Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef or chicken burgers. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making them a nutritious choice for any meal. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare salmon burgers, cooking them in the oven is a great option.
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh or thawed salmon fillets, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and your choice of seasonings. You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a more mild or spicy flavor.
Next, you’ll need to prepare the salmon patties. In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together, but not too wet.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into burger patties. The size of the patties will depend on your preference, but aim for about 1/2-inch thickness. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If desired, you can lightly brush the patties with olive oil to help prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
What are salmon burgers?
Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made from fresh salmon fillets, these burgers are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients.
To make salmon burgers, the salmon fillets are finely chopped or processed in a food processor until they reach a ground meat-like consistency. This ground salmon is then mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and various seasonings, such as garlic, dill, lemon zest, and salt and pepper.
The mixture is formed into patties and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or baking in the oven. Baking the salmon burgers in the oven is a convenient and healthy method that requires minimal effort and produces delicious results.
Salmon burgers can be served on a bun with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, or enjoyed on their own with a side of salad or roasted vegetables. They make a perfect option for a quick weeknight meal or a summer BBQ.
Benefits of salmon burgers: |
– High in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. |
– Excellent source of high-quality protein. |
– Packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. |
– Low in saturated fat. |
– Versatile and delicious, with a mild yet flavorful taste. |
Benefits of cooking salmon burgers in the oven
Cooking salmon burgers in the oven offers several benefits, making it a convenient and healthy option. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Retains natural flavors
Cooking salmon burgers in the oven helps to retain the natural flavors of the fish. The controlled cooking environment prevents the flavors from being diluted or altered, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying burger.
2. Healthier option
Baking salmon burgers in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying. It requires less oil, which means fewer calories and less saturated fat. This cooking method helps to preserve the nutritional value of the fish, including its omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
3. Easy and convenient
Using the oven to cook salmon burgers is a simple and convenient method. Once they are prepared, you can easily place them on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work. This allows you to multitask and attend to other tasks while your burgers are cooking.
4. Consistent cooking
When salmon burgers are baked in the oven, they cook evenly and consistently. The heat is distributed evenly, ensuring that each bite is cooked to perfection. This eliminates the risk of undercooked or overcooked burgers, giving you a more enjoyable dining experience.
5. Less mess
Cooking salmon burgers in the oven results in less mess compared to other cooking methods such as frying. There is no need to deal with splattering oil or clean up greasy stovetops. Simply line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup afterward.
Overall, cooking salmon burgers in the oven is a beneficial cooking method that preserves the flavors, nutrients, and convenience of this delicious dish. Give it a try and enjoy a healthier and fuss-free meal!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make salmon burgers in the oven:
- 1 pound of fresh salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Fresh salmon fillets
When making salmon burgers in the oven, it’s important to start with fresh salmon fillets. Look for fillets that are pink in color and have a mild, oceanic smell. Avoid fillets that are slimy or have a strong fishy odor.
Here are a few tips for selecting the best fresh salmon fillets for your burgers:
- Choose fillets that have firm, glossy flesh.
- Avoid fillets that have any discoloration or bruising.
- Check that the fillets have been properly handled and stored, and are not past their expiration date.
- If possible, buy salmon that has been sustainably sourced.
Fresh salmon fillets are not only delicious but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They provide a healthy and nutritious base for your homemade salmon burgers.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in salmon burgers as they help to bind the patties together and add texture. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a blender or food processor until you have fine crumbs. It’s important to use dry breadcrumbs, as wet breadcrumbs can make the burgers too soft.
If you’re using store-bought breadcrumbs, you can choose between regular or panko breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs have a finer texture, while panko breadcrumbs are larger and create a crunchy coating. Both types will work well for salmon burgers, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
If you prefer to make your own breadcrumbs, you can use any type of bread you have on hand. White bread, whole wheat bread, or even a mixture of different types of bread will all work well. Remove the crusts and cut the bread into small cubes before processing. You can toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to help dry them out before blending.
Once you have your breadcrumbs ready, you can add them to the salmon mixture along with the other ingredients like cooked salmon, onions, garlic, parsley, egg, and seasonings. The breadcrumbs will absorb any excess moisture from the other ingredients, ensuring that the patties hold together during cooking.
Ingredient | Measurement |
---|---|
Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Onion
The onion is an essential ingredient in salmon burgers. It adds flavor and a savory taste to the dish. Here are a few tips on using onions in your salmon burger recipe:
Types of Onions
There are different types of onions available, such as yellow onions, red onions, and sweet onions. Yellow onions are the most common and have a strong flavor, while red onions are milder and add a vibrant color to the dish. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, have a mild and sweet taste that pairs well with salmon.
Preparing the Onion
To prepare the onion, start by peeling off the outer skin. Then, slice the onion in half and thinly slice it into crescent-shaped pieces. You can also finely chop the onion if you prefer smaller pieces.
When adding the onion to the salmon burger mixture, make sure to evenly distribute it. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Avoid adding large chunks of onion, as they can overpower the delicate taste of the salmon.
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will help remove some of the pungent flavors.
Overall, onions are a versatile and flavorful addition to salmon burgers. They add depth to the taste and perfectly complement the salmon. Experiment with different types of onions to find your favorite flavor combination.
Preparation
Before you begin making the salmon burgers, make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the burgers cook evenly and at the right temperature.
Next, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You will need:
- 1 pound (450g) of fresh salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup (60g) of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup (60g) of finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup (60g) of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of chopped dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil
Once you have everything ready, begin by chopping the salmon fillets into small pieces. Make sure to remove any skin and bones from the salmon. Place the chopped salmon into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Add the bread crumb mixture to the chopped salmon in the mixing bowl. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the burgers tough.
Form the salmon mixture into patties, using your hands to shape them. The size and thickness of the patties are up to your personal preference. Place the patties onto the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each patty.
Once all the patties are formed and placed on the baking sheet, transfer the sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon burgers for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the edges.
When the burgers are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. You can serve the salmon burgers on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments, or enjoy them on their own with a side salad.
Enjoy your homemade oven-baked salmon burgers!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make salmon burgers in the oven?
To make salmon burgers in the oven, you will need the following ingredients: 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet, 1/3 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for making salmon burgers in the oven?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets for making salmon burgers in the oven. Thaw the frozen fillets before using them in the recipe. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients.
How long should I cook salmon burgers in the oven?
You should cook salmon burgers in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I substitute the bread crumbs with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs if you prefer. These alternatives will give the burgers a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will still work well in the recipe.
What can I serve with salmon burgers in the oven?
You can serve salmon burgers in the oven with a variety of sides. Some popular options include a side salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber and dill yogurt sauce. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your favorite combination.