Salmon burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. Not only are they tasty, but they are also a healthier option, being high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, to enjoy salmon burgers at their best, it’s important to cook them properly to an ideal internal temperature.
Why Temperature Matters When Cooking Salmon Burgers
Cooking salmon burgers to the right internal temperature is critical for two reasons:
Food Safety
Salmon may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses Cooking to the proper temperature helps kill any potentially harmful bacteria
Texture and Moisture
Salmon dries out and becomes tough if overcooked, Cooking to the right temperature ensures the salmon stays tender and juicy
So what temperature is best for making salmon burgers that are safe to eat yet perfectly cooked?
The Recommended Safe Internal Temperature for Salmon Burgers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking salmon burgers to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
At 145°F, any bacteria that may have been present is killed, making the salmon safe to consume. Below this temperature, there is a risk of bacteria surviving. Cooking to 145°F ensures any pathogens are destroyed.
Salmon Burger Doneness Temperatures
While 145°F is the recommended safe temperature, you can cook salmon burgers to varying doneness levels:
- Rare – 110 to 125°F (43 to 52°C)
- Medium Rare – 125 to 135°F (52 to 57°C)
- Medium – 135 to 145°F (57 to 63°C)
- Well Done – Over 145°F (Over 63°C)
Rare and medium rare burgers may have a lovely tender, almost custard-like texture in the center. However, these temperatures may not be fully safe depending on the quality of the salmon used.
For safety, it’s best to cook burgers to at least medium (135°F) unless you know the salmon was sushi grade. Well-done burgers (over 145°F) will be dryer in texture.
How to Cook Salmon Burgers to 145°F
Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers. Here are cooking methods to reach 145°F:
Grilling
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid closed until 145°F internally.
Pan-Seared
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach 145°F internally.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake burgers on a parchment-lined pan for 12-15 minutes until they reach 145°F internally.
Air Frying
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook burgers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until 145°F internally.
Microwaving
- Microwave burgers on medium power for 2-3 minutes per side until 145°F internally.
Doneness Cues Besides Temperature
If you don’t have a food thermometer handy, check these visual signs that your burgers are cooked to around 145°F and no longer raw:
- Outside is lightly browned.
- Inside is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Inside is light pink but not translucent.
- Juices run clear, not bloody.
However, a thermometer gives the most reliable doneness results.
Accounting for Carryover Cooking
After you remove the burgers from the heat source, the internal temperature will continue rising by around 5-10°F due to carryover cooking.
To avoid overcooking, remember to factor in carryover and remove burgers from the heat just before they reach 145°F.
Key Takeaways
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For food safety, salmon burgers should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
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Use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature when cooking burgers.
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Cook to 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium doneness. Well-done is over 145°F.
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Burgers should flake easily and look opaque, not translucent, when 145°F.
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Allow for carryover cooking and remove burgers just before they reach 145°F.
Cooking your salmon burgers to the right internal temperature ensures they are safe, moist, and delicious. Investing in a good food thermometer helps take the guesswork out of achieving perfect doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Salmon Burgers
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking salmon burgers to the ideal temperature:
How can I check the internal temperature of salmon burgers?
The most accurate way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty to get a correct reading.
Is it safe to eat salmon burgers cooked to medium-rare?
Cooking to only 125°F may not kill all bacteria. It’s safest to cook salmon burgers to at least 135°F for medium doneness.
Can I reheat leftover cooked salmon burgers?
Yes, cooked salmon burgers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat fully to 165°F.
Are salmon burgers okay to eat when pregnant?
Yes, salmon burgers cooked to 145°F are safe to eat during pregnancy. Salmon provides healthy omega-3s.
What’s the best way to cook salmon burgers?
Grilling, pan searing, baking, air frying, and microwaving can all cook salmon burgers to the ideal 145°F internal temperature.
How long does it take to cook salmon burgers?
4-5 minutes per side, so about 8-10 minutes total, brings salmon burgers to 145°F for food safety.
What temperature should I cook salmon burgers in the oven?
Bake at 400°F for around 12-15 minutes until they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use leftover canned salmon to make burgers?
Yes, drained canned salmon can substitute for fresh. Combine with mayo, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.
Should I remove the salmon skin before making burgers?
It’s best to remove the skin when making burgers, as it can give them a fishy flavor.
Taking the time to properly cook your salmon burgers to an internal temperature of 145°F will reward you with maximum flavor and moisture. Investing in an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of nailing the perfect doneness. So go forth and enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked salmon burgers!
Which Salmon to Buy?
Before you learn about the more elaborate techniques of cooking the perfect salmon burgers, first you must decide what type of salmon to buy.
It’s a valid concern because not all salmon are the same. Choosing the right salmon is not as straightforward as it seems. You have several options available, and your choice can impact how your burgers turn out.
The first thing to consider is the species of the salmon. This will affect how you can prepare the meat. It is important to note that you should never buy endangered salmon species such as Cape, Rock, or Sockeye salmon. The most popular species are Atlantic salmon, such as Norwegian, Alaskan, and Scottish.
Another thing to consider when buying salmon is if it is wild caught or farmed. For the best taste and quality, you should go for the wild caught ones. This will give a more authentic taste and improved texture. However, there are also some who like to buy farmed salmon because it is soft and buttery in texture whereas the wild caught ones tend to be firm and meaty. You can choose according to your preference and how you intend to cook your salmon.
In terms of deciding whether to buy fresh or frozen salmon, it doesn’t really matter. Fresh salmon looks moist and shiny with a fresher taste. Frozen salmon is just freshly caught salmon that is vacuumed sealed to preserve it. Hence, you can still expect good quality taste from frozen ones as long as they are vacuum sealed right after being caught.
Guide to Cooking with Salmon
When it comes to cooking with fish such as salmon, knowing the right temperature is very important. If the temperature is too high, it becomes dry and flaky. If you cook with the right temperature, it stays moist and flavorful. You do not want to ruin good food like salmon by overcooking it.
There is a difference when you are cooking with wild salmon since they tend to have less fat than farmed ones. For this reason, wild salmon will cook much faster. You only need to reach a temperature of at least 125 F. This should eliminate any hazards present in the fish and make it safe to consume. By cooking the salmon from 120-125 degrees F, the muscle fiber will remain intact and it stays moist.
There are several methods for cooking salmon but when it comes to burgers, grilling is the best way. Other cuts of salmon like fillets can be cooked by pan-frying them or steaming (along with some aromatics).
For salmon burgers, cooking on a grill gives a depth of flavor to the meat that can only be achieved from the smoke on the grill. You need to keep the temperature on the grill regulated at all times throughout the cook.
If possible, never take your eyes off the salmon while grilling it for the burger. It could cook very easily depending on how hot the temperature is on the grill. You don’t want to cook it at such a high temperature that it is still slightly undercooked inside but burnt on the outside. You want an even cook from the outside to the inside of the meat. You can cook the salmon until there is a slightly charred effect, but you need to be very careful that it does not become too dry on the inside.