Salmon Burgers with Lemon Basil Mayo Recipe

Salmon: The star of the dish, providing a rich and flavorful base for the burgers.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and adds a slight crunch.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.

Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and creaminess to the patties and the lemon basil mayo.

Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy flavor that complements the salmon.

Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to both the patties and the mayo.

Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the patties and mayo.

Burger buns: The vessel for the salmon patties, providing structure and texture.

Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp element to the burgers.

Tomato slices: Provides juiciness and a slight sweetness to the burgers.

When forming the salmon patties, make sure to handle the mixture gently to avoid overworking the fish. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and flaky one. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before grilling can help them hold their shape better during cooking. This step is particularly useful if the mixture feels too soft or sticky.

• salmon fillet - Substitute with tuna fillet: Tuna has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for salmon in burgers.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can act as a binding agent similar to an egg.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor with a slightly different texture.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor to lemon juice.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the burger.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• toasted burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb alternative while still providing a crisp texture.

• lettuce leaves - Substitute with spinach leaves: Spinach leaves provide a similar fresh and crisp texture with added nutritional benefits.

• tomato slices - Substitute with roasted red pepper slices: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor as an alternative to fresh tomatoes.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative to mayonnaise.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy flavor that can mimic the acidity of lemon juice.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, providing a different but complementary flavor profile.

• To store your salmon burgers, allow the cooked patties to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their freshness.

• Place the wrapped salmon patties in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help prevent any unwanted odors from seeping into the burgers and keep them moist.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the burgers within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped patties in the freezer.

• To freeze the salmon burgers, ensure they are wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen salmon patties in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the burgers.

• Reheat the thawed patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

• For the lemon basil mayo, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

• If you prefer to make the lemon basil mayo in advance, prepare it and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• When assembling the burgers after storage, ensure the lettuce and tomato slices are fresh and crisp. This will add a delightful crunch and freshness to your salmon burgers.

• Enjoy your salmon burgers with lemon basil mayo as if they were freshly made, savoring every bite of this delicious and nutritious meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the salmon burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the burgers with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the burgers are warmed through.
  5. For the last 2 minutes, remove the foil to let the edges crisp up slightly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the salmon burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the salmon burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the salmon burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the burgers are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Place the salmon burgers on the grill and cover.
  4. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the salmon burgers on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, removing the foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the edges.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: This will help you mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the salmon patties.

• Grill spatula: Use this to flip the salmon patties on the grill.

• Small bowl: Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper to prepare the lemon basil mayo.

• Whisk: This will help you mix the ingredients for the lemon basil mayo smoothly.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and lemon juice accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: This is essential for chopping the salmon fillet and fresh basil.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface for chopping the salmon and basil.

• Toaster: Toast the burger buns to give them a nice, crispy texture.

• Plate: Place the cooked salmon patties on this before assembling the burgers.

• Serving platter: Arrange the assembled burgers on this for serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the salmon and basil ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the salmon mixture by pulsing in a food processor instead of chopping by hand.

Pre-make the lemon basil mayo: Mix the lemon basil mayo a day before and refrigerate it.

Toast buns together: Toast all burger buns at once in the oven instead of individually on the grill.

Batch grill patties: Grill all salmon patties simultaneously if your grill is large enough.