Grilled Salmon Burgers: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Healthy Burgers

Grilled Salmon Burgers: Prepare to ditch the beef! Are you tired of the same old burger routine? Craving something lighter, healthier, and bursting with flavor? Then you've come to the right place. These aren't your average fish patties; we're talking about succulent, perfectly seasoned salmon transformed into a burger experience that will have you hooked from the first bite.

Salmon has long been revered across cultures, from the Pacific Northwest tribes who considered it a sacred gift to the Scandinavian countries where it's a staple of their cuisine. While traditionally enjoyed grilled, smoked, or cured, the versatility of salmon shines through in this modern twist. The Grilled Salmon Burgers offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional red meat burgers.

What makes these burgers so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of flaky texture, rich omega-3 fatty acids, and a smoky char from the grill. People adore them because they're quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they're a fantastic way to sneak in some extra healthy fats into your diet. Get ready to fire up the grill and experience the best Grilled Salmon Burgers you've ever tasted!

Ingredients:

• For the Salmon Burgers:
• 1.5 pounds skinless salmon fillet, pin bones removed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
• For the Lemon-Dill Aioli:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For Serving:
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced red onion
• Avocado slices (optional)

Preparing the Salmon Burgers

1. Prepare the Salmon: The key to a great salmon burger is properly preparing the salmon. First, ensure all pin bones are removed. You can use tweezers or fish bone pliers for this. Then, roughly chop the salmon into 1-inch pieces. Don't worry about making it perfect; we'll be pulsing it in a food processor.
2. Pulse the Salmon: Place the chopped salmon into a food processor. Pulse it in short bursts, about 5-7 times, until the salmon is coarsely ground. You want some texture, not a complete paste. Over-processing will result in a mushy burger. I usually aim for a consistency where there are still small chunks of salmon visible.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pulsed salmon, red onion, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can also lead to a tough burger.
4. Add Breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the salmon mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. The breadcrumbs help bind the burger together and absorb excess moisture. If the mixture seems too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs until it reaches a consistency that can be easily formed into patties.
5. Form the Patties: Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Be gentle when forming the patties to avoid compacting the salmon too much. Place the formed patties on a plate lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill the Patties: Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salmon patties for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the patties to firm up, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart on the grill. You can chill them for up to 2 hours if needed.

Making the Lemon-Dill Aioli

1. Combine Ingredients: While the salmon patties are chilling, prepare the lemon-dill aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and black pepper.
2. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a little extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
3. Chill the Aioli: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the aioli until ready to use. Chilling the aioli allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful sauce.

Grilling the Salmon Burgers

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the salmon burgers from sticking. You can use a grill brush to clean the grates and then rub them with an oil-soaked paper towel.
2. Brush with Oil: Remove the salmon patties from the refrigerator. Lightly brush both sides of each patty with olive oil. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill and give them a nice sear.
3. Grill the Burgers: Place the salmon patties on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and slightly firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook the burgers, as they can become dry.
4. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the burger. Alternatively, you can gently press on the burger with a spatula. If it feels firm and flakes easily, it's likely cooked through.
5. Rest the Burgers: Once the salmon burgers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful burger.

Assembling the Burgers

1. Toast the Buns (Optional): If desired, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster. This adds a nice texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
2. Spread the Aioli: Spread a generous amount of lemon-dill aioli on both the top and bottom buns.
3. Add Lettuce: Place a few lettuce leaves on the bottom bun. This creates a barrier between the bun and the burger, preventing it from getting soggy.
4. Add the Salmon Burger: Place the grilled salmon burger on top of the lettuce.
5. Add Toppings: Top the salmon burger with sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and avocado slices (if using). Feel free to add any other toppings you like, such as pickles, sprouts, or a different type of sauce.
6. Top with the Bun: Place the top bun on top of the toppings.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled salmon burgers immediately. Enjoy! These burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill.


Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Grilled Salmon Burgers are more than just a quick weeknight meal; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy dish to their repertoire. The combination of the rich salmon, the bright herbs, and that hint of lemon zest creates a symphony of flavors that will have you craving these burgers again and again. But why is this recipe so special? It's the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You don't need to be a master chef to whip these up, and the ingredient list is refreshingly short and sweet. Yet, the end result is a burger that rivals anything you'd find at a fancy restaurant. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good burger? And when that burger is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and lean protein, you can indulge guilt-free!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let's talk about how you can make these burgers your own. While I love them served simply on a toasted brioche bun with a dollop of creamy dill sauce (recipe included, of course!), the possibilities are endless. * Bun Options: Experiment with different types of buns! Try pretzel buns for a slightly salty and chewy texture, or go gluten-free with lettuce wraps for a lighter option. * Topping Mania: Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Sliced avocado, crispy bacon, pickled onions, or a spicy sriracha mayo would all be fantastic additions. * Side Dish Sensations: Pair these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal. * Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon mixture or incorporate a spicy aioli. * Herb Garden: Feel free to swap out the dill for other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives. Each herb will add its own unique flavor profile. * Beyond the Bun: These salmon patties are also delicious served on their own as a main course, crumbled into a salad, or even used as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. I've made these burgers countless times, and I'm always amazed at how versatile they are. They're perfect for a casual backyard barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fancy brunch. No matter how you choose to serve them, I guarantee they'll be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these Grilled Salmon Burgers. I'm confident that this will quickly become a new favorite in your household. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I want to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Happy grilling!

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Grilled Salmon Burgers: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Healthy Burgers



Juicy grilled salmon burgers topped with a zesty lemon-dill aioli, fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion. A healthy and delicious alternative to beef burgers!

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time50 minutes

Category: Lunch

Yield: 4 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds skinless salmon fillet, pin bones removed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced red onion
• Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Ensure all pin bones are removed from the salmon fillet. Roughly chop the salmon into 1-inch pieces.
2. Pulse the Salmon: Place the chopped salmon into a food processor. Pulse in short bursts (5-7 times) until coarsely ground. Avoid over-processing; you want some texture.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pulsed salmon, red onion, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
4. Add Breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the salmon mixture. Gently fold in until evenly distributed. Add more breadcrumbs (1 tablespoon at a time) if the mixture seems too wet.
5. Form the Patties: Divide the salmon mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill the Patties: Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salmon patties for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
7. Make the Lemon-Dill Aioli: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and black pepper.
8. Mix Well: Stir the aioli ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Chill the Aioli: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the aioli until ready to use.
10. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled.
11. Brush with Oil: Remove the salmon patties from the refrigerator. Lightly brush both sides of each patty with olive oil.
12. Grill the Burgers: Place the salmon patties on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly firm to the touch (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
13. Rest the Burgers: Remove the salmon burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
14. Toast the Buns (Optional): Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
15. Spread the Aioli: Spread a generous amount of lemon-dill aioli on both the top and bottom buns.
16. Add Lettuce: Place a few lettuce leaves on the bottom bun.
17. Add the Salmon Burger: Place the grilled salmon burger on top of the lettuce.
18. Add Toppings: Top the salmon burger with sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and avocado slices (if using).
19. Top with the Bun: Place the top bun on top of the toppings.
20. Serve Immediately: Serve the grilled salmon burgers immediately.

Notes

• Salmon Preparation is Key: Don't over-process the salmon in the food processor. You want some texture for a better burger.
• Chilling is Crucial: Chilling the patties before grilling helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
• Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium heat on the grill to prevent burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooked salmon burgers will be dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Aioli Flavor: Adjust the lemon juice and seasonings in the aioli to your personal preference.
• Serving Suggestions: Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite burger additions. Pickles, sprouts, or different sauces would all be great.