes to pair with this recipe: sweet potato fries, potato wedges, potato salad or pasta salad. Broccoli salad or tomato orzo pasta salad are delicious as well.

You may also love these salmon patties!

stack of 3 salmon burgers
stack of 3 salmon burgers

Easy Salmon Burger Recipe

5 from 1 vote
A salmon burger recipe made with fresh salmon fillets. This patties can be made quickly and have great flavor! Top with homemade tartar sauce.
Servings 6
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes

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Ingredients
 

For the salmon burgers:

  • 1 pound wild caught salmon fillets skin removed
  • 1 tablespoon minced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (plain or garlic and herb)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • salt (you will shake this on each side when you are cooking)

For the tartar sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 Tablespoons sweet relish
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the sandwiches:

  • 6 hamburger buns
  • tartar sauce
  • 6 pieces lettuce
  • red onion sliced
  • pickles your choice

Instructions
 

Make the Salmon Burgers:

  • Divide the salmon into 2 equal pieces. Cut one piece up into small cubes about pea size. Chop the second piece until it is nearly a paste. You can also put it in a ziplock bag and smash it with a mallet.
  • Place all the salmon into a large mixing bowl. Add the onions, onion, capers, egg, bread crumbs, lemon zest, dill and parsley. Mix until well combined.
  • Divide into 6 large balls. Press these well together so everything holds well, then press each ball into a round patty.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and spray with nonstick spray. Salt patty on one side before adding to skillet, making sure salted side is down. Salt the other side. Cook for about 1 minute on each side. Remove from pan and repeat until all 6 patties are cooked.
  • The salmon patties can be stored in the fridge up to a week before serving. Warm before serving.

Make the Homemade Tartar Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix mayo, dill, relish, mustard and lemon juice. Mix till combined.
  • Place in a small jar. Can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

Assemble the sandwiches:

  • Place lettuce on bottom bun, lay salmon patty on lettuce. Add onion and pickles on top. Spread generous amount of homemade tartar sauce to top bun and place on top.
  • Enjoy!!

Notes

The calories shown are based on the recipe making 6 burgers, with 1 serving being 1 burger only (no toppings). Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**i

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Calories 157
Keyword sandwich recipe, seafood recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grill the salmon burgers?

You can grill the burgers if you’d like, but we find they cook best in a skillet. If you do choose to grill, try grilling them on a cooking sheet or aluminum foil so they don’t fall apart.

Can you use gluten free bread crumbs?

Yes! Use gluten free if you’d like.

Can I leave out the capers?

You can, but they do add a great lemony flavor to the burgers. If you’d like to use a substitute, finely chop a couple of green olives for extra flavor.

About JulieJulie Clark

About Julie Clark

I'm Julie Clark, CEO and recipe developer of Tastes of Lizzy T. With my B.A. in Education and over 30 years of cooking and baking, I want to teach YOU the best of our family recipes.

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Grace
2 years ago

5 stars
Made them & nice twist to salmon!! Was very pleased, easy!