Salmon burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of salmon in a fun, handheld format. The rich, meaty taste of salmon makes a hearty burger patty that pairs well with an endless variety of toppings.
When creating your own salmon burgers at home, don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavors! While classics like tartar sauce and lemon dill sauce are always crowd-pleasers, there are so many possibilities for customizing your salmon burger.
We’ve rounded up 18 of our favorite salmon burger toppings to inspire your next salmon burger night. Let’s dive in!
1. Creamy Condiments
Tartar sauce, remoulade, and garlic aioli are all excellent creamy condiments for salmon burgers. Their tangy, herby flavors complement the natural richness of the salmon beautifully. Making your own aioli or remoulade sauce at home is simple, or you can use high-quality store-bought varieties.
2. Guacamole
The cool creamy texture and subtle sweetness of fresh guacamole pairs wonderfully with hot salmon patties right off the grill. Either make chunky homemade guacamole or use ready-made guac for convenience.
3. Spicy Mayo
For a kick of heat mix sriracha or other hot sauce into mayonnaise. Spicy mayo is easy to make yourself or can be purchased. The creamy mayo helps balance the spiciness.
4. Mango Salsa
A homemade mango salsa with red onion, bell pepper, lime juice, and cilantro provides a sweet and tangy crunch when topping salmon burgers. It adds a vibrant, tropical twist.
5. Pesto
Herbaceous pesto sauce made with basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan is a quick and flavorful salmon burger topping option. Prepare your own or use high-quality store-bought pesto.
6. Brie Cheese
A slice of creamy, buttery brie cheese melting over a salmon patty is simple but luxurious. The soft cheese perfectly complements the fish.
7. Sautéed Onions
Caramelized onions lend a sweet, jammy flavor to salmon burgers. Slowly cook sliced onions in olive oil over low heat until deeply browned and softened.
8. Avocado
Nutritious avocado slices offer a cool, creamy contrast to hot salmon patties. Ripe avocado’s subtle sweetness works beautifully with the salmon’s richness.
9. Quick Pickles
For a tangy crunch, top your salmon burgers with thin slices of quick-pickled vegetables like cucumbers, onions, or jalapenos.
10. Crunchy Cabbage Slaw
A simple cabbage slaw dressed with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper makes a light, crispy topping for salmon patties. Add shredded carrot for extra crunch and color.
11. Mango Chutney
Look for mango chutney in the international food aisle of grocery stores. Its spicy-sweet flavor and tender mango chunks create an amazing flavor pairing with salmon.
12. Blue Cheese Crumbles
Crumble bold blue cheese over salmon patties for a burst of sharp, pungent flavor and creamy texture. The cheese’s saltiness enhances the fish’s richness.
13. Bacon
For indulgence, top your salmon burgers with crispy cooked bacon strips. The smoky, salty bacon complements the salmon beautifully.
14. Fried Egg
A fried egg makes a protein-packed topping for your salmon burger. The runny yolk acts as its own rich, velvety sauce.
15. Hummus
The creaminess of hummus complements salmon patties well. Choose classic chickpea hummus or explore fun flavor options like roasted red pepper or lemon-dill.
16. Greek Yogurt Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill and salt for a quick cucumber yogurt sauce. Drizzle over your salmon burger.
17. Balsamic Glaze
For added flair, drizzle good-quality thick balsamic glaze over your assembled salmon burger. The sweet-tart glaze helps cut through the fish’s richness.
18. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard’s blend of sweet and tangy brightens up a salmon burger. Either purchase or quickly whip up your own using mustard, honey, and vinegar.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to salmon burger toppings! Sauces, cheeses, quick veggie pickles, and even fried eggs can all take your salmon burger from boring to gourmet with little effort. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to discover new favorite combinations.
How to Make a Salmon Burger
Mix the cabbages, green onions, jicama, and bell peppers in a large bowl. Set them aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustards, vinegar, dill, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
Place the butter crackers in a food processor and process them on high until they are like crumbs. Set them aside.
Add the salmon, onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, capers, mustard, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
Blend on high speed until it becomes slightly chunky but smooth.
Once it is processed, transfer the mixture to a large bowl and fold in the cracker crumbs using a rubber spatula until they are mixed in.
Form the batter into 6 salmon patties and set aside.
Next, 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil to a hot griddle or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked throughout. Keep Them warm.
Bring back the creamy dill dressing and vegetables, pour the dressing over the vegetable coleslaw, and gently mix until combined.
Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. There should be plenty of coleslaw left over to serve as a side alongside the main salmon burger recipe.
Place the salmon burger on the toasted bun with some arugula leaves in-between the bottom and salmon, and top off a salmon patty with the coleslaw.
Make-Ahead: These salmon burgers are meant to be eaten as soon as they are finished cooking.
How to Store: Keep the salmon and toppings separate and covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salmon burgers by themselves will freeze well covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating and serving.
How to Reheat: Add the desired number of salmon burgers to a 13×9 casserole dish and cover it with foil or a lid. Bake in the oven at 350° for 8-12 minutes or until warm.
Canned Salmon Recipe — Salmon Burgers
FAQ
What condiments are good on a salmon burger?
- Condiments such as the salmon burger sauce recipe shown here, the Red Gold® Folds of Honor Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or tartar sauce
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Dill pickles
- Sliced red onion
What’s good on top of a salmon burger?
- Sliced dill havarti.
- Caramelized onions.
- Avocado.
What tastes good on a salmon patty?
Basics, like ketchup and mustard, are always a winning combination when you’re wondering what to serve with salmon burgers. However, the bold taste of grilled sockeye salmon burgers is easy to pair with everything from fresh slaws to herbed sauces to spicy toppings.
How to jazz up frozen salmon burgers?
- Tartar sauce: Make a DIY version with creamy mayo and tangy relish.
- Remoulade: Essentially, a decked-out tartar sauce. …
- Aioli: Fancy mayo, which includes wasabi aioli, lemon aioli, sesame soy aioli, and herb aioli.