Introduction
Looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional burgers? This grilled salmon burger recipe with a creamy dill yogurt sauce and refreshing cucumber is the perfect summer meal. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this burger is both good for you and incredibly flavorful. Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to this vibrant and satisfying dish!
Grilled Salmon Burger: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Salmon Patties
The key to a great salmon burger is using high-quality salmon. Here’s how to prepare the patties:
- Choose your salmon: Skinless salmon fillets (about 1 pound) are ideal. You can use wild-caught or farmed salmon, depending on your preference.
- Chop or grind the salmon: Pulse the salmon in a food processor until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process it; you want some texture. Alternatively, finely chop the salmon by hand.
- Add the binders and flavorings: In a large bowl, combine the ground salmon with:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Form the patties: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
- Chill the patties: Place the patties on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during grilling.
Making the Dill Yogurt Sauce
This creamy and tangy sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chill the sauce: Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Grilling the Salmon Burgers
Grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the flavor of the salmon.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the patties: Place the salmon patties on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Toast the buns (optional): Lightly toast your burger buns on the grill for the last minute of cooking time.
Assembling the Burgers
Now for the best part: putting it all together!
- Spread the sauce: Spread a generous amount of dill yogurt sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
- Add the salmon patty: Place a grilled salmon patty on the bottom bun.
- Top with cucumber: Add sliced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. You can also add other toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious and healthy grilled salmon burger!
Tips and Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon mixture for a little heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs in the yogurt sauce, such as chives or parsley.
- Bake the burgers: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the salmon burgers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a gluten-free meal.
- Serve with sides: These burgers pair well with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or coleslaw.
Conclusion
This grilled salmon burger with dill yogurt sauce and cucumber is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and customizable to your liking, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious salmon burger!