Zesty Lime Salmon Burgers with Smoky Chipotle Mayo

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

There’s something extra satisfying about sinking your teeth into a freshly made salmon burger. The gentle flakiness of the fish, paired with bright citrus and a little smoky heat, creates a crave-worthy meal for lunch or dinner. If you’re ready to shake up your usual burger routine, this recipe is a must-try.

Image 5
Ideogram

Ingredients

Image 4
Ideogram
  • 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed and finely chopped
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce (more if you like extra heat)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, red onion

Instructions

Start by making the chipotle mayo. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice if you like. Adjust the heat to your taste by adding more sauce. Set this aside for later—your finished burgers will be even better with a quick dollop of smoky goodness.

Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, green onion, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper, panko, and egg. Use a fork or your hands to gently bring the mixture together without overworking it. Shape the mixture into four equal patties.

Image 3
Ideogram

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, taking care when flipping so they hold their shape.

To assemble, spread a layer of smoky chipotle mayo onto each toasted burger bun. Top with a salmon patty, add lettuce, tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion if you like a touch of crunch. Place the bun top on and serve immediately.

This zesty lime salmon burger brings a bright, fresh twist to your table. The tang and juiciness of the salmon make it a nutritious choice, especially for those looking to incorporate more heart-healthy fish into their diets. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip the chipotle sauce or reduce the amount. You can also swap cilantro for parsley or add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for extra zing. Enjoy this quick, crowd-pleasing meal any time you’re craving something vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly tasty.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.