Best Salmon Burgers Recipe – Lemon Blossoms

Congratulations! You’ve found the best salmon burgers recipe on the internet! These flavor-packed salmon burgers are made with fresh salmon and served with a creamy herb aioli. This recipe elevates healthy dinners to a new level of easy and delicious. Step-by-step instructions for grilling, pan searing and air fryer are provided.

The Best Salmon Burgers Recipe

I started this post with a bold claim and I am sticking to it. The perfect salmon burger is made with higher quality simple ingredients, have the best flavor, always turn out juicy and are easily made on a grill, a grill pan, skillet or in the air fryer.  

To make this easy recipe, we use a food processor (or knife), to coarsely grind fresh salmon with other flavorful ingredients like fresh dill, Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice.

For best results we add a very small amount of bread crumbs as a binder. Then, we shape the salmon burger patties and cook them quickly until lightly golden brown.

As a bonus, in a matter of minutes, you can whip up a simple garlic and herb aioli to spread over the burgers. This aioli is super flavorful and easy to make.

These healthy salmon burgers cook up quickly and easily and are perfect for serving on nearly any occasion. They can even be made ahead and freeze well.

What Are Salmon Burgers and How Do They Taste?

These juicy salmon burgers are made with fresh, flavorful salmon that’s seasoned with herbs and spices, and topped with a creamy, garlicky and herbaceous aioli.

These salmon burgers are light, moist, tender and flaky. They have a fresh salmon taste without being fishy or greasy. Each bite brings a small burst of freshness and flavor from the tangy citrus, fresh herb and salty capers.

These burgers are a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional beef burgers and even turkey burgers.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Salmon Patty:

• Salmon: The rich and meaty flavor and texture of salmon makes the perfect burger, the fatty fish can definitely keep the burger moist. I use skinless salmon fillets although you can easily remove the salmon skin before grinding the fish. Fresh or frozen raw salmon can be used in this recipe. Remember that what’s sold as” fresh fish” is most likely “previously frozen fish”. You can use Atlantic, Scottish or Alaskan King salmon, Sockeye aka red salmon work well. I haven’t test this recipe with canned salmon.
• Dijon mustard: Just a bit of Dijon mustard adds both tanginess and a slightly spicy flavor. If you are out of this ingredient, use stone-ground mustard, or a small amount of regular yellow mustard (about a teaspoon).
• Mayonnaise: Although a small amount is used, mayonnaise keeps the salmon patties moist and also helps binding the ingredients together. Greek yogurt can be used but nothing compares with a bit of mayo.
• Shallot: These impart a sweet and mild onion flavor to the burgers. Use a small amount of white, brown or yellow onion instead.
• Capers: Briny, fresh and slightly salty, capers are the perfect salmon pairing. Together ,they pair as well as peanut butter and jelly!
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must. The citrusy flavor brightens up the dish. Fresh limes are the best substitution.
• Fresh dill: Another pairing made in food heaven! Dill and salmon are a fantastic combo. Fresh flat leaf parsley aka Italian parsley is a good substitution. Cilantro can also be used.

Bread Crumbs are the Key to Perfectly Juicy Burger

One may think that adding a dry ingredient like bread crumbs (or Panko breadcrumbs) into a burger patty may actually dry it up but, the opposite is true. The starch in the bread absorbs the moisture from the salmon (or any other protein) and creates a type of gel or paste (a panade), which keeps the meat moist and tender.

For the Creamy Herb Aioli aka Salmon Burger Sauce

• Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt): Mayonnaise gives the aioli a much richer and creamier texture while Greek yogurt will add a bit of extra tanginess.
• Garlic:Nothing can compare with the flavor of fresh garlic. Garlic paste is your best second option.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the sauce a bright flavor. For even more citrusy flavor, add lemon zest
• Capers: These add more salty brininess to the sauce.
• Fresh dill or basil: Either of these fresh herbs will add delicious herbal flavor.
• Scallions: Aka green onions add a bit of texture, mild onion flavor and color to the aioli. Chives can be used as well.

Toppings, Buns and Condiments:

• Buns: I love the buttery rich taste of brioche buns but you can use your favorite hamburger buns.
• Lettuce Leaves: Butter lettuce, bib lettuce and even iceberg lettuce will add texture and give burgers a nice crunch. Fresh arugula is always a good idea! It will impart a slight peppery taste.
• Other Toppings: Tomato slices, red onion, avocado, pickled jalapeños, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms.
• Condiments: If you decide not to prepare the creamy aioli, tartar sauce compliments the salmon very well. Other condiments such as spicy mayo, French remoulade sauce, Lime Crema, Greek Tzatziki Sauce and guacamole compliment this burger deliciously.

How Do You Make Salmon Burgers?

1. Add all of the ingredients, except for the breadcrumbs to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. You can chop the salmon with a knife and then mix it with the rest of ingredients.
2. Spoon the mixture into a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs and gently stir together until completely combined.
3. Form 4 equally-sized patties with the salmon burger mixture. Transfer the salmon patties to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate briefly.

Chopping the Salmon with a Knife vs Using a Food Processor

To make this salmon burgers recipe, you can dice the salmon with a knife and you can also use a food processor to speed up the process. If using a food processor, don’t overprocess the tender fish. We aren’t making a puree! If using a knife, cut the salmon into small dice. If using a food processor, you want to keep some chunky bits of salmon.

How to Cook Salmon Burgers Perfectly?

On the Grill

1. Heat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the patties, covered for 3-4 minutes per side or until the patties internal temperature reaches between 125ºF and 130ºF (for medium rare)

On the Stove Top

1. Heat a bit of oil in a nonstick skillet, grill pan, or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the salmon burger on one side for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for 2-3 additional minutes or until the burger’s internal temperature reaches between 125ºF and 130ºF (for medium rare)

Salmon Burgers In the Air Fryer

• Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the salmon patties in the prepared basket, leaving some space between each burger.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook burgers for 3-4 minutes then, flip the burgers and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the patties internal temperature reaches between 125ºF and 130ºF (for medium rare) Remove patties from the air fryer.

Salmon Burgers Frequently Asked Questions

How Do you Keep Salmon Burgers from Falling Apart?

The right ratio of ingredients is what keeps these burgers from falling apart. The binders – mayo and bread crumbs combined serves a a “glue” that not only keeps salmon patties together but also tender and moist. It’s also important to be gentle when cooking/flipping the salmon burgers.

What Type of Cheese Goes with Salmon Burgers?

Some of the best cheese to top salmon burgers are mozzarella cheese, havarti or havarti with dill, feta cheese, Gruyere and baby Swiss (the milder type). Creamy cheese such as havarti or havarti with garlic and herbs also works.

Are Salmon Burgers Healthy?

Yes! Salmon burgers are healthy and packed with nutrients and healthy fats. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, potassium and selenium.

How Do you Know When Salmon Burgers are Done?

Just like any other protein, the best way to tell if your salmon burger is done is by using an instant-read thermometer.

Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the burger. The burger is ready and can be removed from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 135ºF to 145ºF.

What to Serve With Salmon Burgers

You can serve any side dish or salad with these salmon burgers. Here are a few favorites:

Making Ahead, Storing, Freezing and Reheating Salmon Burgers

Make Ahead: Salmon burgers can be made a day ahead of time. Keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Storing: Leftover salmon patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing: Cooked and uncooked salmon burgers patties can be individually wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the burgers on the stove-top in a skillet over medium-low heat. Splash a bit of water into the skillet to create some steam. Immediately cover the skillet and reheat until warm through.