8-Ingredient Salmon Burger Recipe!

Updated: September 6, 2022

Did you know the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” recommend that you eat at least eight ounces of seafood per week?

That’s about two servings if you were wondering. Now, that doesn’t seem like a lot, but I still find it tricky to incorporate enough seafood into my diet. And so does the rest of America according to the dietary guidelines research!

How big is a portion of fish?

So I want to share a wonderful fish recipe that makes getting enough fish a whole lot easier (and tastier) – eight-ingredient salmon burgers!

These delicious burgers have got me looking forward to my “fish dish days.” They’re totally quick and easy to make– as you’ll see in the video below –and are a great addition to any bone-healthy diet too!

Salmon is a great source of protein and calcium. In fact, both sockeye (my favorite) and chinook salmon feature on our list of the top calcium-rich foods! Plus, if you use canned salmon that contains bones (don’t worry, they’re very soft and safe to eat) the calcium content of your burgers will be even higher.

What’s more, salmon provides omega 3 fatty acids. And omega 3s can help ease the chronic inflammation that leads to bone loss!

You’re only 15 minutes away from all that delicious goodness… so let’s get to it!

8-Ingredient Salmon Burger Recipe!

Garry AlgaeCal
These delicious burgers are totally quick and easy to make and are a great addition to any bone-healthy diet too! Check out our blog for a printable version of this delicious recipe!
4.34 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 431 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans salmon 6oz
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 4 tbsp avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs

Optional

  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Flake the canned salmon and remove any bones if you’d prefer not to include them.
  • Mix the salmon with the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) in a medium-sized bowl.
  • Form your salmon mixture into 4-6 patties. You want your patties to be about one inch thick.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • When the oil is hot enough, fry your burgers until they’re crispy and golden brown. Then flip them over and repeat on the other side. It should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. 
  • Place your burgers on a paper towel to rest for a few minutes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with your choice of side!

Notes

Note: I used sockeye salmon for my burgers, but you can use Atlantic, chinook, or pink salmon too.
Plus, you can substitute the breadcrumbs for cornmeal or almond meal if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 27gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 571mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 570IUVitamin C: 12.1mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword burger, salmon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Salmon Burger Final Thoughts

I hope you find these salmon burgers as delicious as I do! Remember, salmon is packed full of bone-healthy nutrients and helps you reach your weekly quota of seafood too.

When it comes to sides, I like to serve my salmon burgers with homemade coleslaw. But they’re so versatile and work with so many delicious sides. It’s totally easy to customize the dish to certain tastes or preferences!

Please let me know how your salmon burgers turn out! And I’m always on the lookout for accompaniments with this dish so get creative and let me know what you come up with in the comments section below 🙂

Article Comments

4.34 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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  1. Wendy

    February 23, 2019 , 7:43 pm

    You forgot the eggs in the recipe?
    You need them to hold it all together.

  2. Jenna AlgaeCal

    February 27, 2019 , 2:56 pm

    You’re right, thanks for letting us know Wendy! We’ve included eggs in the post now. 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  3. Sandra

    February 23, 2019 , 8:14 pm

    This is nice, but I am always out to cut down on dairy, so I don’t use cheese. Also, I found that using egg and/or psyllium powder as a binder worked great as opposed to panko or other flours. I also like to add some chopped green onion, fresh dill and capers (if you like them). The lemon is a must and also the olive oil. A little Red Boat Fish Sauce also adds that great umami essence that is delicious.

  4. Carol Guesno

    February 23, 2019 , 8:29 pm

    Sounds really delicious and savory.
    I will definitely make these. Was curious though whether a raw egg might help it stay together?

  5. Sheila

    February 23, 2019 , 9:22 pm

    Thanks for reminding me of this yummy way to eat salmon

  6. Jenna AlgaeCal

    February 27, 2019 , 2:56 pm

    So yummy! Enjoy!

