Classic Salmon Burgers

Fire up the grill and serve Classic Salmon Burgers to the whole family! These simple salmon burgers highlight the freshness and flavor of Alaskan sockeye salmon. Combine bite-sized salmon pieces with an egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, lemon zest and seasonings to create the patties, then cook on a grill pan (or outside on the grill) for the ultimate fish burger! Serve with fresh avocado slices and lettuce, then enjoy immediately. SO tasty!

two salmon burgers close up

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When I was a kid, my family traveled to East Tennessee once a year for a mountain adventure.

I remember absolutely ADORING those long weekends, spent hiking, fishing and enjoying nature.

I know, I know. Those of you who know me are probably shocked because I’m not an outdoorsy kind of girl… but I love a good camping adventure, so long as cabins and running water are involved.

three salmon burgers on a white plate

For whatever reason, I loved casting my fishing line at dawn and dusk, fishing for whatever was swimming in the body of water we were camping by.

And while I haven’t been fishing in years—I was scarred a little bit as a camp counselor who had to teach her camp kids to fish and simultaneously not lose an eye/hand/ear to a flying hook—I remember those days fondly.

So it should come as no surprise that I’ve enjoyed eating fish since I can remember.

That’s part of the fun of fishing, right?

salmon burger sliced in half

Obviously, these burgers are a little higher brow than the fish we caught in whatever body of water was near our cabin. 😉

And since Winston spent a month in Alaska earlier this summer, I thought it would be fun to turn a gorgeous salmon filet into a burger.

Before we get into it: Yes, I’m well aware that salmon is an expensive fish, depending on your proximity to the ocean and where the fish was caught.

And yes, since it’s expensive, I realize some folks might not want to turn it into a burger. If that’s how you feel, that’s fine. I get it. Just don’t make this recipe, then get upset because I asked you to cut up a gorgeous piece of fish and turn it into a burger.

a knife in a salmon burger

But if you’re down for a Classic Salmon Burger and doing a little bit of work to make it happen?

It’s simple.

It’s flavorful.

And assuming you like fish, it’s utterly delicious.

And it’s the perfect fancier burger to make for yourself this summer!

salmon burgers topped with avocado

Classic Salmon Burger Essentials

Get the look!

A Salmon Burger is speared with a knife, ready for eating, with Pinterest text

Looking for some more burger recipes? I highly recommend my BBQ Chicken Burger Bites, Guacamole-Stuffed Fajita Burgers and Louisiana Cajun Turkey Burgers.

And if you’re ready for a salmon burger?

Here ya go!

two salmon burgers close up
Yield: 4 salmon burgers

Classic Salmon Burgers

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Fire up the grill and serve Classic Salmon Burgers to the whole family! These simple salmon burgers highlight the freshness and flavor of Alaskan sockeye salmon. Combine bite-sized salmon pieces with an egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, lemon zest and seasonings to create the patties, then cook on a grill pan (or outside on the grill) for the ultimate fish burger! Serve with fresh avocado slices and lettuce, then enjoy immediately. SO tasty!

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ lbs. Alaskan sockeye salmon, skinless and deboned
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Butter lettuce
  • Avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife, slice the skinless, deboned salmon into ½” square pieces. (Carefully cut this, as you want to keep the integrity of the salmon pieces without them becoming mushy. Cutting the salmon down took me about 10 minutes.)
  2. Place the salmon into a glass bowl, and add the egg, panko, salt, pepper, soy sauce and lemon zest.
  3. Using your hands, toss the salmon until just combined.
  4. Separate into four evenly sized patties.
  5. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a little bit of olive oil.
  6. When the pan is hot, place the salmon patties into it, and sear on one side.
  7. Once one side is crisp and browned, flip and cook the other side until equally browned.
  8. Remove the salmon patties from the heat, and place on the toasted buns.
  9. Place avocado slices on top of the burgers and a leaf of butter lettuce beneath them. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ask your fishmonger to skin and debone the salmon. This will make your hands-on time at home a LOT quicker and easier.

The salmon patties should take 5-9 minutes, depending on the heat you’re using. You want to ensure that the centers of the patties are cooked through since you’re using an egg as a binder for this recipe.

These burgers can also be cooked on the grill. Cook times will change, depending on the heat.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 salmon burger

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 426Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 555mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 36g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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4 Comments

  1. Oooooh these look so good! I don’t like regular burgers so we do a ton of veggie burgers on the grill — I have to try these salmon burgers next!

  2. Loved your recipe! Hubby devoured his. Will definitely make again in larger quantities. Thanks!
    Mandy

    1. Mandy,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me this comment! It makes my DAY to hear, and I just love when my recipe turns out for others.

      My husband devours his whenever we make these, so making it again in a larger quantity isn’t a bad idea at all!

      Happy cooking to you!

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