Four-Ingredient Salmon Burgers
This Four-Ingredient Salmon Burgers recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, these juicy salmon burgers are paired with a creamy homemade yogurt tartar sauce for a healthy, restaurant-quality meal at home.
If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy more seafood, this recipe is a great option. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just four main ingredients
- Quick and easy to prepare
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Great for meal prep
- Can be cooked on the stovetop or grill
- Pairs perfectly with a light yogurt tartar sauce
Ingredients
For the Salmon Burgers
- 1 pound fresh salmon (Scottish or Atlantic)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Tartar Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
How to Make the Yogurt Tartar Sauce
- Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper to a mini food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add the fresh dill and pulse briefly to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Make the Salmon Burgers
- Remove the skin and pin bones from the salmon.
- Cut the salmon into cubes.
- Pulse the salmon in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pureed.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add the diced onion, Dijon mustard, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until combined.
- Form into burger patties.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes.
Optional
For extra texture, lightly coat the patties in additional panko breadcrumbs before cooking. Skip this step if grilling.
How to Cook Salmon Burgers
- Spray a nonstick skillet with avocado oil spray.
- Heat over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and your preferred level of doneness.
How to Serve
Serve the salmon burgers:
- On a toasted hamburger bun
- In a lettuce wrap
- Over a fresh salad
Top with yogurt tartar sauce, fresh dill, and a lemon wedge.
Serving Suggestions
These salmon burgers pair well with:
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Roasted potatoes
- Zucchini salad
- Sautéed vegetables
- Mac and cheese
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator
- Cooked burgers: 4 to 5 days
- Yogurt tartar sauce: 3 to 4 days
Reheating
Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked patties in an airtight bag with parchment paper between each burger.
Thawing
Transfer to the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep salmon burgers from falling apart?
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them firm up and hold their shape. The Dijon mustard and breadcrumbs also act as binders.
Can I grill these salmon burgers?
Yes. Grill over medium heat on well-oiled grates. Skip the panko coating if grilling.
How do you know when salmon burgers are done?
The burgers should be opaque throughout and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
What type of salmon should I use?
Scottish and Atlantic salmon work best because their higher fat content keeps the burgers moist and flavorful.