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  7. Pam Huggins

    February 24, 2019 , 12:08 am

    Delicious and healthy

  8. Pam Huggins

    February 24, 2019 , 12:09 am

    Delicious and healthy , my bone density is not the greatest at the moment .

  9. Rita

    February 24, 2019 , 6:26 am

    Extra Virginia Olive Oil @
    Avocado Sesame oil should not b used other tHan in salads. They are not suitable for frying. -high heat renders them CARCINOGENIC
    .AM surprised at you.
    Rita

  10. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 4, 2019 , 3:58 pm

    Hi Rita,

    When cooking oil is heated to the point where it smokes it may produce toxins as you said. Here are the smoke points of these oils…
    • Extra virgin olive oil: 242°C or 468°F
    • Avocado oil: 271°C or 520°F

    So both oils should be safe to use for frying up some tasty salmon burgers 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  11. Dorothy

    April 18, 2020 , 11:40 am

    I use peanut oil for frying.

  12. Blaire AlgaeCal

    April 20, 2020 , 10:39 am

    Thanks for sharing, Dorothy! ?

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  13. Jenifer

    February 24, 2019 , 9:53 am

    I would like to make these burgers, but am wondering what size can of salmon did you use in this recipe? Also, I wonder if I can use a piece of Ezekiel bread cut into small pieces in place of the panko crumbs or leave the bread out altogether?

  14. Jenna AlgaeCal

    February 28, 2019 , 10:58 am

    Hi Jenifer,

    We used 2, 6-ounce cans of salmon. You can definitely try Ezekiel bread pieces instead! You could also leave the bread out, but it does add a nice crispy texture.

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  15. Angela White

    February 24, 2019 , 10:44 am

    A Dill sauce would be good!

  16. Jenifer

    February 25, 2019 , 10:14 am

    5 stars
    What size is the can of Salmon for this recipe? Thanks

  17. Jenna AlgaeCal

    February 27, 2019 , 3:00 pm

    Hi Jenifer! We used 2, 6-ounce cans of salmon.

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  18. Iris

    March 4, 2019 , 10:58 pm

    I wish in your blogs when you have an option to print the receipt. I like to make notes about additions or deletions on paper. I cannot do this on my phone

  19. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 5, 2019 , 12:04 pm

    Hi Iris,

    You can print the recipe from a desktop computer! Just under the video you’ll see an icon that says, “Print this Recipe.” If you’re having trouble with this feel free to email [email protected] or call us at 1-800-820-0184! 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  20. Lucy

    March 4, 2019 , 11:16 pm

    When you say to mix the rest of the ingredients together, do you mean all except the oil? Don’t you save the oil exclusively for the frying process?

  21. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 5, 2019 , 1:37 pm

    Hi Lucy,

    Yes, save the oil for frying the burgers! We’ve updated the instructions to clarify this. 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  22. Jen

    March 5, 2019 , 4:04 am

    I have made something similar and very delicious. I add cut up boiled potatoes. I think my recipe calls for a little flour too. We put catchup on it and it’s delicious.

  23. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 5, 2019 , 1:39 pm

    Oooh that sounds good! Thanks for sharing, Jen.

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  24. Donna

    March 5, 2019 , 5:25 am

    I’m assuming that the 4 Tbls oil is for frying and not to be mixed in with the “rest of the ingredients” as the recipe directs. Lemons vary in size and amount of juice; approximately how much lemon juice do you use?

  25. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 5, 2019 , 1:43 pm

    Correct Donna! We’ve updated the instructions to reflect this. As for the lemon, approx. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice should do it.

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  26. Sharon

    March 5, 2019 , 9:32 am

    I’m not supposed to have fried food.
    Suppose I bake them, 350 degrees,
    I/2 hour?

  27. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 5, 2019 , 1:50 pm

    Hi Sharon,

    I would try preheating the oven to 350 degrees and baking for 20 minutes (flip the burgers halfway so they’re golden brown on both sides!) Then add time if needed — let us know how it goes ?

