Zesty Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers

Prepare to fall in love with the most incredibly flavorful and satisfying lemon dill salmon burger recipe you’ve ever tried! Crafted with succulent, flakey fresh salmon, bright lemon, and aromatic dill, each bite of these homemade patties is a burst of culinary delight. Far superior to versions made with canned fish, our fresh salmon burgers are exceptionally juicy, tender, and packed with an impressive 32g of protein per patty, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy and fulfilling meal. Whether you prefer to grill them to smoky perfection, pan-fry them for a crispy exterior, or bake them for effortless cooking, these burgers are guaranteed to impress.

If you’re looking for a healthy dinner idea that doesn’t compromise on taste, these salmon burgers are about to become a new staple in your home. They’re a beloved dish in our household, and we’re confident they’ll win you over too! Elevate your weeknight dinner routine or dazzle your dinner guests by opting for these gourmet fresh salmon burgers instead of traditional beef patties. Not only do they offer a vibrant flavor profile, but they also bring a wealth of nutritional benefits, making them a smart and delicious choice for any occasion.

Crafting these delectable salmon burgers involves three simple steps: first, whipping up the irresistible sriracha aioli; second, expertly preparing the salmon patties; and finally, cooking them to perfection using your preferred method. We’ve included detailed instructions for grilling, stovetop cooking, and baking, ensuring you can achieve perfect results every time. Serve them classic-style on a toasted bun with all your favorite fixings, or for a lighter, gluten-free option, enjoy them over a crisp bed of greens. Either way, these Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers with Sriracha Aioli are truly life-changing!

What Makes This the BEST Salmon Burger Recipe?

The secret to an extraordinary salmon burger lies in both the quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create these truly exceptional patties:

• Homemade Sriracha Aioli: Our signature aioli is crafted with a creamy base of Greek yogurt and cream cheese, creating a rich texture without being overly heavy. It’s perfectly balanced with the spicy kick of sriracha, a bright squeeze of lemon juice, and the fresh, herbaceous notes of chopped dill. This vibrant sauce isn’t just a topping; it’s an essential flavor component that elevates every bite of the burger.
• Premium Fresh Salmon: What truly sets this recipe apart from many others, including our own salmon patties recipe, is the exclusive use of fresh, uncooked salmon. While canned or pre-cooked salmon can work in a pinch, using fresh salmon is paramount for achieving that incredibly tender, moist, and flakey texture that defines a gourmet salmon burger. This commitment to fresh ingredients ensures a superior flavor and mouthfeel that you simply won’t get any other way.
• Almond Meal for Binding: Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, we opt for almond meal as our binding agent. This not only makes the recipe naturally gluten-free but also imparts a delicate, subtly nutty flavor that complements the salmon beautifully. Almond meal helps hold the patties together without making them dense, ensuring they remain tender throughout cooking. If almond meal isn’t available, or you prefer a different binder, breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
• A Symphony of Fresh Flavors: These salmon burgers are infused with a medley of fresh, aromatic ingredients that create a complex and inviting flavor profile. Minced garlic and shallots provide a pungent depth, while fresh dill adds a distinctive herbaceous freshness. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, these ingredients work in harmony to enhance the natural richness of the salmon.
• Food Processor for Perfect Texture: A high-speed food processor is an invaluable tool for this recipe. It’s key to achieving a consistently smooth and evenly ground salmon mixture, which is crucial for forming patties that hold together well and cook uniformly. Pulsing the salmon ensures a desirable texture—not too fine, not too chunky—that is ideal for burgers.

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of almond meal for salmon burgers?

Absolutely! While almond meal is our preferred choice for its unique nutty flavor and gluten-free properties, breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Whether you opt for regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs, they will effectively bind the salmon mixture. The key is to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended together in a food processor to achieve a consistent texture for your patties.

