Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers Recipe
If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious for your next dinner, Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with zesty lemon, summery herbs, and the tender bite of salmon, these burgers are a far cry from your ordinary sandwich—they’re light but satisfyingly filling, loaded with flavor, and genuinely easy to make. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing weekend cookout centerpiece, this recipe nails the balance between wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste. Trust me: once you try Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers, you’ll wonder how you ever went without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients, these burgers come together quickly and taste ultra-gourmet. Each item brings its own magic to the mix, from moisture and tenderness to citrusy brightness and that herby lift everyone loves in a savory dish.
- Salmon Fillet (1 lb, skinless, finely chopped): Start with fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Panko adds the perfect light crispness, helping your patties hold together without feeling heavy.
- Egg (1, lightly beaten): Just enough to bind everything while keeping the patties tender.
- Green Onions (2, finely chopped): For mild, aromatic sharpness and pops of green color.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and creamy richness to the mix.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle tang that makes the flavors really sing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): This brightens every bite—freshly squeezed makes all the difference!
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Lemon zest adds an intensely sunny aroma and boost of citrus.
- Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Dill is the herb that truly elevates the burgers with classic seafood flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): For extra freshness and a lively green note.
- Garlic Clove (1, minced): Provides a gentle garlicky warmth in the background.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this!
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a subtle kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the patties from sticking and adds a golden finish.
- Burger Buns (4): Choose your favorite soft, golden buns—they’re the literal foundation of each burger.
- Lettuce Leaves (4): Layered for cool crunch and color.
- Sliced Tomato and Extra Dill Mayo or Tartar Sauce (optional): Fresh and tangy toppers that complete the burger experience.
How to Make Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the finely chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped green onions, creamy mayonnaise, spicy Dijon, lemon juice and zest, dill, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Take your time here—mix just until everything comes together, keeping things as light and airy as possible for delicate, flavorful patties. Overmixing can make your burgers tough, so a gentle hand is key!
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties
Divide the mixture evenly and shape it into four burger patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This quick chill helps them firm up, which means you won’t have any fragile, falling-apart burgers later. Grab this moment to prep your toppings and buns!
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and cook each side for around 3 to 4 minutes—or just until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Resist the urge to press down on them; let the burgers do their thing and develop that perfect crispy edge.
Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional But Recommended!)
While the burgers cook, split and toast your burger buns in a dry or lightly buttered skillet. A quick toasting prevents sogginess and adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma to your Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dream Burger
Now, the best part! Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then layer on the warm salmon patty. Top with juicy tomato slices and a spoonful of extra dill mayo or tartar sauce for added zing, then cap it off with the top bun. Serve them hot and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers shine. Sprinkle extra fresh dill or parsley over the top for that picture-perfect touch, and add a couple of lemon wedges on the side—everyone loves an extra squeeze of citrus!
Side Dishes
Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers pair perfectly with all your favorite summer sides. Think crisp baked sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or even a light cucumber-dill slaw. Want to go classic? Old-fashioned potato chips or roasted veggie spears are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve your Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers bunless over mixed greens with more fresh herbs and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a lighter, gluten-free twist. Or turn them into sliders for appetizer platters or picnics. They’re guaranteed to steal the show however you serve them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salmon burgers can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen a bit as they sit—but make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers freeze surprisingly well. Simply wrap each uncooked patty tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or slip them into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual for an easy meal down the road.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your cooked burgers in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, covering with a lid to help retain moisture. You can also use a low heat setting in the oven. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they’ll stay juicier if you go the skillet route.
FAQs
Do I have to use fresh salmon, or can I substitute canned?
Fresh salmon really is the secret to the moist, luxurious texture of Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers. That said, if you’re in a pinch, high-quality canned salmon (well drained and flaked) can work—just expect a slightly different (but still satisfying) result.
Can I grill these salmon burgers instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Just make sure your grill or grill pan is oiled very well so the patties don’t stick. Because these burgers are delicate, handle them gently and consider using a fish spatula for flipping.
What’s the best way to make these gluten free?
Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free burger buns, or serve the patties lettuce-wrapped or over salad greens. All the fresh flavors of Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers, no gluten required!
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Definitely. Form your patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This actually helps the flavors meld, making for even more delicious burgers when you’re ready to fry them up.
What sauce goes best with these burgers?
A homemade dill and lemon mayo or classic tartar sauce are both fantastic. The extra creamy element, with hints of lemon and herbs, beautifully complements the lemon herb salmon burgers’ zesty profile.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to making fish burgers or already a seasoned pro, these Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers are bound to earn a top spot in your recipe rotation. They’re fresh, bold, fun to make, and truly a joy to eat—so gather your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with one of the most flavor-packed burgers ever!
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Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Herb Salmon Burgers are a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional burgers. Made with finely chopped salmon and a blend of herbs and seasonings, these patties are pan-seared to perfection and served on buns with your favorite toppings. Light and delicious, they are perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Patties:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Extra dill mayo or tartar sauce for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them hold together.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the salmon patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- To assemble, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the salmon burger, top with sliced tomato and extra dill mayo or tartar sauce if using, and cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Notes
- For a lighter version, serve the salmon burgers bunless over mixed greens with extra lemon wedges.
- These patties can also be cooked on a well-oiled grill pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
