Easy Salmon Burgers (Freezer Friendly)
These Easy Salmon Burgers are the perfect weeknight dinner. What I love about this Freezer Friendly 30 Minute Dinner is that they come together with pantry staples, are freeze friendly, and are a delicious way to enjoy canned salmon.
I've been making these whenever I need a quick dinner that's healthy but still feels comforting. They're crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bright lemon, fresh dill, and garlic. I almost always make a double batch because having homemade salmon burgers waiting in the freezer makes dinner so much easier.
If you like this recipe, you should try my Southwest Turkey Burgers, Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers, or The Best Shrimp Poke Bowl with Easy Sriracha Aioli.
Why You Will Love This Dinner
Easy Cooking
Everything mixes together in one bowl and cooks in less than 10 minutes.
Healthy Ingredients
Made with canned salmon, fresh herbs, and simple pantry staples for a protein-packed dinner.
Freezer Friendly
Freeze the patties before cooking for an easy homemade dinner anytime.
Ingredients
Canned Salmon
The star of the recipe! Canned salmon is affordable, convenient, and packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fats.
Eggs
Help bind the burgers together.
Breadcrumbs
Keep the patties tender while helping them hold their shape.
Mayonnaise
Adds moisture so the burgers stay juicy.
Dijon Mustard
Adds a tangy depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest
Brightens the burgers and keeps them tasting fresh.
Fresh Dill
Classic with seafood and adds incredible fresh flavor.
Garlic
Adds savory richness.
Salt, Pepper & Smoked Paprika
Simple seasonings that enhance the salmon without overpowering it.
Substitutions and Variations
Use Greek Yogurt
Swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Add More Herbs
Fresh parsley or chives are delicious additions.
Make Them Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spice Them Up
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little sriracha.
Serve Your Way
These burgers are delicious on buns, over salads, in lettuce wraps, or served with roasted vegetables.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Burgers
Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the burgers stay tender.
Step 2: Form Patties
Shape the mixture into 4–6 burger patties.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate the patties for 20–30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together while cooking.
Step 4: Cook
Cook the burgers for 3–4 minutes per side, allowing a golden crust to form before flipping.
Tips and Notes
- Chilling the patties is the secret to burgers that don't fall apart.
- Don't flip too early, letting the first side brown helps them stay together.
- Fresh lemon zest makes a huge difference in flavor.
- These burgers are perfect for making ahead.
Recipe FAQs
Can I freeze salmon burgers?
Yes! Freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Can I cook them from frozen?
Absolutely. Simply add 3–5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I bake them?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sauce goes well with salmon burgers?
Tartar sauce, lemon dill yogurt sauce, spicy aioli, or avocado all pair wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
- Brioche buns
- Roasted potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Greek salad
- Coleslaw
- Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Pickled onions
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet, air fryer, or oven until warmed through.
Tips
Cooking directly from frozen works great, just allow a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Freezer Instructions
1. Cool completely.
Never freeze hot food. Let it cool completely first (you can even refrigerate it overnight). Before sealing, wipe away any condensation inside the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion it for real life.
Freeze the amount you'll actually use. If your family won't eat a whole casserole in one night, divide it into smaller portions instead. Smaller portions also thaw much faster.
3. Leave a little room.
Don't fill containers all the way to the top, foods expand slightly as they freeze.
4. Label everything.
Write the recipe name and the date on each container so you know exactly what's waiting in your freezer.
5. Freeze.
I love freezing meals in 2-cup silicone freezer cubes. They're the perfect size for lunches or small dinners, stack beautifully, and thaw much faster than one giant frozen block.
How to Reheat
For best results, transfer your meal to the refrigerator the night before.
If it's still a little frozen in the center, microwave on the Defrost setting in 5-minute intervals until it can be broken apart easily.
Then simply reheat like you would any leftovers:
- Bake casseroles in the oven.
- Warm soups, pasta, and skillet meals on the stovetop.
- Use the microwave for quick meals.
- The air fryer works great for foods that should stay crispy.
My favorite freezer rule: Reheat food the same way you originally cooked it whenever possible. It almost always gives you the best texture.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy freezer meals within about 3 months.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
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Easy Salmon Burgers (Freezer Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 14.75-ounce can salmon, drained and flaked
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine salmon, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 4–6 patties.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook burgers for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Freezer Instructions
- Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Cook directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
