How To Cook Frozen Salmon Burgers Perfectly Every Time

Frozen salmon burgers are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy salmon any night of the week. With just a few simple tricks, you can cook frozen salmon burgers perfectly so they come out moist, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

Thawing The Burgers

The first step is properly thawing the salmon burgers You’ll want to avoid thawing them at room temperature or in warm water, as this can lead to bacterial growth Instead, thaw the burgers in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing helps retain moisture and prevents the burgers from getting mushy.

If you’re in a pinch, you can thaw the burgers in the microwave using the defrost setting. Just be careful not to actually cook them. You just want to take the chill off and get them pliable.

Season The Burgers

Once thawed season the salmon burgers before cooking. Lightly brush or spray them with oil then sprinkle with salt pepper and any other seasonings you enjoy. Herbs like dill, parsley or chives are excellent with salmon. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder or paprika also pair nicely.

Seasoning adds flavor and helps form a tasty crust when cooked. Be careful not to over-handle the burgers when seasoning or they can break apart easily.

Cooking Methods

There are several easy methods for cooking frozen salmon burgers:

Oven Baked

This is one of the easiest cooking methods. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the burgers so they don’t touch each other.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish will flake easily with a fork when done.

Pan Fried

For pan frying, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the burgers and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a thin spatula to gently flip them.

Grilled

You can also grill thawed salmon burgers. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the burgers directly on the grate and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Be careful when flipping not to break them apart.

Grilling gives you those nice grill marks and infuses the burgers with smoky flavor. Just watch them closely to prevent burning.

Air Fried

Air frying is a quick and easy cooking method. Preheating your air fryer to 400°F, cook the burgers for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temp of 145°F.

Doneness Tips

It can be tricky knowing when salmon burgers are fully cooked. Here are some tips:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check for 145°F internal temperature
• The fish should flake easily with a fork
• The burgers will appear opaque throughout when fully cooked

Undercooking risks bacteria while overcooking makes them dry. Removing them just shy of 145°F allows carryover cooking to finish them off.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon burgers are so versatile. Here are some tasty ways to serve them up:

• On buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado and tartar sauce
• Over fresh greens for a salmon burger salad
• Wrapped in lettuce leaves for low-carb salmon taco boats
• On pasta with pesto sauce for a salmon burger pasta dish
• Over rice with teriyaki sauce and pineapple salsa

Use your imagination to create fun salmon burger meals! Side dishes like oven fries, coleslaw or grilled veggies complement them nicely.

Storage Tips

Properly storing leftover cooked salmon burgers prevents spoilage. Let them cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked burgers for longer storage. Place waxed paper between burgers before freezing to prevent them sticking together. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to serve.

Perfect Salmon Burgers Are Simple

With these handy tips on thawing, seasoning, cooking methods, doneness and serving ideas, you can easily make delicious salmon burgers at home from frozen. Follow proper storage and they’ll be ready for quick meals all week long. Mastering cooking frozen salmon burgers takes the guesswork out of dinner!

Yes, it’s safe to cook salmon straight from frozen, but it requires a few adjustments to ensure proper cooking and food safety. The most important factors are the salmon’s thickness and the cooking method.