These fresh salmon burgers are loaded with flavor and topped with creamy lemon dill sauce for a mouthwatering twist on the classic burger.

Salmon burger topped with creamy dill sauce, red onion and avocado on a bed of lettuce in a white bun.

This easy salmon burger recipe combines raw salmon, fresh herbs, and breadcrumbs to create the most delicious burgers! From a family full of fishermen, trust us when we say these are the best salmon burgers.

Be sure to check out these blackened salmon burgers, this lemon grilled salmon, herb-crusted salmon, and our delicious smoked salmon recipe too!

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Close up of salmon burger topped with creamy dill sauce, red onion and avocado on a bed of lettuce in a white bun with text overlay.

We go salmon fishing every year, either to Prince Rupert, where we charter a boat for several days, or on the Shuswap river, where we riverside camp with family for the week. On a good year, we will do both and have fresh salmon every day and a full freezer stocked for the year.

Salmon purists will tell you that grilling fresh salmon fillets simply with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a few spices is the only way to cook fresh fish. But I’m here to convince you to try this salmon patty recipe — I promise, you’ll be glad that you did!

Three salmon burgers topped with creamy dill sauce, red onion and avocado on a bed of lettuce in a white bun on a white plate.

This recipe has the best flavor and makes perfectly cooked, healthy, salmon burgers that you’ll want to add to your weekly menu plan. These easy salmon burgers are one of my favorite ways to enjoy our annual catch!

Close up of salmon burger topped with creamy dill sauce, red onion and avocado on a bed of lettuce in a white bun.

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Burger Making Supplies

Nonstick skillet – We use this one and our cast iron skillet interchangeably.
Sharp knife – Important for removing the salmon skin and dicing ingredients.
Mixing bowls – You’ll need the largest one that you have for this recipe.
Measuring cups & measuring spoons – We often eyeball the ingredients in this recipe now, but for the beginner it’s good to measure everything exactly.
Parchment paper – Used to separate the patties as you make them.
Kitchen scale – For making the burgers equal sizes.
Baking sheet – Makes transporting the burger patties easy!
Burger press – This is optional, but good for making uniform burgers.

Ingredients

These fresh salmon burgers only require a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.

Fresh salmon, boneless, skinless and cut into cubes – The star of the recipe, fresh salmon creates tender, juicy burgers packed with flavor and healthy omega-3s.
Brown mustard – Adds a tangy depth and subtle zing that pairs perfectly with fresh fish. Yellow mustard works too.
Green onions, finely diced – Bring a mild onion flavor and fresh crunch without overpowering the salmon.
Fresh dill, chopped – Bright, herby dill pairs perfectly with salmon.
Capers, chopped – Tiny bursts of salty, briny goodness that make the burgers extra flavorful.
Salt & pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all of the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Panko breadcrumbs – Help bind the patties together while keeping them light and crispy.
Butter, salted or unsalted – Creates a golden brown crust and rich flavor while cooking the burgers.
Brioche buns – Soft, buttery buns that perfectly complement the savory salmon patties.
Lemon dill sauce – Creamy, fresh, and zesty, this sauce takes salmon burgers to the next level.

Salmon burger ingredients in a bowl on a white counter.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the breadcrumbs.

Salmon burger ingredients mixed in a glass bowl.

2. Mix well.

3. Place into a food processor or blender or use a hand blender to chop the salmon mixture.

Tip: Do not overprocess — we don’t want to make a paste.

Salmon burger mixture processed in a clear glass bowl.

4. Add the breadcrumbs and mix well.

Four raw salmon burger patties on parchment paper.

5. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into uniform salmon patties.

6. Place butter into a large skillet and melt over medium-high heat.

Four raw salmon burgers in a white skillet.

Four cooked salmon burgers in a white skillet.

7. Cook the salmon burger patties for 3-4 minutes per side.

Cooked salmon burger patties on parchment paper.

8. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

I love, love, love to serve these burgers with a generous dollop of homemade lemon dill sauce. It’s made with mayonnaise, lemon, garlic, and fresh dill! Easy peasy.

Serving Suggestions

Arugula or butter lettuce
Apple fennel slaw or lemon dill sauce
Thinly sliced red onion, avocado, bell pepper, or tomato
Greek yogurt, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli

Substitutions

Finely diced white, yellow onion, or red onions may be used instead of green.
Dijon mustard or yellow mustard may be used instead of brown.
Capers can be omitted all together, but I would encourage you to give them a shot!
Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Recipe Notes

When processing the salmon mixture, 3-4 pulses in a food processor is all it takes. Try not to make a paste out of it.
Patties may be frozen uncooked in the same manner as traditional hamburger patties. Check out my “how to freeze hamburger patties” post for more details.
Cooked salmon patties can also be place in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to use fresh salmon in this recipe?
No, previously frozen fish works great! For best results you will want to use raw salmon though. And avoid canned salmon — it’s just not the same.

How do you keep salmon burgers from falling apart?
The key is using enough binder ingredients, like breadcrumbs and mustard, while avoiding overmixing the salmon mixture. Chilling the patties before cooking also helps them hold their shape beautifully.

Can salmon burgers be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well for quick weeknight dinners later on.

Can I bake these salmon burgers?
You bet! Place the patties on a lined baking sheet and cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. For grilling, chilling the patties first and lightly oiling the grill grates helps prevent sticking and keeps the burgers together while cooking. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that they are cooked all the way through.

Are salmon burgers healthy?
Salmon burgers are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients like vitamin B12 and potassium, making them a wholesome alternative to traditional beef burgers.

More Salmon Recipes to Try

What to Serve With Salmon Burgers?

Try a few of our favorite sides to create a complete meal!

Salmon burger topped with creamy dill sauce, red onion and avocado on a bed of lettuce in a white bun with text overlay.

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