These salmon burgers. They are so great.

We’re talking about a crispy exterior, flaky interior, perfect golden color, and rich nutrition. Thank you, salmon.

They’re also easy to make, and if you have a decent pantry, you’ll need (usually) few, if not zero, trips to the grocery store. I love, love, love these crispy little guys.

As if salmon burgers aren’t good enough to eat on their own (well, they are), I need you to make this salad and put your salmon burgers on/around/around it. It’s nothing special—just chopped cabbage, yogurt, herbs, garlic, and vinegar—but with a salmon burger? The combination of crunchy, salty, and spicy is just right.

These ingredients for the salmon burger

This recipe is a pantry staple dream! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon (canned or pre-cooked)
• egg
• crumbs
• spice
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• salt
• herb

I like eating these salmon burgers with a bit of fresh dill for flavor. But you can also use 1) freeze-dried dill, which I keep in my spice collection throughout the year, and 2) other fresh herbs! When I didn’t have dill, I made a version with parsley and cilantro. They’re still delicious.

Dill is still my go-to, but you can play around with it like my favorite recipes.

Which salmon is best?

Now comes the most crucial question. Do you use canned salmon? The subtext: Is it disgusting?

Answer: Yes, I use canned salmon, and no, these salmon burgers are not gross if you buy the right ingredients.

If canned salmon is too strange, fresh salmon you’ve already cooked will also work (see our guide to cooking salmon). But I want to assure you that if you do a little searching and are willing to spend a little extra for higher quality, you have a good chance of finding canned salmon that isn’t disgusting. I love Wild Planet canned salmon. It was captured in Alaska, and Wild Planet prioritizes sustainability and the protection of Marine ecosystems in all of its products. I am not a sponsor; I am just a big fan. You can also buy it on Amazon (member link). And because it comes in a can, you can keep it in your pantry, always ready for a little salmon burger for bliss.

God bless the pantry meals.

How will you achieve these salmon burgers

What I like about this recipe is that it’s convenient for storage and for 5 p.m., when I need dinner right now. Here’s what you do.

• Mix all the salmon burger ingredients in a bowl and make patties (this should make 3-4!).
• Fry the salmon patties in oil in a hot skillet until browned and crisp.
• Put your salad ingredients in a bowl and mix.
• Serve the delicious salmon burger on a crunchy layer of salad!

Teaching assistant! You’re done.

What else goes well with these salmon burgers

I’ve clarified that I like these items on top of salads for a fresh, high-protein lunch, but as always, you have options!

• Make the salad part easier by picking up your favorite bag from the store! (Check out these spicy salmon burgers)
• Put these on a bun for a real burger (or even a salad on top!). Or just some yogurt, avocado, mayonnaise, tomatoes, whatever)
• Eat it as a primary protein with potatoes, rice, vegetables, or a simple salad.

Salmon burger: Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Absolutely! But this recipe uses cooked salmon. Be sure to cook and peel the salmon before mixing. Need to learn how to cook salmon? We’ve got you covered!

Can I freeze these burgers?

Yes, we do! I might mix them into patties and freeze them. When ready to cook, you should be able to put them straight from freezing into the pan! Let them cook a little longer so they stay hot.

How long will these burgers last?

It will be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do you know when a burger is ready?

Because our only ingredient is eggs (thank you, cooked salmon!). You should ensure these are cooked to at least 160 degrees in the middle.

How do I make these burgers gluten-free?

Easy! Replace the breadcrumbs with GF breadcrumbs or almond flour.

How do I make a dairy-free burger?

Just change the salad dressing, and you’ll be golden! This 5-minute sun sauce is highly recommended.

Can I grill these burgers?

Sure thing! Ensure your grill is nice and hot and the oil is well rubbed.