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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Burgers

    Salmon Burger with Basil Sauce

    Published: May 3, 2019 · Modified: Aug 22, 2020 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 79 Comments

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    Salmon burger with a text title overlay.

    These healthy salmon burgers are not only packed full of healthy fats, but they are bursting with flavour too. We have used some of our favourite Thai flavours in these easy burgers, but they are easy to adapt with your favourite seasoning. This salmon burger recipe can be grilled, fried or cooked in the oven and perfect in a bun with some slaw and our incredible creamy lime and basil sauce drizzled over them.

    Salmon burger in a bun with lettuce and slaw.

    These easy salmon burgers are crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside and they make such a nice change from regular beef burgers on a BBQ or on burger night. With just a few ingredients, which are easily adaptable to suit your family's tastes, you can whizz these burgers up in a food processor for a simple, but delicious, family friendly meal.

    If you are looking for some new ways to eat more salmon, then why not try our Pesto Salmon, Sweet Chilli Salmon or Salmon Fishcakes.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make a salmon burger - Step by step
    • Burger seasoning
    • Salmon Burger Toppings
    • What to serve them with
    • FAQs
    • Extra tips
    • More burger recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • A delicious way to enjoy salmon - If you haven't cooked with salmon a lot, this is a great recipe to try. It's mixed up with other flavours and served as a burger.
    • An alternative for burger night -Beef burgers are delicious, but they can get a little boring. This is a good way to mix things up a little.
    • Full of healthy fats - Salmon is a great source of Omega-3.
    • Cooked in just 20 minutes - Quick and easy burgers.
    • Amazing creamy sauce - You are going to want to put this sauce on EVERYTHING. So make sure you make extra.
    • Can be served on a salad for a low carb option - Ditch the bun for a lighter option.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Salmon - Use a boneless and skinless salmon fillet. You could use canned salmon too, but it wouldn't have the same texture.
    • Garlic - The most garlic the better we say, but feel free to adjust it to suit your own tastes. Make sure it is crushed almost in to a fine paste to ensure even distribution in the salmon burgers.
    • Lemongrass - You can use lemongrass paste for convenience, but you can use lemongrass stalks if you want like we have. Trim the ends, bruise them
    • Shallots - This adds a lovely sweetness to the salmon patty. You could swap it for a small brown onion if you prefer.
    • Ginger - You can use ginger paste to save time. Did you know that you can freeze root ginger and then grate it in to recipes.
    • Chilli - These salmon burgers have a bit of a kick. So feel free to adjust the amount of chilli used, or just leave it out completely.
    • Breadcrumbs - These help to bind the salmon burger together. We used wholewheat breadcrumbs, but using panko would make the burgers crispier.
    • Lime - This adds a lovely freshness to the salmon burgers and is also used to make the sauce. The amount of lime needed depends on how juicy your limes are. Add lime zest too for extra lime flavour.
    • Yogurt - This is a base of the salmon burger sauce. Full fat will have more creaminess and flavour, but you could use reduced fat to save calories.
    • Basil - Fresh basil is a must here. Dried basil just wont have the same flavour.
    • Oil - We used olive oil to cook the burgers, but vegetable/sunflower oil will work too.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make a salmon burger - Step by step

    One: Put the breadcrumbs, salmon chunks, 2 of the garlic cloves, lemongrass, shallots, ginger, chillies and juice of 1 of the limes in a food processor and blend until a paste.

    A food processor bowl containing salmon, breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic and spices.

    Two: Take out and form into 2 burger patties.

    A plate with two uncooked salmon burger patties on it.

    Three: Heat some oil in a pan and cook the burgers for around 3-4 minutes each side.

    Two salmon burgers frying in a pan.

    Four: Meanwhile, put the Greek yogurt, the last garlic clove, juice of 1 lime and the basil in a food processor (clean after using it for the salmon) and blend to make a sauce.

    Yogurt, and herbs in a white bowl.

    Five: Serve in a bun (optional) with sauce on top of the salmon burger with slaw and lettuce (optional).

    A salmon burger in a bun with lettuce and slaw.

    Burger seasoning

    One of the great thing about these burgers is how easy they are to adapt. Once you have the basic ingredients of the salmon and breadcrumbs, then you can really flavour it any way you like.

    We went with a Thai vibe, as it makes these burgers really light and fragrant with the ginger and lemongrass, but still with a kick of heat from the chilli.

    You could take out all the Thai ingredients and just simply add some lemon juice and fresh herbs like dill, parsley or chives. You could go down a Mexican route and add a couple of tablespoons of Mexican seasoning too.

