Fresh Salmon Burgers with Tangy Dill Sauce
Sink your teeth into these incredibly juicy and flavorful Fresh Salmon Burgers, a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with tender, flaky salmon and bright herbs, these homemade patties are pan-seared to golden perfection. Served on toasted buns with a vibrant, tangy dill sauce, they're perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful weekend cookout. This recipe is easy to follow and packed with omega-3s, making it a fantastic choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Hamburger Recipes 
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
12 min
Serving
4
Difficulty
Easy
These Fresh Salmon Burgers are designed to highlight the natural flavor and texture of salmon. Unlike some recipes that use cooked fish, we'll be using fresh, raw salmon, finely chopped to create a patty that holds together beautifully without being overly dense. The addition of fresh dill and a hint of lemon brightens the flavor, while a simple yet zesty dill sauce complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. You can pan-sear them for a crispy exterior or grill them for a smoky touch. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns
Ingredients
- For the Salmon Burgers :
- 1.5 lbs (about 675g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and pin bones removed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- For the Tangy Dill Sauce :
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- For Serving (Optional):
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g (includes healthy Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Cholesterol: 90-100mg
- Sodium: 400-500mg
- Omega-3s: Excellent source
Directions
1. Prepare the Salmon for Patties
Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch chunks. Place about three-quarters of the salmon chunks into a food processor. Add the fresh dill, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the salmon is finely chopped but not puréed into a paste. There should still be some texture. Add the remaining quarter of the salmon chunks to the food processor and pulse just once or twice more, leaving some slightly larger pieces for better texture in the burgers.
2. Form the Burger Patties
Transfer the salmon mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add the Panko breadcrumbs and gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the patties to firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
3. Make the Tangy Dill Sauce
While the salmon patties are chilling, prepare the dill sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Cook the Salmon Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chilled salmon patties into the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the burgers are golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the burger should read 145°F (63°C).
5. Assemble and Serve
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast your burger buns. Once the salmon burgers are cooked, transfer them to a plate. Spread a generous amount of the tangy dill sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a salmon patty, tomato slices, red onion slices, and avocado slices (if using). Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful salmon burgers!