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  28. Becky

    March 5, 2019 , 4:45 pm

    I’m not a huge fish fan, but a friend of mine got me enjoying salmon sandwiches. I mix canned, drained pink salmon (including the bones) with a little low-fat mayo. By adding sliced dill pickles to the sandwich, the crunch of the pickles covers up the crunch of the bones. Try it! You won’t notice the bones and get the added calcium!

  29. Blaire AlgaeCal

    August 9, 2019 , 4:38 pm

    YUM, you’re making us hungry! Thank you for sharing, Becky!

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  30. Diane Pozdol

    March 16, 2019 , 1:27 pm

    Would eating crab one day a week count for one of the two seafood days? Is it as good for your bones?

  31. Blaire AlgaeCal

    August 9, 2019 , 4:35 pm

    Great questions, Diane! Yes, eating crab one day a week counts for one of the seafood days ?While crab is certainly nutritious, it’s good to switch it up now and then as different kinds of seafood shine in different ways. For instance, salmon is higher in omegas!

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  32. Trudee

    May 24, 2019 , 8:42 pm

    Can’t wait to try this recipe

  33. Blaire AlgaeCal

    August 9, 2019 , 4:19 pm

    We can’t wait for you to try it either, Trudee. 🙂 Let us know how you enjoy it!

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  34. Elaine

    April 15, 2020 , 7:17 pm

    I have never seen 6 Oz cans of salmon. The ones in my pantry are 14.75 oz.

  35. Jo

    April 16, 2020 , 6:31 am

    Elaine: re 16.75 oz salmon cans: double the other recipe ingredients and carefully freeze what you aren’t going to cook? I’m going to do that with my 16.75 oz of salmon!

  36. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 11:05 am

    Great tip, Jo!! Let us know what you think of the burgers ?

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  37. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 11:04 am

    Hi Elaine!

    Feel free to use the cans you have at home and adjust slightly by keeping some salmon aside or adding a bit more of the other ingredients. Our recipe uses 12oz of salmon, so your 14.75oz cans aren’t too far off! 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  38. Jeanne Mccarthy

    April 16, 2020 , 11:34 am

    You should update the recipe to indicate the size can of salmon. It is not noted in the actual recipe.

  39. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 1:48 pm

    Thanks for pointing this out, Jeanne!

    We’ve updated the recipe to include this 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  40. [email protected]

    April 16, 2020 , 5:15 am

    Can you use fresh salmon instead?

  41. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 10:59 am

    Definitely, Kelley!

    To use fresh salmon, chop it finely and mix it in with the rest of the ingredients. Let us know how it turns out! 😀

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  42. Linda

    April 16, 2020 , 5:48 am

    5 stars
    Can these be frozen?

  43. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 10:57 am

    Absolutely, Linda!

    To prevent sticking, put a square of parchment paper in between each patty. They should last for around 3 months in the freezer 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  44. [email protected]

    April 16, 2020 , 6:08 am

    Hi! I put the can of salmon in a bowl with an egg, a tsp of Dijon, some finely chopped (in my mini chopper), onion, a 1/2 cup of spinach, about 4-5 baby carrots, 1-2 tablespoons of sweet Thai sauce. I mix it all together, shape into burgers, and coat it in Panko. It goes great with a salad, or steamed veg!

  45. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 16, 2020 , 10:55 am

    Amazing!!!

    This sounds delicious and healthy… thanks for sharing ?

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  46. Rachel Weinstein

    April 16, 2020 , 1:50 pm

    That sounds simply delicious and healthy! Great creativity in the kitchen! Kudos!

  47. Joan Tate

    April 30, 2020 , 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for a delicious, easy and versatile recipe. I left out the cheese and bread crumbs but added minced onion, parsley and almond flour. Delicious!

  48. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 1, 2020 , 9:05 am

    Sounds like a delicious variation, Joan!!

    Thanks for your feedback and we’re so glad you enjoyed the salmon burgers. Feel free to try some of our other recipes as well! ?

