Easy Salmon Burger Recipe
Taking a break from red meat? This is your burger! This salmon burger recipe is easy, fresh, and full of flavor.
Slap Your Salmon Between Some Buns and Enjoy.
Salmon is so versatile. You can grill it, air fry it, pan-sear it, roll it up into a wrap… you get the idea.
So why not turn it into a delicious burger?
This salmon burger is formed with capers, scallions, seasoning, fresh dill, lemon juice, and panko breadcrumbs. It’s bright, tender, and it makes for a fantastic dinner option when you’re hankering a burger but want to keep it light. Or just be different!
What to Put on a Salmon Burger.
The beauty of the salmon burger is that you can treat it just like any burger for the most part.
But I have my favorites!
Pickles, thinly shaved onions, and crisp lettuce are musts for me. I also love whipping up some caper mayo for the occasion and slathering it over a brioche bun before stacking my burger.
You could add tomatoes, bacon, a sweet and savory onion jam, and if you can’t say no to cheese, add it. There are folks out there who are staunchly against cheese being mixed with seafood, but I don’t believe in that. A nice havarti or muenster goes great on a salmon burger.
Pan? Grill? Here’s How to Cook a Salmon Burger.
You can cook your salmon burger the same way you’d cook a beef, turkey, or chicken burger. The important thing to remember is to cook them to an internal temperature of 140-145º F.
Here are some cooking options:
- In a pan. Heat a large skillet—preferably cast iron—over medium-high heat. Add a splash of avocado or olive oil, enough to cover the bottom of the pan, and let it get hot. Add the salmon patties to the pan, cover, and let them cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
- On the grill. Prepare the grill the same way you would when grilling fish. Place the patties onto the grill, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the patties, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remember: if the patties don’t want to let go of the grill at your first attempt to flip them, don’t force them. Give them another 30 seconds and try again.
- In the oven. Preheat the oven to 400º F. Pop the salmon patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for about 10 minutes. Flip the patties, and cook them for another 5 minutes, or until the patties reach an internal temperature of 140-145º F.
- In the air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray. Pop the salmon patties into the basket in one layer and air fry at 400º F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For tips on how to grill fish, click here.
Ingredient List.
The ingredient list might look long, but for the most part, it’s just a bunch of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Skinless, boneless salmon fillets
- Lemon
- Capers
- Fresh dill
- Dijon mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Scallions
- Panko Breadcrumbs
For the Caper Mayo:
- Mayo
- Caper brine
- Capers
- Lemon zest
- Cracked black pepper
How to Make Salmon Burgers.
This recipe uses salmon fillets instead of canned salmon, but don’t let that deter you. It’s super easy.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Cut the salmon into 1/4-inch pieces. Transfer about 3/4 of the salmon pieces to a food processor, then add in the mustard, lemon juice, capers, fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pulse the contents until a paste has been formed. Add the rest of the salmon pieces to the processor and hit pulse a few times again to break apart the salmon, but not fully turn them into a paste. The idea is to have some salmon morsels in there for texture.
- Transfer the salmon mixture to a mixing bowl and add the sliced scallions, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the salmon mixture into four even parts and, with your hands, form four patties, placing each onto the baking sheet.
- Pop the patties into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- While the salmon patties set in the fridge, whip up the caper mayo. Simply add all of the ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk until combines. Pop it into the fridge until it’s time to serve the burgers.
- If grilling, make sure that your grill grates are CLEAN. Heat the grill to medium-high heat and, once the grill is hot, grease it up. To do this, I suggest using tongs to dip a wad of paper towels into a little bowl of oil—one with a high smoke point like avocado, canola, or sunflower oil—and gliding the paper towel over the grates to make them slick. Do this a good 4-5 times to ensure they’re nicely greased, which will prevent your salmon burgers from sticking.
- Place the salmon patties onto the grill, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Gently flip the burgers, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the patties reach an internal temperature of 140-145º F.
- Serve the burgers on nice fresh buns (we love brioche!) and top them however you please.
What Is the White Stuff on Salmon?
If you see an opaque white substance oozing from your cooked salmon, don’t fret. It’s albumin, which is a protein, and it’s harmless. Eat up!
Useful Tools for This Recipe:
- Food processor or blender with pulse option
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane
- Cast iron pan
- Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Large spoon
Recipe Tips + Tricks.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the patties. Sitting in the cold helps them set, which helps them stay together.
