Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! These grilled salmon burgers are your new go-to for quick dinner ideas. Packed with protein and omega-3s, they’re a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy a juicy burger. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, a casual weekend lunch, or even an impressive dinner party. Get ready to elevate your burger game!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and pin bones removed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Your favorite burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, and other desired burger toppings
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon:
Flake the cooked salmon fillet into a medium-sized bowl using a fork. Be sure to remove any remaining bones. If you're starting with raw salmon, grill or bake it until cooked through before proceeding.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients:
Add the red onion, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl with the flaked salmon. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Don't overmix; you want to maintain some texture.
Step 3: Form the Patties:
Shape the salmon mixture into four equal-sized patties. Make them slightly thicker than you would a traditional beef burger, as they'll shrink a bit during grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon Burgers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Use a spatula to carefully flip them.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers:
Once cooked, remove the salmon burgers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with your favorite fixings. Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a creamy tartar sauce are all delicious options.
Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon Burgers:
- Don't overwork the salmon: Overmixing will make the patties tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Use high-quality salmon: The flavor of the salmon will greatly impact the taste of the burgers. Opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the patties enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill them in batches.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
- Cream Cheese Salmon Burgers: Mix in 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese for added richness and moisture.
- Avocado Salmon Burgers: Top with sliced avocado for a healthy and creamy addition.
Nutritional Information (per burger, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
These grilled salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Enjoy!