Canned Salmon Burgers Recipe

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I still remember the first time I made these Canned Salmon Burgers from a dusty can of salmon I had sitting in my pantry. I wasn’t expecting much, but after mixing in a few spices, some breadcrumbs, and a little fresh lemon juice, I was shocked by how satisfying and delicious they turned out. Not only that—they’re packed with protein and omega-3s, making this an easy and nutritious option for the whole family.

How to make Canned Salmon Burgers

Canned Salmon Burgers are savory patties made from canned salmon mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, herbs, and seasonings, then shaped into burger-sized cakes and pan-fried, baked, or air-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious salmon burgers:

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 can (14-15 oz) of salmon (drained and flaked; you can use skinless & boneless salmon for convenience or remove the bones manually)
• 1 large egg (serves as a binder)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for texture and to bind the mixture)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (adds moisture and keeps the patties tender)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for added flavor and tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens the flavors)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (optional, but adds freshness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter for frying

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup finely diced onion or scallions (for an extra layer of flavor)
• ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers (adds great color and crunch)
• Dash of Old Bay seasoning or paprika (for a subtle spice kick)

For Serving:

• Burger buns or sandwich bread
• Lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles
• Condiments (tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, or plain mayonnaise)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture

1. Drain the canned salmon and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
2. Flake the salmon using a fork, breaking it into smaller pieces. Remove any bones or skin if present (though they’re safe to eat and packed with nutrients).
3. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. The texture should be moist but firm enough to shape into patties.

Step 2: Form the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions (depending on your desired patty size).
2. Shape each portion into a patty about ½-inch thick. If the mixture is sticking too much, wet your hands slightly or add a small amount of breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping them, as they’re delicate.
3. Remove the patties and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Toast your burger buns for extra flavor if desired.
2. Layer the salmon patties onto the buns, and add your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a generous drizzle of your favorite sauce.
3. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Canned Salmon Burgers

• Choose the Right Canned Salmon: Opt for skinless and boneless salmon if you’re looking for convenience. If your canned salmon has skin and bones, don’t worry—they’re edible and highly nutritious, and they can be crushed and mixed into the patties.
• Moisture Balance: If your salmon mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to firm it up. If it’s too dry, a small amount of mayonnaise or an extra beaten egg can fix it.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with seasonings—add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, dill, or Italian seasoning to suit your tastes.
• Frying Tip: To prevent the patties from breaking apart, make sure the skillet is hot and don’t flip them too early. Let each side cook until golden and crisp.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help them hold their shape better during frying.
• Healthy Modifications: For a lighter option, skip the bun and serve the patties on a bed of greens or alongside a quinoa salad.

What to serve with

Canned Salmon Burgers are versatile and delicious, and pairing them with the right sides and condiments can elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Breads and Base Options

Start with a perfect base for your salmon burgers. While buns are the most common choice, there are other alternatives to suit your preferences:

• Burger Buns: Toast regular hamburger buns, brioche buns, or whole wheat buns to add texture and enhance flavor.
• Ciabatta or Sourdough Bread: For an artisan-style burger, serve the patties on slices of toasted ciabatta or sourdough bread.
• Lettuce Wraps: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the salmon patties wrapped in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.

Condiments

The right condiment can add richness or a tangy punch to complement the flavor of the salmon patties. Here are some great options:

• Tartar Sauce: A classic pairing for seafood, tartar sauce adds creaminess and tang. Make it at home by combining mayo, pickles, lemon juice, and dill.
• Lemon Aioli: This creamy, citrusy condiment brings out the freshness in the salmon.
• Sriracha Mayo: If you’re craving a little heat, mix sriracha and mayo for a spicy, flavorful sauce.
• Avocado Spread: Mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice, salt, and pepper makes for a healthy and savory addition.
• Creamy Dill Sauce: Yogurt or sour cream mixed with fresh dill and lemon zest creates a refreshing sauce that pairs beautifully with salmon.

Ingredients Substitutes

Canned Salmon Burgers are a flexible and forgiving recipe, making them perfect for incorporating ingredient substitutes based on your dietary preferences, nutritional goals, or what you already have in your kitchen.

1. Canned Salmon Substitutes

Why it’s used: Canned salmon is the base of the recipe, providing protein, flavor, and a light seafood taste.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Salmon: If you don’t have canned salmon, you can use cooked, flaked fresh salmon. Steam, bake, or pan-fry your salmon before breaking it into small pieces for the patties.
• Canned Tuna: Canned tuna is an excellent substitute if you prefer its milder taste or have it on hand. Opt for tuna packed in water for a healthier option or oil-packed for a richer flavor.
• Canned Crab Meat: For a variation, swap salmon with crab meat to make crab patties. Just ensure you drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
• Cooked White Fish: Leftover cod, haddock, or tilapia can be flaked and used in place of salmon.

2. Egg Substitutes (Binder)

Why it’s used: Eggs act as a binding agent to hold the patties together.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed or Chia Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens, then use it as a replacement for 1 egg.
• Mashed Banana: Use ¼ cup of mashed banana as a binder if you don’t mind a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Applesauce: ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce can bind the patties while adding moisture and subtle sweetness.
• Plain Yogurt: 3–4 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt can also work as a binder.
• Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu until smooth and use it as a replacement for 1 egg.

3. Breadcrumb Substitutes

Why it’s used: Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture, provide structure, and prevent the patties from falling apart.

Substitutes:

• Panko: If you don’t have traditional breadcrumbs, Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs work just as well, providing a lighter texture.
• Oats: Use rolled or instant oats as a gluten-free substitute. Blend them slightly in a food processor for a finer texture if needed.
• Crushed Crackers: Saltine crackers, Ritz crackers, or even gluten-free crackers can be crushed and used as a binding ingredient.
• Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa adds nutrition and texture, making it a good alternative for breadcrumbs.
• Almond Flour: Almond flour is another great gluten-free option, providing a nutty flavor and binding properties.
• Mashed Potatoes: About ½ cup of mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree can be an alternative to breadcrumbs, adding a creamy texture.

4. Mayonnaise Substitutes

Why it’s used: Mayo adds moisture and creaminess to the patties, preventing them from drying out.

Substitutes:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: A healthier option, Greek yogurt provides creaminess with a tangy twist.
• Sour Cream: Use sour cream to add moisture, but it may give a slightly richer flavor.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado (about 2 tablespoons) is a wholesome, dairy-free alternative that also adds a creamy texture.
• Hummus: A tablespoon or two of plain or flavored hummus works well as a mayo substitute.
• Coconut Cream: Use a small amount of thick coconut cream in recipes where you don’t mind a subtle coconut flavor.

Final Thoughts

With this Canned Salmon Burgers recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also incredibly nutritious and satisfying.

More Salmon Recipes:

• Canned Salmon Pasta Recipe
• Baked Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe