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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. Paola

      April 22, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      This is a really different recipe. I have never tried something like this, but it surely seems tasty.

      Reply
    2. The Food Hunter

      April 22, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      the sauce on this sounds yummy!

      Reply
    3. fashion-mommy

      April 22, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      I really don't like salmon, and yet those burgers look delicious.

      Reply
    4. Laura H

      April 22, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      I love fish burgers and think they're seriously underrated! The fillet o fish is even my go to at McDonalds haha. Will have to give these a try but not sure I could make my salmon cakes look that neat!

      Reply
    5. Ana De- Jesus

      April 22, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      I don't eat fish but the creamy lime and basil sauce looks and sounds amazing!

      Reply
    6. kate @ VeggieDesserts

      April 22, 2016 at 1:06 pm

      The lime and basil sauce sounds like heaven! Yum!

      Reply
    7. MissPond

      April 22, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious sounding burger, I love thai flavours! Have pinned for later :)

      Reply
    8. Oliver

      April 22, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      This is just the alternative I need for my usual, boring beef burgers... Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Sally - My Custard Pie

      April 22, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Thai flavours and a bright creamy sauce in a bun. What's not to like. Beautiful summery tastes. Food traditions... my Dad cooked once a year. Polish potato pancakes.

      Reply
    10. Amy Hunt

      April 22, 2016 at 10:57 am

      Looks gorgeous, I love salmon burgers..especially with sweet potato! :)

      Reply
    11. Stuart Vettese

      April 22, 2016 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      I can't get enough of salmon and this is another great way to enjoy it. Cheers Dannii

      Reply
    12. Nadia

      April 22, 2016 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      The burgers look delicious! And the sauce does sound food changing ;)

      Reply
    13. Jessica Knott

      April 22, 2016 at 5:07 am

      That lime basil sauce sounds on time right now! These burgers sound delicious and I'm totally wanting one for tomorrow, yum!

      Reply
    14. Tandy | Lavender and Lime

      April 22, 2016 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      I think the sauce is the winner. I hope the fish is enough protein for you just to let you know that my blog has crashed. I'm hoping to get it up soon

      Reply
    15. [email protected]

      April 22, 2016 at 4:38 am

      I like salmon but have never had salmon burgers. That sauce sounds very tasty!

      Reply
    16. steph gray

      April 22, 2016 at 1:38 am

      5 stars
      I am so pleased you are eating fish again and can't wait for more brilliant fish recipes!

      Reply
    17. lisa | Garlic + Zest

      April 22, 2016 at 1:34 am

      5 stars
      I am such a fan of salmon burgers -- these look incredible!

      Reply
    18. mira

      April 22, 2016 at 1:12 am

      I would love to make some salmon burgers! These look mouthwatering! Love the sauce!

      Reply
    19. cheri

      April 21, 2016 at 11:35 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Dannii, it's smart to do whats best for you. Love these salmon burgers and the sauce. Lime and basil is such a wonderful combo.

      Reply
    20. Rach @ This Italian Family

      April 21, 2016 at 11:05 pm

      Definitely have to do what is best for your health! I'm glad you are able to get the protein in that you need with fish! These salmon burgers look absolutely delicious!

      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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