Salmon Burger with Sriracha Imitation Crab Salad, Tomato, and Cilantro Lime Aioli

Instructions

1. Make the Salmon Burgers

• Prepare the salmon: If you’re using fresh salmon, remove the skin and finely chop the flesh into small pieces. If you’re using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any bones. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can also pulse the salmon a few times in a food processor.
• Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, red onion, fresh parsley, egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until fully combined.
• Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a patty. Try to keep them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.

2. Cook the Salmon Patties

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon patties in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set aside to rest.

3. Prepare the Sriracha Imitation Crab Salad

• In a mixing bowl, combine the imitation crab, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Sriracha sauce, and lemon juice. Add the finely chopped cucumber (if using) for extra crunch.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount of Sriracha to make the salad as spicy as you like. Stir everything together until well mixed. Set aside in the fridge to keep chilled.

4. Make the Cilantro Lime Aioli

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and minced garlic. Add olive oil to make the aioli creamier if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Assemble the Salmon Burgers

• Toast the buns: If you prefer a toasted bun, place the burger buns cut-side down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
• Spread a generous amount of cilantro lime aioli on the bottom half of each bun.
• Place a salmon patty on top of the aioli, followed by a spoonful of Sriracha imitation crab salad. Top with a slice of tomato and some lettuce or arugula for added crunch and freshness.
• Place the top half of the bun on top, and your Salmon Burger is ready to serve!

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve these flavorful Salmon Burgers with your favorite side, such as crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve with extra cilantro lime aioli or Sriracha sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Salmon Burgers

1. Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will give your burgers the best flavor and texture. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a more budget-friendly option, high-quality canned salmon works just as well.
2. Keep the Patties Moist: The addition of Greek yogurt in the Sriracha crab salad and egg in the salmon patty mixture helps to keep the burgers moist and tender. Don’t skip these steps!
3. Adjust the Spice: The Sriracha imitation crab salad and cilantro lime aioli provide both heat and freshness, but you can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less Sriracha to the crab salad. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the Sriracha or replace it with a mild chili sauce.
4. Add Veggies: For extra texture and nutrition, feel free to add additional veggies to the burger. Sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or even shredded cabbage make great additions.
5. Make it Gluten-Free: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or serving the salmon patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
6. Grill the Patties: If you prefer, you can also grill the salmon patties over medium heat for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t fall apart.

Why This Salmon Burger Is a Winner

This Salmon Burger with Sriracha Imitation Crab Salad, Tomato, and Cilantro Lime Aioli is a perfect fusion of fresh, bold flavors. The juicy salmon patty serves as a savory base, while the spicy Sriracha imitation crab salad and zesty cilantro lime aioli bring a burst of flavor with each bite. The tomato and lettuce add crunch and freshness, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.

It’s a great alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying option that’s perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or a casual get-together with friends. With a deliciously tangy aioli, spicy crab salad, and a hearty salmon patty, this burger is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Burger with Sriracha Imitation Crab Salad, Tomato, and Cilantro Lime Aioli is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic. With layers of savory, spicy, and tangy ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for anyone looking for something unique and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or making it for yourself, this burger is bound to impress. Try it out and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!