Fresh Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers with Creamy Lemon Sauce
These fresh lemon dill salmon burgers are light, juicy, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Made with flaky salmon, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon zest, these easy homemade salmon burgers are pan-seared until golden and served on toasted buns with a creamy lemon dill sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, healthy lunch, or summer cookout, this simple salmon burger recipe is ready in about 25 minutes and tastes restaurant-quality.
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 400kcal
Cost $14 for entire recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife (for chopping salmon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)
- large skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Small bowl (for lemon dill sauce)
Ingredients
Salmon Burgers
- 1 lb fresh salmon skin removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Lemon Dill Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 burger buns toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Optional: avocado or cucumber
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Finely chop the salmon with a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor until it resembles coarse ground meat.
Mix the Burger Mixture
- In a bowl combine: chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, dill, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined.
Form Patties
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about ¾ inch thick.
Cook the Salmon Burgers
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Lemon Dill Sauce
- In a small bowl whisk together: mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Assemble the Burgers
- Spread lemon dill sauce on toasted buns.
- Add salmon patty and top with: lettuce, tomato, onion, and optional avocado.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
• Use fresh salmon for the best salmon burgers. Fresh salmon creates a flaky, juicy texture that holds together well when cooked. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before chopping.
• Don’t overprocess the salmon. For the best texture in homemade salmon burgers, chop the salmon by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor so small chunks remain.
• Chill the patties if needed. If the salmon burger mixture feels soft, refrigerate the patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
• Cook until just done. Salmon burgers cook quickly and should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking can make the burgers dry.
• Fresh dill makes a big difference. Fresh dill provides the classic bright flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon and salmon, making these lemon dill salmon burgers taste fresh and vibrant.
• Great for meal prep. Cooked salmon burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer.
• Low-carb option. Skip the bun and serve the lemon dill salmon burger over a salad, lettuce wrap, or with roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
• Flavor variations. Add capers, green onions, or a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the salmon mixture for extra flavor while keeping the classic lemon dill salmon burger profile.