I’ve always thought of salmon as the rockstar of the seafood world—bold, vibrant, and a little unpredictable. And what better way to let it shine than in these Spicy Cajun Salmon Burgers? They’re a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds, combining the fiery zest of Cajun spices with the rich, buttery essence of salmon. Oh, and did I mention they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Steps
- Drain the canned salmon and place it in a bowl. If using fresh salmon, cook it first and flake it into pieces.
- Add the following to the bowl: breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, sliced green onion, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined, then refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
- After refrigeration, shape the mixture into two patties, each around 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Heat cooking oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter foams, add the patties and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until well browned.
- To assemble, place each patty on a bun, add 2 tablespoons of guacamole, and top with a handful of spring mix.
Ingredients
- 6 oz canned salmon (boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon stone ground mustard
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- Optional: 2 buns
- Optional: 1/4 cup guacamole
- Optional: 1 cup spring mix
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1034.3 kcal | Carbohydrates: 84.3 g | Protein: 58.3 g | Fat: 51.8 g | Sodium: 2304.9 mg | Fiber: 9.4 g
FAQ
- Why should I choose canned salmon for these burgers?
- Canned salmon is a practical and budget-friendly option since it is shelf-stable and can be kept on hand for quick meals without the risk of spoiling. If you prefer fresh salmon, you can use that instead—just cook it thoroughly and flake it before using, ensuring you have about 1 cup of cooked salmon.
- Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning for the salmon burgers?
- Absolutely! However, be cautious as many store-bought Cajun seasoning blends are high in salt. You might need to adjust the amount you use. Making your own seasoning allows for better salt control, which is why I prefer using my homemade Cajun seasoning.
- What are some serving suggestions for Cajun Salmon Burgers?
- These burgers are versatile and can be dressed up or down. Try topping them with spring mix and guacamole for an easy option, or go traditional with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. For a gourmet twist, consider using remoulade sauce instead of mayo. The burgers also work well as a salad topping if you prefer to skip the bun.
- Can I substitute the canned salmon with fresh salmon?
- Yes, you can substitute canned salmon with fresh salmon. Simply cook the fresh salmon thoroughly and flake it before preparing the burgers. You’ll need around 1 cup of cooked and flaked salmon for the recipe.
Tips
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning: If you’re using store-bought Cajun seasoning, be mindful of its salt content. You might want to start with a smaller amount and adjust according to taste to avoid an overly salty burger.
- Refrigerate the Mixture: After mixing the salmon with the other ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the spices to meld and the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, resulting in a better texture.
- Use Fresh Salmon: If you prefer fresh salmon over canned, cook and flake it before mixing. You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked and flaked salmon to substitute for the canned variety.
- Cooking Tip: When frying the salmon burgers, ensure the butter is melted and foaming before adding the patties to the skillet. This helps achieve a nicely browned crust on each side.
Equipment
- Skillet (if you don’t have a suitable one for frying the patties)
- Mixing Bowl (if you need an extra or a specific size)
- Spatula (for flipping the burgers in the skillet)