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  49. Sharon

    May 4, 2020 , 6:32 am

    Is there a way to reduce the sodium? I can get low sodium tuna, but not salmon.

  50. Blaire AlgaeCal

    May 4, 2020 , 11:56 am

    Hi Sharon,

    Thanks for reaching out with your question! You can try swapping out the canned salmon for fresh salmon if you like ?

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  51. Sherri

    May 20, 2020 , 6:05 pm

    Salmon burger, is this suppose to be good for you. Sounds great but alot of cholesterol. Trying to get off meds & eat good. Not working.

  52. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 22, 2020 , 9:13 am

    Hi Sherri, glad you reached out!

    Did you know that dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol? Instead, focusing on the types of fat you eat is important. Try not to have too much saturated and trans fats and replace these with unsaturated fats. This recipe has plenty of unsaturated fats, including omega 3s from salmon! If you’d like, you can cut down on the parmesan cheese to make this a little more heart-healthy.

    Another nutrient that helps with cholesterol is soluble fiber, which is found in foods like oats, barley, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

    Hope this helps! 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  53. Carmen

    February 16, 2021 , 4:52 pm

    Do you use canned salmon in oil or spring water please?

  54. Megan AlgaeCal

    February 17, 2021 , 8:55 am

    Hi Carmen! The salmon we used was packed in its own juices.

    If you have a different type of salmon on hand, you can always drain the can before adding the salmon to the mixture.

    Hope this helps and hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  55. Christina Geary

    May 22, 2021 , 5:03 pm

    Look forward to preparing the recipe. Sounds so good.

  56. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 24, 2021 , 11:45 am

    Happy to hear this, Christina!

    Let us know what you think afterwards 😀

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  57. Dale Sherman

    May 22, 2021 , 7:28 pm

    Please do not discard the bones from salmon. The bones contain a significant portion of the calcium in canned salmon. Mash them and they will disappear and you won’t even notice them.

  58. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 24, 2021 , 11:46 am

    Great tip, Dale!

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  59. BRENDA FISHER

    May 23, 2021 , 6:51 am

    can you cook the salmon burgers in a hot air fryer?

  60. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 24, 2021 , 11:46 am

    Hi Brenda, this sounds like a great idea!

    We would recommend referring to the manual from your specific air fryer for cooking guidelines 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  61. Joan Woodward

    May 23, 2021 , 7:33 am

    In Australia we do not use ounces, all weight is grams
    Would it be possible to include gram weight measures in your recipes for Aussies & customers from other countries e.g. 6 oz can of Salmon = 170grams

  62. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 24, 2021 , 11:53 am

    Thank you for bringing this up, Joan!

    We’ll definitely keep this in mind for future recipes 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  63. Rita Haby

    May 24, 2021 , 8:38 am

    These were the most delicious salmon patties I’ve ever made. I used pink salmon and chives instead of parsley. Refrigerated the mixture a while for easier handling.

  64. Megan AlgaeCal

    May 24, 2021 , 11:55 am

    So happy to hear this, Rita!

    Thanks for sharing your tips as well 😀

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  65. Peggy

    May 25, 2021 , 3:41 pm

    Add drained black beans!!!

  66. Blaire AlgaeCal

    May 26, 2021 , 10:48 am

    Great idea, Peggy! ?

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  67. www wine-is

    May 10, 2022 , 6:40 pm

    This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!

  68. Anca

    September 10, 2024 , 7:57 am

    4 stars
    All the ingredients look good and healthy. Frying doesn’t. Should we assume the salmon burgers may be baked or grilled? I wish there were these options, too. Thanks

  69. Yoori AlgaeCal

    September 10, 2024 , 2:46 pm

    Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Anca! We understand your interest in healthier cooking options. Yes, you can absolutely bake or grill the salmon burgers as a delicious and healthier alternative! 🙂 We hope you’ll enjoy the recipe!

    – Yoori

This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Emma Gasinski
PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,