- You can use dry dill if you don’t have access to fresh.
- No matter which cooking method you use, the best way to ensure your patties are cooked is to check the internal temperature. When salmon, or any fish, reaches 140-145º F, you’re good to go!
Have You Made This Recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR rating & commenting below with feedback!
You can also show off your creations on Instagram by tagging @killing__thyme
Other Burger Recipes You Need to Try:
- The Best Turkey Burger Recipe
- The Best Chicken Burger Recipe
- Summer Caprese Burgers with Pesto Mayo
- Tender Greek Turkey Burgers
Get the Recipe:
Easy Salmon Burger Recipe
Ingredients
Salmon Burgers.
- 1 1/4 lb skinless, boneless salmon fillets
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 TBSP chopped capers
- 1 TBSP chopped fresh dill
- 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- A few cracked of black pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Caper Mayo.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 TBSP chopped capers
- 2 tsp caper brine
- Zest of one lemon
- A few cracks of black pepper
Instructions
Salmon burgers.
- Cut the salmon into 1/4-inch pieces, then transfer about 3/4 of the salmon pieces to a food processor. Add in the mustard, lemon juice, capers, fresh dill, onion powder, and garlic powder; pulse the contents until a paste is formed.
- Add the rest of the salmon pieces to the processor and pulse a few times to simply break apart the salmon. You want some salmon chunks in there for texture.
- Scoop the salmon mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the scallions, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, and gently mix it all up with your hands until it's well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; divide the salmon mixture into four even parts, then form four patties with your hands. Place each one onto the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. While the salmon patties set in the fridge, you can make the caper mayo (see below).
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat; make sure your grill grates are very clean.
- Once the grill is hot, grease it well to prevent sticking. Use tongs to dip a wad of paper towels into a little bowl of oil (one with a high smoke point like avocado, canola, or sunflower oil) and glide the oily paper towel over the grates to make them slick and shiny. Do this about 4-5 times to ensure they're slick
- Place the salmon patties onto the grill, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Gently flip the burgers, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the patties reach an internal temperature of 140-145º F.
- Serve the burgers on nice fresh buns and top them however you please!
Caper Mayo.
- Put all of the ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk until combined. Refrigerate it until it's time to serve the burgers.
83 Comments on “Easy Salmon Burger Recipe”
I like how the scallions give the burgers a subtle oniony flavor! Perfect recipe for cookouts this summer. Thanks for sharing!
This was everything a gourmet burger should be and then some! Light yet hearty and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
These are delicious. I made them for dinner last night, and I was blown away.
So nice to switch things up from the usual burgers. So easy too!
Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!
Salmon burgers would be a great addition to our Memorial Day cookout menu this year. I agree, pickles and onion are a must for toppings!
These would be great for that!
This salmon burger sounds marvelous. I love how simple it comes together and that it’s cooked just like other burgers. Yum!
You should try it!
These salmon burgers were incredible. The perfect texture and so light and fresh.
Aren’t they? So glad you enjoyed them, Dannii!
Made these for dinner last night and they were great. My whole family loved them!
Love to hear that!
Dana,
Love the capers in this salmon burger! A new favorite!
Yay! Thrilled to hear it. Capers are awesome.
I had only ever made salmon burgers using canned salmon before. Had some fillets I didn’t know what to do with and was curious of a burger was possible. Glad I looked into it and chose this recipe, because it was incredibly delicious.
I’m so glad this recipe helped, and that you enjoyed it!
I appreciate that it includes fresh ingredients like capers, scallions, and dill to really elevate the flavor. And the fact that it’s a lighter option is a bonus! I’m excited to give this recipe a try for my next dinner.
Thanks! Let me know when you do :)
I really do need a break from red meat and this looks like just the ticket! Beautiful photos, can’t wait to try this salmon burger out.
Keep me posted!
This is my idea of heaven and I love that caper mayo too.
It’s so so good!
Healthy Salmon Burger is such a treat. It is a burst of all the flavors. Best Happy Meal option.
Thanks!
The recipe instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the helpful tips and tricks included in the recipe. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or for serving up at a summer barbecue.
I’m glad you found it all helpful!
I made these for my friend who doesn’t eat any red meat, she loved it and asked for the recipe. I have shared your link with her :)
Ahh, great! Thank you!
I wanted to switch from red meat to something else and this salmon burger hit the spot! I am definitely making these again!
So glad, Holley!
These salmon burgers were a hit with my family! Even my picky eaters enjoyed them. I love how easy this recipe is and how it packs a punch with flavor. Now I can make a healthy and delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Thanks for sharing!
Really happy this recipe works for you, Sangeetha!
I’ve made these burgers several times and they’re always a hit! MY whole family loves them and they’re easy to make!
So happy to hear it!
I am trying to eat less red meat for heart health. Salmon is so good for you so I love that you can use it to make a burger. You will not miss meat with this salmon burger!
So glad you loved it, Vicky!
I’ve been trying to cut back on red meat, so this recipe is perfect! So flavorful and easy too!
I’m so glad! Thanks, Holley.
This recipe is great! More fish in my diet is just what the Dr ordered. You mentioned a savory onion jam so I’m hoping to see that recipe soon too! Delish!
I should really bring that spread to the blog sometime. I’m so glad you enjoyed this!
I am trying to cut out red meat so this is the perfect recipe for me!
Yes! More fish is always a win.
This is great for dinner. I love the caper mayo on top.
Thanks!
Loved how rich these salmon burgers turned out! Definitely making them again. Thanks for the recipe!
Happy to hear it, Travis!
Thrilled with how great these turned out! I pan fried the burgers and served on toasted brioche buns and they were impeccable. I followed the recipe to a tee and didn’t feel anything was lacking/other ingredients were needed. I convinced myself I didn’t need the third spoonful of capers mayo, but regretted my decision…. Very excited to have these as leftovers in the next day or two!
Spencer! I’m so happy these were a hit. Nothing better than hearing a recipe is spot on! Lol, I hear you on the mayo. It’s just so darn good. Enjoy the leftovers!
These burgers were so insanely flavorful! I had salmon I didn’t know what to do with. I usually make the same thing and wanted to change things up. So glad I went extra and did this!
I’m so glad you enjoyed these, Hazel!
Wow this was really easy and so good! I’ve only made salmon burgers once before and it was with canned salmon. This was way way way better. Tender and not dry at all.
There’s definitely a difference! Canned fish can dry out easily. I’m so glad you enjoyed these burgers.
OMG these were so good! Even the leftovers! Thank you! Going to try your turkey burger next.
Awesome! Keep me posted :)
These are definitely must try, the salmon patty has so many flavors to it. Loved the recipe.
Thanks! :)
This quickly became a favorite at my house! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re very welcome!
This Salmon Burger recipe was amazing! I love the flavor that the capers, dill and dijon mustard added. The Caper Mayo was the perfect spread that brought all the flavors together.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
The salmon burger was sooo good! I added extra dill, as I love the pairing!
I don’t blame you—LOVE dill.
This sounds (and looks!!) amazing! I love finding different ways to add salmon to my life, and this fits the bill. I cannot wait to give this a go!
Please do keep me posted!
We made these burgers for dinner last night and they were a huge hit! So flavorful and even the kids loved them!
It’s definitely a win when the kids approve! ;)
Made these last night and they were incredibly full of flavour! My kids loved them!
Can’t believe all the reports of kids enjoying these—wish mine would, haha :)
The caper mayo was so good!!! Great recipe, thanks!
You’re welcome!
This is an amazing recipe! Thanks, Dana for sharing this!
You’re very welcome!
Made this salmon burgers topped with lettuce, onions, muenster cheese and tomatoes! It was so flavorful. Your suggestions really helped. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
We made these for dinner last night — along with hamburgers, brats, and other normal “grilling” stuff. These were the first to go! Next time, I’ll skip the other things and just make these! They were so tender and flavorful and the mayo was the perfect condiment. Great recipe, thank you!
Wow, thrilled to hear this, Cara!
This is such a great idea for when I need to give red meat a break! Tasty, filling and so flavorful!
I’m with you, Holley. This and my turkey burger and chicken burger are my go-to’s these days since I’m trying to cut back on red meat!
I love salmon burgers!! But rarely are they on menus at a restaurant, so I’ve been making them at home. This salmon burger with the capers, dill and mustard were right up my alley. Absolutely delicious!
Really happy to head this, Heather! You’re right, salmon burgers don’t get much love at restaurants.
I never had a salmon burger before I came across this recipe and let me just say these were AMAZING! I made them for me and my boyfriend and we both decided they needed to be apart of our weekly recipe menu!
This is awesome news, Cam! So happy to hear it!