    Salmon Burger Toppings

    Firstly you have the basil and lime sauce which compliments it perfectly. You could swap it for Southwest Sauce or Tartare Sauce if you prefer.

    Avocado is always a good choice when it comes to topping a salmon burger. We didn't use it as it didn't really go with the Thai flavours, but if you leave them out then it's totally the way to go.

    We didn't add cheese to these burgers, as cheese and salmon don't really go together. It's best to keep the toppings to a minimum and veggie or fruit based. A pineapple salsa would be a great topping for these salmon burgers. We just went with some homemade coleslaw, lettuce and the creamy sauce.

    Two salmon burgers in buns sat on a piece of slate.

    What to serve them with

    Burgers and fries are must, right? We serve these burgers in a bun with our Homemade Garlic Potato Wedges. If you want a lower carb version, then you could serve a couple of these per person in some giant lettuce wraps.

    You could also serve them with The Best Greek Potatoes, Baked Polenta Fries or Air Fryer Chips.

    If you want a salad on the side, then we recommend our Easy Salad Jars, Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad or Cucumber Salad.

    FAQs

    Is a salmon burger healthy?

    Salmon is super healthy, so it's a great choice for making a burger. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a good source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Selenium.
    Try to buy the best quality, and sustainable salmon that you can too.

    How to store a homemade salmon burger

    You can keep these burgers in the fridge for about 3 days, but if you want to freeze them then wrap them up individually and they will keep in the freezer for about 3 months. Defrost them fully and then reheat them by cooking them in a frying pan so they stay crispy.

    Can I make salmon burgers with tinned salmon?

    Yes, you can use tinned salmon to make salmon burgers. If you find that the burger mix is a little too dry when using tinned salmon, then you might need to add half of a whole whisked egg to the mixture before forming in to burger patties.

    Can you cook salmon burgers in the oven?

    We fried these burgers, as it makes them nice and crispy and it's much quicker that way. But, for a healthier option you could oven bake them - you do run the risk of them falling apart though. You can bake them in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F/Gas 5 for 20 minutes.

    Can you cook salmon burgers in the air fryer?

    Yes, you can. Spray the basket with oil and then cook them for 10 minutes at 210C flipping them halfway.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • If you want to make these burgers really crispy, then use Panko breadcrumbs instead of wholemeal breadcrumbs.
    • The key to keeping these burgers staying together is putting them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking (preferably an hour) and flipping them very carefully.
    • Make sure the oil is nice and hot before adding the burgers to the pan.
    • Not a fan of Thai flavours? You could just use some lemon juice and fresh herbs in these burgers, or add some Mexican seasoning instead.

    More burger recipes

    • Chicken Pesto Burgers
    • Pesto Quorn Burgers
    • Pork and Apple Burgers
    • Mexican Burger

    If you’ve tried this salmon burger recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    A salmon burger in a bun with lettuce and coleslaw

    Salmon Burger with Basil Sauce

    These healthy salmon burgers are packed full of healthy fats and are bursting with flavour too. We've used Thai flavours but they are easy to adapt.
    5 from 47 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Chilling time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of a fish.
    Fish
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 532kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 240 g Salmon fillet - skinned and cut in to chunks
    • 3 Garlic clove
    • 1 stalk Lemongrass
    • 4 Shallots
    • 30 g Fresh ginger
    • 1 Green chillies - small
    • 100 g Whole wheat bread - blended into breadcrumbs
    • 2 Limes - (juice only)
    • 4 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt
    • 4 tablespoon Fresh basil
    • 1 tablespoon Olive oil

    Optional to serve:

    • 2 Burger buns
    • Coleslaw
    • Lettuce

    Instructions

    • Put the bread in a food processor and blend until breadcrumbs.
    • Put the skinless salmon chunks, 2 of the garlic cloves, lemon grass, shallots, ginger, chillies and juice of 1 of the limes in a food processor and blend until a paste.
    • Take out and form into 2 burger patties.
    • Heat some oil in a pan and cook for around 4-5 minutes each side.
    • Meanwhile, put the Greek yoghurt, the last garlic clove, juice of 1 lime and the basil in a food processor (clean after using it for the salmon) and blend to make a sauce.
    • Serve in a bun (optional) with sauce on top of the salmon burger with slaw and lettuce (optional).

