Nutty Quinoa Salmon Burgers Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Fry

by: AntoniaJames

August27,2013

0 Ratings

  • Makes 6 medium patties

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Author Notes

[I have put this into my "Test Kitchen" collection because I intend to re-test it for the purpose of including metric volume and/or mass measures, as applicable.) Three superfoods join forces here in these tasty burgers. We like them wrapped in freshly cooked phulka roti, but they're just as good in a light bun, lightly toasted. I happen to love pickles, so I put them in both the patties and the tahini-based first cousin to tartar sauce. Enjoy! ;o) —AntoniaJames

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 2 cups tinned salmon, well drained, and small bones removed (or lightly poached salmon, flaked)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup pecan pieces (or walnuts, though pecans seem more flavorful)
  • 1 tablespoon quinoa flakes (or quick oats)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon or similar mustard
  • 1 scallion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped dill or sweet pickle (to taste)
  • Zest of one lemon, grated or finely chopped
  • Salt
  • Grapeseed or olive oil for frying
  • Phulka roti or other flatbread, or brioche or other buns for serving
  • Garnishes such as arugula or watercress, and tomatoes
  • FOR THE SAUCE
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon fruity olive oil
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill or sweet pickle
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • Pinch of salt
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the salmon and flaxseed, mashing the salmon somewhat. Add the cooked quinoa and stir to combine.
  2. In a food processor, gently pulse the nuts four or five times to break down into small bits. (Or, chop them with a knife.) Add to the bowl with the salmon.
  3. Lightly beat the egg with the Worcestershire sauce and the mustard.
  4. Add the quinoa flakes or oats to the bowl with the salmon, along with the beaten egg, scallion, celery, chopped parsley, chopped pickle, lemon zest and a generous pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
  5. Form into patties – you’ll need to squeeze it together tightly with your hands -- and set aside, lightly covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  6. While the patties are resting, make the sauce by combining all of the sauce ingredients. Test for salt and correct if necessary.
  7. Heat a skillet to medium, and add about a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot (4 or 5 seconds), fry the patties for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat, cover and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove the cover, gently flip the burgers over and cook for another 3 minutes over medium heat.
  8. Serve in wraps using phulka roti or other flatbread, or on light buns, lightly toasted, with a generous dollop of sauce and tomatoes, salad greens, etc.
  9. Enjoy!! ;o)

Tags:

  • Burger
  • American
  • Seafood
  • Grains
  • Celery
  • Green Onion/Scallion
  • Mustard
  • Oat
  • Parsley
  • Quinoa
  • Salmon
  • Pickle
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Quinoa Recipe

Recipe by: AntoniaJames

See problem, solve problem. Ask questions; question answers. Disrupt, with kindness, courtesy and respect. ;o)

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13 Reviews

cookingProf September 22, 2014

Oh, I have to try this soon. Adding quinoa and pecans gives this recipe such a perfect twist, not to mention the added nutritional value. Thanks for posting this.

wherethetanoakgrows June 11, 2014

this sounds terrific! I'm trying it tonight with some leftover poached salmon.

Thanks for sharing - I've grown a bit tired of my standard capers and tarragon version

Tarragon November 3, 2013

I've had my eye on this recipe for a while and finally got around to making them today; so glad I did, they are wonderful! I didn't change a thing. Instead of quinoa flakes or quick cooking oats I just pulsed some regular oats in the food processor once or twice. I used canned wild salmon from Costco. Directions are good and I agree these are quite healthy. They fried very well with only 1 T oil. Thank you AJ for posting.

AntoniaJames November 12, 2013

Thank you so much, Tarragon. I'm so glad you tried them, and even more glad that you liked them! ;o)

Kukla August 28, 2013

How wonderful AJ; I love all the flavors!! Looks like the perfect lunch for family and guests. Saved!

Fairmount_market August 28, 2013

These sound delicious. I can't wait to try them.

healthierkitchen August 28, 2013

This sounds terrific and quite healthy!

AntoniaJames August 28, 2013

Thank you, HK!

calendargirl August 28, 2013

Love, love, love the ingredients for these burgers! Eager to put them on our table. Many thanks! Curious to know where you find your quinoa flakes.

