How to Perfectly Season Frozen Salmon Burgers

Salmon burgers make for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight meal. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and taste delicious with an array of toppings and sauces. While you can buy pre-made frozen salmon burgers, learning how to season and cook salmon burgers from scratch will take your meal to the next level.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my tips for seasoning and cooking perfectly moist, flaky frozen salmon burgers.

Why Make Your Own Salmon Burgers?

Here are some of the benefits of making your own salmon patties rather than buying pre-made:

• Customize the flavor – When you make them yourself, you control how much seasoning goes into the salmon. This way, you can adjust the flavor to your tastes.

• Adjust the texture – You can achieve your ideal texture by adjusting the ratio of salmon to binders like breadcrumbs or eggs

• Quality ingredients – Use the freshest wild salmon fillets and high-quality binders and seasonings.

• Save money – Making them yourself costs a fraction of what you’d pay for pre-made patties.

• Freeze extras – Make a big batch and freeze the rest for quick meals later.

Tips for Seasoning Frozen Salmon Burgers

Follow these tips to take your frozen salmon burgers from bland to spectacular:

1. Use Wild-Caught Salmon

Wild salmon has a deeper, richer flavor compared to farmed. Go with wild-caught sockeye or coho salmon.

2. Know Your Spice Pairings

Salmon takes well to citrusy, fresh herbs and spices Try dill, parsley, cilantro, lemon, garlic, onion, and capers Spicy flavors like paprika, cayenne, and chili powder also complement salmon.

3. Don’t Overwork the Salmon

Handle the salmon gently when forming patties to prevent it from getting dense and chewy.

4. Chill Thoroughly Before Freezing

Let the patties chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before freezing. This helps them hold their shape better.

5. Use a Binders for Moisture

Eggs, breadcrumbs, or panko bind the patties and help retain moisture as they cook.

6. Freeze Them Separately

Place waxed paper between salmon patties before freezing. This prevents them from freezing together in a big clump.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon Burgers

You can cook frozen salmon cakes using several methods:

Oven (400°F for 15-18 minutes)

The oven delivers an evenly browned exterior and moist interior. Brush the patties lightly with oil before baking.

Air Fryer (380°F for 10-12 minutes)

The air fryer makes the patties crispy on the outside in record time. Flip them halfway through cooking.

Skillet (Medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side)

Pan-frying is the quickest method. Use a nonstick skillet with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Cook until browned on both sides.

How to Tell When They’re Done

Check for an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

Topping Ideas for Salmon Burgers

• Tartar sauce or remoulade
• Spicy mayo or wasabi mayo
• Guacamole or mashed avocado
• Salsa (tomato, peach, mango, etc.)
• Caramelized onions or grilled onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Melted cheese (cheddar, Swiss, feta, etc.)
• Crispy bacon
• Aioli (chipotle, lemon, herb, etc.)

So there you have it! With fresh wild salmon, strategic seasoning, and a quick cooking method, you can enjoy incredible salmon burgers from the comfort of home. Making them yourself lets you control the flavor and quality.

To season frozen burger patties, a simple mix of salt and pepper is a good starting point. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herb mix.