Avocado Salmon Burgers Recipe

A well-composed burger is a thing of real delight. My Avocado Salmon Burgers are a nutritious, delicious take on the genre.

I love the way the obdurate richness of ripe avocado plays off the chopped salmon fillets. The fish themselves are a bassinet of flavor.

Not only are they rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also packed with quality protein. For me, the body of the burger consists of the marriage between the fresh taste of dill, the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, and a couple of do-not-skip steps that bright up the flavor: adding a hint of lemon juice and using breadcrumbs, which give the patty structure.

Ingredients

Salmon is a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and offer an excellent base of protein.

Avocado: Provides a high amount of healthy fats and fiber, aids digestion, and adds creaminess to the burger.

Bread crumbs lend texture, assist in binding the burger, and contribute a slight crispness.

Fresh dill delivers a flavor that is almost citrusy.

And that actually works really well in burgers.

It is slightly bitter, so you have to balance it.

You also need to add enough so that it comes through.

It can’t be a wallflower or a “hint” of dill.

Juice of lemon: Provides a zesty brightness, balances flavors, and assists in tenderizing the salmon.

Ingredient Quantities

• • 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, chopped

• • 1 ripe avocado, diced

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

• • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• • 1 garlic clove, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Olive oil, for cooking

• • Burger buns

• • Lettuce, for serving

• • Sliced tomatoes, for serving

• • Optional toppings: red onion slices, additional avocado slices

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, mix together salmon, chopped avocado, breadcrumbs, dill, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Combine the ingredients very gently, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.

3. Create 4 to 6 patties from the mixture, depending on the size you’d like your burgers to be.

4. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom.

5. When the oil reaches a sufficient heat, place the salmon patties in the skillet. Allow the patties to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. Liken the process, if you must, to that of cooking a hamburger: you want the outside to be golden brown and the inside to be cooked through.

6. Lightly toast the burger buns in another pan or in a toaster while the patties are cooking.

7. Wash the lettuce and slice the tomatoes. Put them to one side for when it is time to assemble the burgers.

8. After cooking the patties, take them from the skillet and allow them to rest for a minute on a plate.

9. Put together the burgers by taking a salmon patty and placing it on the bottom half of each bun. Add to the burger some sort of green leaf, like lettuce or a mesclun mix. Then add tomato slices, and finish with any other optional fixings—like red onion, for example—that you desire.

10. Serve immediately, top each burger with the upper half of the bun, and dig into your delightful Avocado Salmon Burgers!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Skillet or frying pan
6. Spatula for flipping patties
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Plate for resting patties
9. Toaster or second pan for toasting buns

FAQ

• • Q: Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?A: The optimal texture comes from using fresh salmon; however, you can achieve a comparable texture if you use canned salmon and drain it well—it’s virtually impossible to get a good texture if you don’t drain the canned fish and don’t flake it well.

• • Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?A: Yes, the patties can be prepared a day in advance. Refrigerate them, covered, until you are ready to cook them.

• • Q: Is there an alternative to breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option?Almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs to create a gluten-free burger.

• • Q: How do I know when the salmon burgers are cooked?To cook the burgers evenly, ensure that the heat is medium, then place them on the grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The finished burgers should have a golden-brown color and a level of firmness that indicates they are well-done but not overcooked.

• • Q: Can I grill these burgers instead of pan-frying?Q: Is cooking on the grill a good option for seafood?A: Yes, cooking seafood is a great option. Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high, and use a grilling mat or oiled aluminum foil to prevent your seafood from sticking to the grates.

• • Q: How should I store leftovers?Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.

Substitutions and Variations

For breadcrumbs, substitute Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
For fresh dill, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried dill or with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for a different flavor.
For mayonnaise, a lighter option is to substitute Greek yogurt.
For Dijon mustard, substitute with whole grain mustard for a slightly different texture.
If you want to impart a more tropical flavor, use lime juice in place of lemon juice.