What to Put on a Salmon Burger: Delicious Topping Ideas

While our favorite way to enjoy these salmon burgers is with thinly sliced red onion and delicate microgreens, the beauty of a burger lies in its versatility! Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and customize your salmon burger with toppings that cater to your taste buds:

• Fresh Tomato Slices: Add a burst of juicy sweetness and a vibrant color contrast.
• Crisp Bibb Lettuce: Offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor, perfect for a lighter bite.
• Peppery Arugula: Provides a slightly bitter, peppery kick that beautifully cuts through the richness of the salmon.
• Thinly Sliced White Onion: For those who prefer a sharper, more pungent onion flavor.
• Melted Swiss Cheese: A classic burger topping that adds a creamy, savory layer. For best results, add it during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt perfectly.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado adds a healthy fat and rich texture, complementing the salmon wonderfully.
• Pickled Red Onions: A tangy, slightly sweet, and vibrant topping that adds an incredible zing and visual appeal.
• Cucumber Slices: For a refreshing, cool crunch, especially on a warm day.

How to Make Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers: Step-by-Step Guide

Making delicious salmon burgers is an enjoyable process, and with a few key tricks, you can ensure they turn out perfectly moist and flavorful every single time. Follow these straightforward steps to create this easy yet impressive lemon dill salmon burger recipe:

1. Prepare the Sriracha Aioli: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sriracha aioli. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If your cream cheese is quite firm, a quick softening in the microwave (a few seconds) or at room temperature will help it blend more easily. Once prepared, cover and refrigerate the aioli until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Prep the Fresh Salmon: Begin by carefully removing any skin and bones from your salmon fillets. This ensures a smooth, consistent texture for your burger patties. Once cleaned, cut the salmon into small, manageable chunks. Transfer these chunks to a high-speed food processor.
3. Process and Season the Salmon: Secure the lid on your food processor and pulse the salmon slowly. Continue pulsing until the salmon is ground to a consistency similar to ground chicken – you want it finely chopped but not pureed. Next, add the lemon zest, minced shallot, fresh garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and almond meal to the food processor. Pulse these ingredients together gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to over-process, as this can lead to tough burgers.
4. Form the Salmon Patties: Carefully remove the blade from the food processor. Divide the salmon mixture evenly into four equal portions. Using your hands, gently form each portion into a firm, round patty, approximately 1.5 inches thick. Placing them on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerating for 15-20 minutes can help them firm up further, making them easier to handle during cooking.
5. Cook Your Salmon Burgers Your Way! Choose your preferred cooking method below for optimal results.

6. Serve and Savor: Once cooked, serve your delicious salmon patties immediately. Place them on a toasted burger bun, in a crisp butter lettuce wrap, or atop a fresh salad. Generously spread with the homemade sriracha aioli and pile on your favorite toppings. Enjoy your incredibly fresh and flavorful Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers!

Salmon Burger Internal Temperature for Safety:

For optimal safety and doneness, it is crucial to cook salmon to the correct internal temperature. According to the FDA, the internal temperature of finfish like salmon should reach at least 145ºF (63ºC). We recommend removing your salmon burgers from the heat source when they reach about 140ºF (60ºC). This allows for a carryover cooking period of about 5 minutes, during which the internal temperature will naturally rise by another 5 degrees, ensuring a perfectly cooked and safe burger without drying it out.

Storage and Freezing Directions for Salmon Burgers

Proper storage is key to enjoying your salmon burgers long after they’re cooked. We recommend storing any leftover salmon patties, the sriracha aioli, and any prepared toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When stored this way, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these versatile salmon burgers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, individually wrap cooked or uncooked patties in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Best Sides for Salmon Burgers: Complete Your Meal

Wondering what to serve alongside these sensational salmon burgers? We have an array of tantalizing ideas to help you create a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal! For a classic burger and fries experience, these crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries would be an absolute hit, especially when paired with a side of creamy homemade ranch dressing. If you’re leaning towards a lighter, more refreshing option, our Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad or a vibrant medley of Rainbow Grilled Vegetables would provide a fantastic contrast and healthy addition.

For those aiming for a backyard BBQ vibe, you truly can’t go wrong with hearty Instant Pot Baked Beans or this refreshingly delicious Pineapple Coleslaw. Each of these sides is designed to complement the delicate flavor of the salmon burgers, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience for everyone.