    Notes

    • If you want to make these burgers really crispy, then use Panko breadcrumbs instead of wholemeal breadcrumbs.
    • The key to keeping these burgers staying together is putting them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking (preferably an hour) and flipping them very carefully.
    • Make sure the oil is nice and hot before adding the burgers to the pan.
    • Not a fan of Thai flavours? You could just use some lemon juice and fresh herbs in these burgers, or add some Mexican seasoning instead.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1burger and bun | Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 565mg | Potassium: 1100mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 29.9mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 5mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine

      January 20, 2021 at 8:32 am

      I signed up for your e book but, when down loaded, it was too small to read the recipes on my tablet. I clicked on the link provided thinking I could print the recipe only to find I was redirected to your website which I find is far too ad heavy. I got fed up of scrolling down and being bombarded with ads. So sorry I won't be continuing. I know this is what pays the bills but there is a limit.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        January 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm

        Hello. I am sorry to hear that you feel this way. Firstly, as the eBook is a PDF, it should adjust to the size of the tablet. If it doesn't you can simply zoom in. The eBook is totally free and every single one of the recipes on our blog is free. It takes around 2 days to create one recipe ready to publish on the blog, so the ads pay for our time. I am sorry you feel like you are being bombarded, but it is actually half the amount of ads that we are legally allowed to put on the blog, so we feel like we have found a balance. Also, right at the top of every single post, we have a print recipe button. This automatically opens up the recipe for you to print, without having to see any ads. Also, at the very top of the post we have a jump to recipe button. This takes you past all the text, photos and adverts, to the recipe card and there is a print recipe button in the recipe card.
        If you would like our recipes, without any ads, then we do have 2 recipe books available to buy. Simply type 'Dannii Martin' in to amazon.

        Reply
    2. Danielle Wolter

      June 12, 2019 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      these sound so incredible!! I love salmon and this is the perfect season to be making burgers!

      Reply
    3. Mikayla

      May 05, 2019 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      I love unique burgers, I have to give these a try! Never attempted my own fish patties but they sound delicious!

      Reply
    4. Sandi

      May 04, 2019 at 8:32 am

      Hi you don’t mention if you coat in the breadcrumbs????? You just say to put both lots in the food processor ??? So does it all go in ?? And then make into burger patties , or breadcrumbs and then the other ingredients and then coat in breadcrumbs ..... confused??

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 04, 2019 at 5:53 pm

        The breadcrumbs get mixed with the salmon mixture and then formed in to burgers.

        Reply
    5. Prash

      December 16, 2017 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love salmon but never thought of adding it to the burger. You have just changed my mind - I have to try this

      Reply
    6. Mark S

      May 05, 2016 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      They look really good! That recipe is now noted as the sun is starting to show!! BBQ time approaching :-)

      Reply
    7. Mir

      May 02, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      I'm really excited to see this, Dannii. You see, I am a huge fish fanatic. I think it's a great source of lean protein, so I eat it several times a week. This burger is perfect!

      Reply
    8. karrie @ Tasty Ever After

      April 26, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so smart. We have a specialty grocery store up the street where they make and sell their own salmon burgers. They always look so good but I never buy them because I know there's still crap in them that I don't want. Now I can make my own salmon burgers at home and know exactly every ingredient that's in them :)

      Reply
    9. Deborah Nicholas

      April 25, 2016 at 10:40 pm

      Bookmarked and most def will be making this it sounds delicious!!

      Reply
    10. Florentina

      April 23, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love Salmon. I'll be honest that i haven't made a burger with it yet. Clearly that has to change, now I'm starving !

      Reply
    11. nicol

      April 23, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      i will definitely try this. i love salmon nom

      Reply
    12. Charli Bruce

      April 23, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      I'm not a salmon eater so these don't really appeal to me but I do love a good home made burger, my aunt on the other hand loves salmon and is always looking for new ways to cook it so shall be passing this along to her xx

      Reply
    13. Tanya Brannan

      April 23, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      They look absolutely amazing! I love Salmon and Thai flavours, so will be giving these a go! x

      Reply
    14. Roy (at Poc)

      April 23, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      we dnt really get salmon as often here but I will try this with Baramundi. *excited*
      Looks great! :)

      Reply
    15. Miss Kitty Kaos

      April 23, 2016 at 9:27 am

      I love salmon and lime together this is something I definitely want to make !

      Miss Kitty Kaos - Adventures Of A Riot Grrrl

      Reply
    16. Leslie Rossi

      April 23, 2016 at 6:54 am

      5 stars
      i love salmon burgers! beef bothers my stomach and this is so tasty with an aioli

      Reply
    17. Kelly

      April 23, 2016 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      These look SO delicious, Dannii! I love the sound of the creamy lime and basil sauce and would find every excuse to add that to any dish!

      Reply
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    My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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