How to Cook Delicious Salmon Burgers on the Stove

Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, these tasty patties are easy to make at home on the stovetop with minimal effort and ingredients. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps for cooking juicy, flaky salmon burgers on the stove.

Benefits of Salmon Burgers

Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat It’s full of beneficial nutrients like

• Protein – Helps build and repair muscles, Salmon contains around 20g of protein per 3oz serving

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Improves heart and brain health Salmon is especially high in omega-3s compared to other fish,

• Vitamin D – Important for immune health and strong bones. Salmon is one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D.

• Selenium – An antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Salmon is an excellent source of this mineral.

By swapping beef for salmon in your burgers, you significantly cut down on saturated fat and calories while getting more of these nutritious compounds. The omega-3s in salmon burgers can help reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride levels as well.

Salmon burgers are also a versatile and budget-friendly option. Canned salmon works great for patties and is affordable compared to fresh fillets. You can top salmon burgers with your favorite condiments and veggies or enjoy them on their own for a lighter meal.

How to Choose Salmon for Burgers

When shopping for salmon to use in burgers, you have a couple excellent options:

Canned Salmon

Canned salmon, preferably pink or red, is my top choice for salmon patties. During the canning process, the small bones are softened so you can eat them. Canned salmon has a nice flaky texture that holds together well for burgers. It’s also more budget-friendly than fresh.

Make sure to drain and rinse the salmon before using to remove excess liquid and salt.

Fresh Salmon Fillets

Fresh wild-caught salmon fillets also work wonderfully in burgers. Look for salmon with deep orange or pink flesh for the most omega-3s.

Chop the salmon into small chunks before mixing into the patties to achieve the right consistency. This extra step isn’t necessary with canned salmon.

No matter which type you use, salmon burgers made from scratch will always taste better than frozen pre-made ones.

Easy Stovetop Salmon Burgers Recipe

This simple stovetop method produces tender, moist salmon burgers in under 30 minutes.

Makes 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the salmon, egg, panko, onion, parsley, mustard, lemon juice and garlic powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Use your hands to gently shape them and handle carefully as they will be delicate.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

4. Serve the salmon burgers on buns with your desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado or tartar sauce.

That’s it! In less than 30 minutes you can enjoy these tasty salmon patties hot off the stovetop. The lemon and Dijon mustard add plenty of flavor so you don’t need a lot of seasoning.

Stovetop Tips

• Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking. Salmon burgers are delicate and may fall apart if you try to forcefully release them from the pan.

• Resist the urge to press down on the patties as they cook. Let them brown undisturbed to keep their shape.

• Cook over medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside can overcook before the inside is done.

• Brush or spray pan with oil instead of adding it directly to the pan so the salmon doesn’t sit in grease.

• Cook in batches if needed so patties aren’t crowded. They won’t brown evenly if touching.

• Handle salmon burgers gently when flipping. Let them release naturally from the pan.

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of salmon burgers is you can customize them however you like. Here are some tasty topping ideas:

• Lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion
• Pickles, coleslaw, sauerkraut
• Tartar sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, or hummus
• Pesto, tapenade, or mango salsa
• Fried egg, bacon, sliced cheese

Serve salmon burgers on buns, over greens, alongside potatoes or rice, or crumble them on top of salads. They make a complete meal and are excellent for meal-prepping. Refrigerate leftover cooked patties up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

With this easy stovetop method, you can make incredibly delicious, nutritious salmon burgers in no time. They’re a refreshing change from beef and full of healthy fats and protein. Experiment with fun toppings and enjoy salmon burgers all summer long!

Stovetop burger cooking times vary based on desired doneness, but generally range from 6 to 10 minutes total. For medium-rare, cook for about 6 minutes total. Medium burgers typically take 7-8 minutes, while medium-well requires about 9 minutes.