AntoniaJames August 28, 2013

You're welcome, calendargirl (and thanks, too, for your kind words). I get quinoa flakes at The Food Mill in Oakland (an amazing bulk store, which even has a commercial electric grinder that you can put bulk-purchased whole grains in). I've heard that the local WFM also sells them, though I have not confirmed that. ;o)

calendargirl August 28, 2013

Many thanks! I will look here in DC as well as online. I may have seen them at the Bethesda Food Coop.

inpatskitchen August 27, 2013

Now this is a quinoa burger I know I'll love! Saved! Thanks for sharing AJ!

AntoniaJames August 28, 2013

Thank you, ipk. I hope you try -- and like -- them. ;o)

Nutty Quinoa Salmon Burgers Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best thing to put on a salmon burger? ›

To find the right condiment for salmon burgers, think beyond ketchup. Basil Pesto, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), and Dijon mustard are all fantastic options. Here are more of my favorite options: Grilled Pineapple.

How to cook store bought salmon burgers? ›

From Frozen

Place burgers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake burgers in oven for 26-28 minutes, flipping halfway. Grill/BBQ: Preheat grill with burners set to medium heat. Cook burgers for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Should I thaw salmon burgers before cooking? ›

Salmon burgers are the perfect weeknight meal. They can be cooked straight out of the freezer, without adding any fuss or hours to the cooking time. In fact, with our tips and tutorials, you can enjoy salmon burgers from freezer to table in 20 minutes flat. We also love salmon burgers for their versatility.

What is the white stuff coming out of my salmon burger? ›

That white gunk seeping from your salmon is called albumin. It's a protein—not fat—that pushes to the surface of the fish when you heat it. "Once this protein reaches temperatures between 140 and 150 degrees, its moisture is squeezed out, and it congeals and turns white," according to America's Test Kitchen.

How do you keep salmon burgers from falling apart? ›

Refrigerate The Mix, Use A Sheet Pan

The cooler temperature of the mix will help everything stick together better when the patties are pan-fried, crisping them up nicely. If you have a lot of salmon patties to make, you can even forgo the pan altogether and bake them on a sheet tray in the oven.

What do you eat with salmon patties? ›

Salmon patties can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. Serve with a variety of sides, such as brown rice, crispy potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Salmon patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Does cheese taste good on a salmon burger? ›

American cheese is obviously the gold standard for topping a beef burger, but something about salmon and cheddar just doesn't quite work for us. We still need a good melting cheese, though, and dill havarti is—to us—a salmon burgers' most perfect cheesy partner.

Why do my salmon patties fall apart when cooking? ›

Balance the binders with the moisture

However, you can go overboard with the binders. If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

Can you undercook salmon burgers? ›

In conclusion, while undercooked salmon may be tempting, it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any health risks. By properly cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), you can ensure that it's safe to eat and reduce the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses.

Do salmon burgers have to be well done? ›

You want to make sure the burger is crisp on the outside and the raw seafood is cooked medium-rare. Avoid over-cooking. Salmon burgers are best when they're cooked medium rare. That's about 3-5 minutes per side and it's all you need to get tender, flaky salmon.

Is it better to cook salmon from frozen or thawed? ›

Surprise--you don't need to thaw those frozen salmon fillets from the supermarket before cooking them. That's right: Simply add the fish to a preheated skillet and cook away, then make a simple sweet and savory sauce from garlic, honey, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar for drizzling.

What sauce goes with salmon? ›

Creamy Horseradish Dill Sauce

Salmon and dill is a classic flavor combo. Mayo is the base of this creamy dill sauce for salmon. It's transformed into a sauce with basic ingredients like shallots, lemon, and herbs. To make it special, the addition of freshly grated horseradish root adds spice.

What does salmon taste best with? ›

20 Best Side Dishes for Salmon
  • 02 of 21. Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes. View Recipe. naples34102. ...
  • 05 of 21. Easy Bok Choy. View Recipe. ...
  • 08 of 21. Asian Cucumber and Peanut Salad. View Recipe. ...
  • 11 of 21. Easy Garlic Kale. View Recipe. ...
  • 14 of 21. Oven-Roasted Asparagus. View Recipe. ...
  • 17 of 21. Mediterranean Farro Salad. View Recipe.
Apr 29, 2021

How do you spice up frozen salmon burgers? ›

Top each cooked salmon burger with a bit of sriracha mayo, followed by sliced avocado and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or any toppings you like. Serve with a side salad or your favorite accompaniments and enjoy!

What cheese is best with salmon? ›

For a delicate and subtle flavor, try cold-smoked salmon. It goes well with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie. If you prefer a stronger, more robust flavor, opt for hot-smoked salmon that pairs wonderfully with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

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