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Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly way to enjoy seafood, this Canned Salmon Burger Recipe is perfect! With minimal prep time and simple pantry staples, you can create a high-protein, flavorful burger that rivals restaurant-quality meals.
Not only is this recipe affordable, but it’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
Canned salmon is a fantastic alternative to fresh salmon, offering the same nutritional benefits at a fraction of the cost. If you’re wondering whether canned salmon is as good as fresh, you’ll be happy to know that it’s just as nutritious! In fact, it contains bones that are rich in calcium, which makes it an excellent source of this essential mineral. Learn more about the health benefits of canned salmon and why it should be a staple in your kitchen.
What Makes Canned Salmon a Great Choice?
Many people hesitate to use canned salmon because they’re unsure about the bones and skin. But don’t worry! The bones are soft and completely edible, and they break down easily when mixed into the patty. Plus, they provide an extra boost of calcium, making this an even healthier option.
Here’s why you should choose canned salmon for this recipe:
- Cost-Effective: A can of wild-caught salmon is much cheaper than fresh fillets.
- Convenience: No need to cook the salmon beforehand—just drain, mix, and cook!
- Long Shelf Life: Keeps in your pantry for months, making meal prep a breeze.
- Sustainable Option: Many canned salmon brands use wild-caught, responsibly sourced fish.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with oat flour. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can easily make oat flour at home with just a blender!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Salmon Burger
To make the best Canned Salmon Burger Recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a juicy, flavorful patty.
Essential Ingredients:
- Canned Salmon – Opt for wild-caught for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Eggs – Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Oat Flour – A great alternative to breadcrumbs that keeps the patties gluten-free.
- Red Onion & Bell Pepper – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor with a nice crunch.
- Fresh Dill & Lemon Zest – Enhances the seafood flavor and adds brightness.
- Cayenne Pepper – A little spice makes everything better!
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt – A healthy, protein-packed alternative to mayo.
- Lemon Juice – Balances the flavors and adds freshness.
- Garlic & Fresh Dill – Infuses the sauce with a bold, herby kick.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before making your salmon burgers, gather these tools to make the process even smoother:
✅ Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients evenly.
✅ Nonstick Pan – Helps achieve a golden, crispy crust on the patties.
✅ Spatula – For flipping the burgers without breaking them.
✅ Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping the vegetables.
How to Make the Best Canned Salmon Burger Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Canned Salmon Burgers
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
To make this Canned Salmon Burger Recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 1 can of wild-caught salmon (14.75 oz, drained)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1/3 cup oat flour (for gluten-free option, check out this guide on Red vs. Pink Canned Salmon for Loaf)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a bite-sized salmon alternative, try these Easy & Healthy Salmon Bites for a quick snack!
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, flake the canned salmon with a fork.
- Add onion, bell pepper, dill, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir in the egg and oat flour, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into four equal patties.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Pan-Frying (For a Crispy Finish)
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and let them rest for 2 minutes.
Baking (Healthier Option)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the patties on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air-Frying (Less Oil, Extra Crunchy)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the basket with oil and place the patties inside.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Want more crispy seafood options? Check out this Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe for another easy and delicious meal!
Customizing Your Canned Salmon Burger Recipe
1. Sauce Variations
- Classic Creamy Dill Sauce (Greek yogurt, lemon, dill, and garlic!)
- Spicy Mayo (Mayo + Sriracha for a kick!)
- Tzatziki Sauce (For a Mediterranean touch!)
- Avocado Lime Sauce (A creamy, dairy-free option!)
2. Best Burger Buns
- Whole wheat buns (High in fiber!)
- Gluten-free buns (Great for dietary restrictions!)
- Lettuce wraps (A low-carb alternative!)
3. Tasty Add-Ons
- Sliced avocado (Adds creaminess and healthy fats!)
- Tomato & red onion (For extra freshness!)
- Pickles (For a tangy crunch!)
- Cheese (Try feta, cheddar, or Swiss!)
Looking for more burger ideas? The Ultimate Guide to Beef Burgers has delicious variations for any taste!
How to Serve Canned Salmon Burgers
Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Burger Style: Served on a toasted bun with all your favorite toppings.
- Low-Carb Meal: Swap the bun for lettuce wraps.
- Salmon Burger Salad: Enjoy the patty over a fresh bed of greens.
- Pair with Sides: Try with roasted veggies, quinoa, or coleslaw.
For more easy meal ideas, check out these Quick & Healthy Recipes to keep your meals light and nutritious!
Nutritional Information Per Serving
This Canned Salmon Burger Recipe is a high-protein, nutrient-packed meal that supports heart health and weight management.
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
- Calcium: 518mg
With a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, these salmon burgers are a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
Storing, Reheating & FAQs for the Best Canned Salmon Burger Recipe
Once you’ve made this delicious and crispy Canned Salmon Burger Recipe, you might be wondering: How do I store leftovers? Can I freeze them? How do I reheat them without drying them out?
Don’t worry! In this final section, we’ll cover the best ways to store, freeze, and reheat your salmon burgers while keeping them juicy and flavorful. Plus, we’ll answer the most common questions about this Canned Salmon Burger Recipe!
For more seafood meal ideas, check out this Salmon with Vegetables Recipe—another healthy and easy option!
How to Store Canned Salmon Burgers
If you have leftovers (or want to meal prep), here’s how to store your salmon burgers properly:
1. Refrigeration (For Short-Term Storage)
- Place the cooked salmon patties in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep them separate from buns and toppings to maintain freshness.
2. Freezing (For Long-Term Storage)
- Cooked Patties:
- Let them cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each patty in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Uncooked Patties:
- Shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Keeps fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Looking for another quick and healthy salmon recipe? Try these Easy & Healthy Salmon Bites!
Best Methods for Reheating Canned Salmon Burgers
1. Skillet (Best for Crispiness)
- Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Reheat the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through.
2. Oven (For Even Heating)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place patties on a baking sheet and heat for 10 minutes.
3. Air Fryer (Crispy & Quick)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the salmon burgers for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
Looking for more crispy air-fried meals? Check out this Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Canned Salmon Burger Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or mashed avocado for binding.
2. Why Are My Salmon Burgers Falling Apart?
If your Canned Salmon Burger Recipe is too crumbly:
- Make sure you drain excess liquid from the salmon.
- Add more oat flour or breadcrumbs if the mixture is too wet.
- Chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking.
3. Can I Use Fresh Salmon Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Just bake or pan-sear fresh salmon, then flake it before mixing.
4. What Are the Best Side Dishes for Salmon Burgers?
- Sweet potato fries or roasted veggies
- Coleslaw or cucumber salad
- A side of quinoa or brown rice
For more delicious meal ideas, check out this Ultimate Guide to Beef Burgers!
Final Thoughts on the Best Canned Salmon Burger Recipe
This Canned Salmon Burger Recipe is the perfect quick, healthy, and high-protein meal. Whether you pan-fry, bake, or air-fry, these flavor-packed salmon patties are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy crispy salmon burgers anytime. Plus, with endless customization options, you can get creative with different sauces, toppings, and side dishes.
Now it’s time to try this easy and nutritious salmon burger recipe! Let me know how you customize yours in the comments!