Salmon Burgers

These Zesty Pan-Seared Salmon Burgers are a refreshing twist on the classic burger, bringing light, flaky salmon together with bold seasonings, fresh herbs, and a creamy finish from avocado or your favorite sauce. They’re crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of vibrant flavor with hints of lemon and dill.

Whether you’re looking for a pescatarian-friendly main dish, a nutritious alternative to beef, or just a quick 25-minute dinner option, these salmon burgers check all the boxes. Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite toppings or skip the bread for a low-carb option. Either way, they’re a hit for weekday meals or casual backyard gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless salmon, finely chopped

• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

• 4 burger buns

• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, tartar sauce or aioli

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red onion, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.

3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties.

4. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to help them firm up.

5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Cook the salmon patties for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Toast the burger buns if desired.

8. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, and sauce of choice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Salmon Burgers

If you’re searching for a meal that’s light, protein-rich, and packed with flavor, look no further than these homemade salmon burgers. They’re a smart and delicious twist on the traditional beef burger that is perfect for those looking to eat healthier, add more fish to their diet, or enjoy something refreshingly different. With their crisp golden crust, juicy center, and zesty herbaceous kick, salmon burgers are an easy weeknight favorite or a showstopper for your next weekend cookout.

Not only are they quick to prepare on the table in under 30 minutes but they’re also versatile enough to be adapted to a wide variety of flavor profiles, dietary needs, and seasonal toppings. Whether you serve them between toasted buns with creamy avocado sauce or over a bed of greens for a low-carb version, they deliver serious satisfaction without the heaviness of traditional burgers.

A Healthier Alternative to Red Meat

Salmon is renowned for its wealth of health benefits. As a fatty fish, it’s a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, known to support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation in the body. Unlike red meat, which can be high in saturated fats, salmon provides healthy fats that are essential for overall wellness. In addition to omega-3s, it also offers:

• High-quality protein

• B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin)

• Potassium

• Selenium

• Antioxidants like astaxanthin

By swapping out beef for salmon in your burger night rotation, you’re making a choice that supports not only great flavor but also long-term health goals. And best of all, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.

Ingredient Breakdown: Simple, Wholesome, and Fresh

The beauty of these salmon burgers lies in their simplicity. They rely on fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples to build flavor without overpowering the natural richness of the salmon. Let’s take a closer look at the core ingredients:

• Fresh Salmon

Using fresh skinless salmon (not canned) makes all the difference in texture and taste. When chopped finely, fresh salmon creates a burger patty that holds together beautifully and remains moist and tender after cooking.

• Breadcrumbs

A small amount of Panko breadcrumbs gives structure to the patties without making them dense. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed or even almond meal for a low-carb version.

• Egg and Mayonnaise

These act as binders, ensuring the patties don’t fall apart during cooking. Mayo also adds an extra layer of richness to the mix.

• Dijon Mustard and Lemon Juice

A touch of Dijon mustard brings tanginess, while lemon juice cuts through the richness and lifts the flavor profile. Both ingredients also help keep the patties moist.

• Aromatics: Red Onion, Garlic Powder, Fresh Dill

Chopped red onion provides texture and a subtle sweetness, while garlic powder and fresh dill infuse the burgers with classic seafood-friendly flavor.

• Olive Oil

Used to pan-sear the patties, a small amount of olive oil creates that golden-brown crust while adding healthy fats to the dish.

Cooking Tips for the Best Salmon Burgers

To make the best salmon burgers at home, here are a few expert tips to ensure success every time:

• Chill the Patties Before Cooking: Once formed, refrigerate the patties for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart in the skillet.

• Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the salmon too much. Overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture.

• Use Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat ensures the patties develop a crust without overcooking the inside.

• Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the patties rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute evenly.

Burger Assembly Ideas: Toppings & Sauces

Salmon burgers are highly customizable, which makes them a perfect canvas for creativity. Here are a few ways to assemble your burger:

Classic Build

• Toasted whole wheat bun

• Lettuce or baby spinach

• Tomato slices

• Thin red onion rings

• Tartar sauce or garlic aioli

West Coast Style

• Brioche bun

• Sliced avocado or guacamole

• Arugula

• Pickled red onions

• Cilantro-lime yogurt sauce

Mediterranean Twist

• Pita or flatbread

• Cucumber ribbons

• Feta cheese crumbles

• Tzatziki sauce

• Fresh mint or dill

Low-Carb Bowl

• No bun—serve patty over mixed greens

• Cherry tomatoes

• Shredded carrots

• Lemon vinaigrette

• Toasted seeds for crunch

You can also add sliced jalapeños, a fried egg, or even mango salsa if you’re in the mood for something tropical and bold.

Meal Prep and Storage

Salmon burgers make a great meal prep option because they hold up well in the fridge and freezer:

• Make-Ahead: Form the patties in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Cooked Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezer Option: You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between them and store in a sealed freezer bag.

To reheat, use a skillet or oven rather than a microwave to maintain the crisp exterior.

Nutritional Benefits at a Glance

Each serving of these salmon burgers (excluding bun and toppings) offers an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Approximate values per patty:

• Calories: ~385 kcal

• Protein: 28–30g

• Fat: 25g (mostly heart-healthy fats)

• Carbs: 6–8g (mainly from breadcrumbs)

• Fiber: Depends on your toppings, but low-carb overall

• Omega-3s: ~1.5–2g per serving

This makes them a fantastic option for those on high-protein, pescatarian, Mediterranean, or low-carb diets.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From weeknight dinners to summer cookouts, these salmon burgers are perfect for virtually any dining situation. They feel fancy enough to serve to guests but are quick and easy enough for a solo lunch or weeknight family meal. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-optional (just swap out the breadcrumbs and buns), and easy to make dairy-free or keto-friendly with a few tweaks.

They also pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as:

• Sweet potato fries

• Roasted asparagus

• Quinoa salad

• Coleslaw

• Grilled corn on the cob

Pair them with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp cucumber water for a refreshing finish.

Conclusion

Homemade salmon burgers are a must-try addition to your culinary rotation. They’re fresh, flavorful, and filled with health benefits that make you feel as good as they taste. With easy-to-find ingredients, minimal prep time, and nearly endless customization options, they check every box for busy cooks, health-conscious eaters, and flavor-seekers alike.

Whether you’re cutting back on red meat, looking to add more fish to your diet, or just want a satisfying meal that feels gourmet with very little effort, these burgers are for you. Serve them at your next barbecue, weeknight dinner, or even meal prep session—and watch them disappear. One bite, and you’ll understand why this is a recipe worth keeping on repeat.