When you’re looking for a new way to enjoy salmon and also want it to be no-fuss and quick—turn to this Salmon Burger Recipe. It’s quick and easy—thanks to canned salmon—is loaded with flavor and endlessly versatile. Top the salmon burgers with pickled veggies or a slaw, or keep it simple with one of many classic salmon burger sauces to choose from. Salmon doesn’t have to be finicky or expensive—grab a couple cans of salmon and make these burgers tonight for dinner! 

The Key to Quick and Easy Salmon Burgers

The reason this salmon burger recipe is so much easier than all the rest is that it uses canned salmon instead of fresh. Fresh salmon burgers are outrageously delicious and have their place in the recipe books, but when you want a salmon dinner that comes together quickly and without special equipment or fuss, this recipe using canned salmon is it. 

Since the salmon is already cooked and flaked, all you have to do is combine all of the ingredients, form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. 

What You Need for Healthy Salmon Burgers 

Canned salmon: for the best flavor, look for cans of wild-caught salmon. Drain the salmon then pick over and remove any skin or bones. Most cans will either come in 6 ounces or 12 ounces. If you’ve got an extra can of salmon, use it to make Salmon Dip or Salmon Croquettes.

Eggs: use eggs labeled as large for the best results. Eggs are important in this recipe for binding everything together and ensuring the burgers hold together before, during and after cooking.

Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are what you need for this recipe.  We like whole-wheat Panko, but you can also use regular or gluten-free if needed. 

Shallots: minced shallot is added to the burgers while sliced shallot is used in the slaw (if you plan to make it). You’ll need 3–4 small shallots, 2 medium, or one very large shallot. 

Flavorings: capers, dill and lemon are all undeniably good friends with salmon. They play well together and alone with salmon. Fresh dill is ideal but dried will do in a pinch. Lemon is used in two places—zest in the salmon patties and juice in the slaw. 

overhead image of a salmon burger on a bun with mayo and slaw

How to Cook Salmon Burgers

Of any method, cooking salmon burgers on the stove top is the best because it achieves the most amount of crisp brown crust on the exterior of the burgers. 

  1. Once you’re done forming the patties, preheat a tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet. 
  2. When the oil is shimmering (slightly dancing or vibrating around the pan) add the patties in a single layer. 
  3. Cook the salmon burgers, without moving, until they are golden brown on the first side, this should take about 4 minutes. 
  4. Flip the salmon burgers and continue to cook until the second side is golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the center registers 145ºF (the temperature in which eggs should be cooked to). This will take about another 4 minutes.

How to Tell When Salmon Burgers Are Done

You’ll know the salmon burgers are done when they are golden brown on each side and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers registers 145ºF. Since the salmon is already cooked prior to forming the patties, we are really just trying to achieve a nice brown exterior and cook the burgers to a safe internal temperature for the raw eggs present. 

How to Cook Salmon Burgers on the Grill

If you prefer to cook salmon burgers on the grill instead of the stove top, you can do that too! Simply preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates clean then coat with oil. Place burgers on grates and grill until slightly charred and grill marks appear, 3–4 minutes. Flip the burgers and continue cooking until browned and cooked through (145ºF). 

Salmon burger made with canned salmon on a whole wheat bun with slaw and mayo

Substitution Tips

  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular or whole-wheat panko
  • If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute minced green onion, white onion, yellow onion or red onion in the salmon burgers. Use green onions or red onions in the slaw. 
  • For a more decadent flavor, cook the salmon burgers in butter instead of olive oil. You can also use any vegetable, canola or avocado oil instead as well. 

Salmon Burger Toppings

One reason I love salmon burgers so much is that the topping options are endless! 

Sauces for Salmon Burgers

  • Tartar sauce is a classic and always pairs well with salmon burgers (shrimp burgers, too!). 
  • If you’re looking for something similar to a tartar sauce but stupid simple, check out the caper sauce we serve with our salmon croquettes
  • Go the mediterranean route and serve these salmon burgers with our homemade tzatziki sauce
  • Chimichurri sauce is a fun herby sauce for salmon burgers. 
  • Or go a more traditional burger route and make our Smash Burger Sauce

Salmon Burgers Toppings

Pickled onions or pickled cucumbers (use the pickled cucumber instructions from our Turkish Eggs) are absolutely delicious on salmon burgers. 

Instead of slaw, top salmon burgers with sliced avocado, tomato and butter lettuce. Or add bacon! 

Give these salmon burgers a Mexican twist by adding chili powder and cumin to the burger patties and serving them on buns with guacamole, loads of cilantro, pickled onions and sliced of jalapeño. 

Make Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating 

There are a few ways you can make these salmon burgers ahead of time. First, you can form the patties and refrigerate them on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. 

Alternatively, you can cook the burgers and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. 

For longer storage, transfer the container of cooked salmon burgers to the freezer. Salmon burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

To reheat salmon burgers, place them in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil. Cook just until warmed through. 

salmon burger on light blue plate with a sauce and slaw

Are Salmon Burgers Healthy?

