Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted salmon burger that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a luxurious lemon caper wine sauce that will transport you straight to a gourmet restaurant. This isn't just another burger recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble salmon into a show-stopping meal that will impress even the most discerning food lovers. Whether you're looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or wow guests at your next gathering, these Salmon Burgers with Lemon Caper Wine Sauce are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the salmon patties. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the salmon fillets into small, uniform pieces or pulse briefly in a food processor, being careful not to over-process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, approximately 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare the lemon caper wine sauce. In a separate small saucepan, add white wine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the wine by half, then add capers and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the salmon burgers from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to serving plates.
- Spoon the lemon caper wine sauce over the salmon burgers just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
- Serve immediately with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your preferred accompaniment.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon and ask your fishmonger to remove the skin for best results.
- When chopping salmon, use a sharp knife and aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Refrigerating the patties for 10 minutes helps them hold together during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook patties in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy exterior.
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely minced shallots or a touch of garlic to the patty mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the wine with fish stock or chicken broth.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the burger's crisp texture and sauce's vibrant flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or chives as alternative garnishes.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 77mg
