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Blackened Salmon Burgers with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

These Blackened Salmon Burgers with Herbed Cream Cheese are a flavorful and slightly spicy alternative to traditional burgers. Made with wild-caught salmon, seasoned with a homemade blackening spice blend, and topped with a fresh, herb-infused cream cheese spread, these burgers are juicy, tender, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Optional toppings like sliced avocado, grilled jalapenos, and grilled pineapple add extra freshness and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Blackened Salmon Burgers

  • 1 pound wild caught salmon, skin removed
  • 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs (use gluten free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for cooking
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 smaller bagels or brioche burger buns, toasted
  • Sliced avocado (optional)
  • Grilled jalapenos (optional)
  • Grilled pineapple slices (optional)
  • Microgreens, watercress, and pickled red onion for topping (optional)

Herbed Cream Cheese

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Add the salmon to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped and the texture resembles ground chicken. Alternatively, finely chop the salmon with a sharp knife.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Transfer the chopped salmon to a mixing bowl and add Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a spoon, gently mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into 4 equally sized burgers (or 2 larger ones if preferred).
  3. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning generously over both sides of each salmon burger.
  4. Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the seasoned burgers in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Handle the burgers gently when flipping, as they are delicate.
  5. Make the Herbed Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Fold in the chopped basil, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before serving.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread the bottom halves of the toasted buns with the herbed cream cheese. Place a cooked salmon burger on top of each. Add desired toppings such as sliced avocado, grilled jalapenos, grilled pineapple, microgreens, watercress, or pickled red onion. Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust the level of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
  • The herbed cream cheese can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor and texture.
  • Handle the burgers carefully to avoid breaking them during flipping and cooking.
  • Optional toppings like grilled pineapple add a nice sweet contrast to the spicy burgers.