Salmon itself is a very healthy protein source because it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the rest of the salmon mixture is fairly straightforward and healthy—just a couple eggs, some breadcrumbs and a mix of aromatics and herbs. So, yes, these salmon burgers are healthy.  

What to Serve with Salmon Burgers

Any side salad pairs wonderfully with salmon burgers. Our fennel salad is always a hit with any salmon recipe, but here are a few other ideas. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your best salmon croquettes recipe?

This recipe for Salmon Croquettes is a must make! Also made with canned salmon, they’re quick and easy to make but are loaded with bold southern flavors like jalapeño, Old bay, and garlic. 

What sauce goes with salmon patties?

The options are endless but we think the best sauce to pair with salmon patties is a simple tartar sauce

How to make salmon patties with fresh salmon?

You can either used cooked fresh salmon or raw salmon. If you’re using cooked (leftover) salmon, simply flake it and use as directed in the recipe. If you’re using raw salmon, remove the skin from the salmon, cut into chunks and add to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until roughly chopped. Skip adding the eggs or the breadcrumbs and assemble as directed in the recipe. 

What is your best roasted salmon recipe?

It’s hard to choose between our Honey Glazed Salmon and our Miso Glazed Salmon. Both are sweet and salty, roasted on a sheet pan, and perfect for weeknight dinners. 

What is your best recipe for broiled salmon?

Our tried and true broiled salmon recipe is one you need to bookmark! After countless tests in the test kitchen, this recipe and method for broiled salmon is a slam dunk.  

What is the most delicious but simple recipe for salmon?

Without fail, our most popular salmon recipe continues to be our Pan Seared Salmon. It’s simple—just salmon, salt and pepper—but the method is extraordinary and the salmon turns out perfect every single time (though you will need to turn on your vents or open a few windows). 

What’s your best homemade burger recipe?

Hands down, our smash burger is the best burger recipe. It’s decadent like every good smash burger and is all-American through and through. 

How can I make a great turkey burger?

The key to making a really great turkey burger is to retain as much moisture in the burger as possible. To do this, we recommend using a ground turkey that’s lean but not too lean and add some moisture to the meat mixture in the form of Greek yogurt, grated vegetables, eggs, etc. Check out our Mediterranean Turkey Burgers which sneak in a healthy dose of veggies. 

More Salmon Recipes to Try

Looking for more salmon recipes? You’ve come to the right place! We are obsessed and have loads of salmon recipes to choose from. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Give the classic BLT sandwich an upgrade with this recipe for Salmon BLTs

Or learn how to make Blackened Salmon the put it to use in our Blackened Salmon Tacos Recipe loaded up with mashed avocado, an herby slaw and a chipotle crema. 

Our Balsamic Glazed Salmon is made on the grill and requires very little…it’s the ideal summer meal.

Salmon Burger Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 4 salmon burgers + 4 cups slaw
Category Main Dish
Cuisine American

Description

A simple, no-fuss salmon burger recipe that's flavorful and versatile.

Ingredients

  • 3 (6-ounce) cans wild caught salmon, drained and picked over
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs, regular, whole-wheat or gluten-free
  • 2 medium shallots
  • 1 tablespoon minced capers
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½ cup mayonnaise, divided
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 whole-wheat burger buns, split and lightly toasted

Instructions

  • For the salmon patties, combine 3 cans drained salmon, 2 eggs, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 tablespoon minced capers, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried), 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined then form mixture into 4 patties.
  • For the slaw, in a large bowl whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Add 5 cups shredded cabbage and ⅓ cup thinly sliced shallot; toss to coat then season with salt and pepper to taste. (If you’ve got extra fresh dill, throw some in as well.)
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Arrange salmon patties in an even layer and cook until golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the centers registers 145ºF, 4–5 minutes per side.
  • On each bun, spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on cut sides. Place salmon patties on bottom buns, top with slaw followed up top buns and serve.

Notes

Make Ahead and Reheating
  • There are a few ways you can make these salmon burgers ahead of time. First, you can form the patties and refrigerate them on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. 
  • Alternatively, you can cook the burgers and store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. 
  • For longer storage, transfer the container of cooked salmon burgers to the freezer. Salmon burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 
  • To reheat salmon burgers, place them in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil. Cook just until warmed through.
Substitution Tips
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular or whole-wheat panko.
  • If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute minced green onion, white onion, yellow onion or red onion in the salmon burgers. Use green onions or red onions in the slaw.
  • For a more decadent flavor, cook the salmon burgers in butter instead of olive oil. You can also use any vegetable, canola or avocado oil instead as well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 burgerCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 39gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 1053mgFiber: 10gSugar: 12g
Like this? Leave a comment below!I love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @zestful-kitchen and #zestfulkitchen!
Salmon burger made with canned salmon on a whole wheat bun with slaw and mayo

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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