These salmon burgers with lemon basil mayo are a delightful twist on the classic burger. Perfect for a summer grill-out, they offer a fresh and zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich taste of salmon. The lemon basil mayo adds a creamy, tangy finish that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few key ingredients. Fresh salmon fillet is essential for the best flavor and texture. Fresh basil leaves are also crucial for that aromatic touch. Make sure to pick up breadcrumbs and mayonnaise if you don't already have them at home.

Ingredients for Salmon Burgers with Lemon Basil Mayo
Salmon fillet: Finely chopped to form the base of the burger patties.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and adds texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the patties and the sauce.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor to both the patties and the mayo.
Basil: Fresh and aromatic, it enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the patties and the mayo.
Technique Tip for Making Salmon Burgers
When forming the salmon patties, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and allow you to shape the patties more easily. Additionally, chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before grilling can help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
salmon fillet - Substitute with tuna fillet: Tuna has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative for salmon in burgers.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding and texture to the burgers as breadcrumbs.
beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binder similar to eggs.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise but with fewer calories.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor that can replace lemon juice.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can provide a different but equally fresh and aromatic flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the burgers.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado can provide a creamy texture and healthy fats similar to mayonnaise.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, similar to lemon juice.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, making it a good alternative to basil.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a similar salty flavor but with a slightly different mineral content.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick, though it is hotter than black pepper.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the salmon patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each salmon patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their shape and prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the lemon basil mayo in a separate airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Refrigerate the salmon patties for up to 3 days. The lemon basil mayo can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the salmon patties. Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the salmon patties to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the salmon patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Stir the lemon basil mayo well before serving, as it may separate slightly during storage.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the salmon burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the burgers loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the burgers are warmed through.
- Serve with a fresh dollop of lemon basil mayo.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
- Place the salmon burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Serve immediately with lemon basil mayo.
Microwave Method:
- Place the salmon burgers on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Ensure the burgers are heated evenly and serve with lemon basil mayo.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the salmon burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with a generous dollop of lemon basil mayo.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Wrap the salmon burgers in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Unwrap and serve with lemon basil mayo.
Essential Tools for Making Salmon Burgers
Grill: Used to cook the salmon patties to perfection, giving them a nice char and smoky flavor.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper into a uniform mixture.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the salmon patties on the grill without breaking them apart.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs and mayonnaise.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, salt, and pepper precisely.
Knife: Required for finely chopping the salmon fillet and fresh basil.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the salmon and basil.
Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the ingredients for the lemon basil mayo.
Whisk: Useful for beating the egg and mixing the lemon basil mayo to a smooth consistency.
Basting brush: Can be used to apply a light coat of oil on the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Tongs: Helpful for placing the patties on the grill and removing them once cooked.
Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the cooked salmon patties before serving.
Buns: The base for serving the salmon burgers, providing a soft and delicious contrast to the patties.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-chop the salmon: Finely chop the salmon fillet in advance and store it in the fridge to save time when assembling the patties.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the salmon mixture ingredients in a food processor for a consistent texture and faster prep.
Make the mayo ahead: Prepare the lemon basil mayo the night before and store it in the fridge to streamline your cooking process.
Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking to reduce waiting time.
Form patties in advance: Shape the salmon patties ahead of time and keep them chilled until ready to grill.

Salmon Burgers with Lemon Basil Mayo
Ingredients
Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb salmon fillet skin removed, finely chopped
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Lemon Basil Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- 4. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- 5. While the patties are grilling, prepare the lemon basil mayo by mixing all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- 6. Serve the salmon burgers on buns with a generous dollop of lemon basil mayo.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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