Hey there, my friend. If you love a good burger but want something a little different, you are in the right place. These spicy salmon burgers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of heat.
And guess what? They come together in less than 30 minutes. No need for a fancy grill—your stovetop will do just fine. So, let me show you how to make this delicious meal right at home.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowl – For combining the ingredients.
- Food processor – To blend the salmon (or a sharp knife if you prefer hand-chopping).
- Spatula – To flip the burgers easily.
- Non-stick pan or grill pan – For cooking the burgers.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right ingredient proportions.
Important Info
- Servings: Makes 4 burgers
- Estimated Cost: Around $12 to make all 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 320 calories
- Cook Method: Stovetop or Grilling
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian, LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Spicy Salmon Burgers
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Fresh salmon | Canned salmon (drain well) |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or panko |
| Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt |
| Dijon mustard | Regular yellow mustard |
| Hot sauce | Chili flakes or sriracha |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika |
Instructions
- Chop the salmon – If using a food processor, pulse the salmon until finely chopped. If chopping by hand, dice it into small pieces.
- Mix the ingredients – In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Form the patties – Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Press them slightly to hold their shape.
- Heat the oil – Place a non-stick pan on medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook the burgers – Cook each patty for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest the burgers – Remove from heat and let them rest for a minute before serving.
- Assemble your burger – Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauces.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-blend the salmon – A little texture makes the burgers juicier.
- Chill the patties before cooking – If they seem soft, refrigerate them for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Use a hot pan – This helps to get that perfect crispy crust.
- Try different toppings – Avocado slices, spicy mayo, or pickled onions work great.
- Double the batch – These freeze well, so make extras for later.
What to Serve with Spicy Salmon Burgers
If you need ideas on what to serve with these burgers, here are some great options:
- Sweet potato fries – The sweetness balances out the spice.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, creamy contrast.
- Grilled vegetables – Keeps things light and healthy.
- A fresh salad – Something with a citrus dressing works best.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving these salmon burgers on brioche buns because they are soft and slightly sweet. But if you want a low-carb option, lettuce wraps are a great alternative. You can also serve them plain with a side salad if you prefer a bunless version.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These spicy salmon burgers are great for:
- Weeknight dinners – Quick and easy to make.
- Summer BBQs – Fire up the grill and impress your guests.
- Meal prep – Make them ahead and store for later.
- Healthy lunches – They are light but satisfying.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you have leftover cooked burgers, keep them at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store cooked salmon burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freezing
- To freeze uncooked patties, place parchment paper between them and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Make sure to drain it well and remove any bones before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How spicy are these burgers?
They have a moderate level of spice, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste great.
What’s the best bun for salmon burgers?
Brioche buns are my favorite because they are soft and slightly sweet, but whole wheat or potato buns also work well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Meta Description
Make this spicy salmon burgers recipe in just 20 minutes. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make on the stovetop or grill. Perfect for a quick meal.