Dill Salmon Burgers

Leave the cans in the cupboard for these delicious dill salmon patties, which showcases fresh salmon as the main ingredient. These easy to make salmon burgers are full of flavor and can be frozen for make-ahead meals. They are another great seafood burger option to add to your routine along with these Shrimp Burgers and Tilapia Fish Burgers.

Salmon patties are on the menu this week. They seriously make the best burgers and couldn't be easier to make. Top them with all your favorite burger fixings for an easy weeknight meal.

This simple salmon burger recipe is a great alternative to a traditional burger and is perfect over a bed of greens or on your favorite bread.  It's also a great way to encourage anyone who doesn't love fish to try it. We use burgers as a way to introduce different or new proteins to the kids since this is a concept they love. Between the condiments and bun, it's a great way to try out a new flavor.

Now the trick to this recipe is blending about 1/4 of the salmon into a paste to serve as the binding agent in the recipe. This means that you can avoid adding eggs or mayo, which typically binds a salmon burger together. 

Recipe Ideas

• Go Greek: Adding a tablespoon of fresh dill gives these salmon patties a subtly Greek flavor profile that you can accentuate with toppings like feta cheese or by using tzatziki sauce in the place of traditional burger condiments. Serving salmon burgers in a low-calorie pita stuffed with cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes or perched atop a fresh Greek salad will make these an especially light alternative to beef burgers.
• Cajun: Replace the dill with a teaspoon or more of dried, store-bought Cajun seasoning or mix up your own recipe by blending salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano to taste.
• Asian style: Add fresh ginger, finely chopped green onions, and a dash of red pepper in place of the dill, lemon, and shallot will give these simple salmon patties an Asian kick without adding any additional prep time. You can emphasize the salmon’s seasoning with chili sauce, plum sauce, or Asian-style mayo, which is available at many international stores.
• Make it low carb: Leave out the breadcrumbs and add in a couple of tablespoons of almond flour, cassava flour, or ground pork rinds to help the patties hold together. If you want to bypass these, place the patties in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cooking to help the patties stay together.
• Use canned salmon: For a more budget-friendly option, you can replace the fresh salmon with canned salmon. Make sure to choose a variety that doesn't contain skin and/or bones. 

What to Serve With Salmon Burgers

When I am having a burger, it's pretty much guaranteed that I am going to want some kind of french fry on the side and I usually add a salad for good measure. Here are some healthy options to try:

• Crispy Turnip Fries that no one will ever guess are made with turnips not potatoes.
• Roasted Parsnip Fries are my kids favorite alternative to traditional fries with their subtly sweet flavor.
• Baked Skinny Fries are just as crispy and delicious as the deep fried variety but so much better for you.
• Butternut Squash Fries is another fun alternative that I like to make when I am craving sweet potato fries.
• Healthy Kale Caesar comes together in just a few minutes and tastes like the classic restaurant salad.
• Israeli Chopped Salad is an unexpected twist and pairs so well with the dill in these burgers.

Can I use canned salmon?

You can make these salmon patties with canned salmon instead of fresh. This is a great option for saving money. A few things to remember. Make sure to choose a canned salmon that is free from skin and bones. Also if possible, look for a wild salmon versus farmed salmon.

Cooking Tips  

Since the burgers don’t contain a whole lot of extra fillers, they can be a little fragile. If you’re cooking them on the stovetop, make sure your pan is well oiled and preheated over a medium flame. Once you add the fish to the pan, wait until the first side of the salmon is cooked thoroughly enough to release easily, and try not to turn the patty more than once.

Similarly, if you’re using a grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled before you preheat it and cook the first side of the fish until it releases easily when it’s time to flip the burgers. The second side may even need a minute or two less time to cook as a result.

Another common question is how to know if they are done. This is actually going to be based on preference and how well done you like your salmon. For best results, you want the outside to be crispy and browned and the inside should be pink and not mushy. The fish should be flaky but still moist.

Storage and Freezer Options

These patties will last in the fridge for 3-4 days after being cooked. You can also freeze the patties in an airtight container and reheat them in a pan.

Are salmon burgers good for you?

Salmon is a healthy protein that is packed with healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, lean protein, minerals, and vitamins. It is good for heart health, brain health, and is great to include in a healthy diet. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of salmon as well as how to store it, choose it, and prepare it, check out our Ultimate Guide to Salmon.

Looking for more salmon recipes?

• Baked Garlic Lemon Salmon in Foil
• Easy Honey Garlic Broiled Salmon
• Cajun Salmon
• Blackened Salmon