Unleash Flavor: The Ultimate Blackened Salmon Burgers with Zesty BLT Slaw Recipe
Prepare for a culinary revelation! These Blackened Salmon Burgers, perfectly paired with a vibrant BLT Slaw, are destined to be the highlight of your grilling season. Crafted from seasoned salmon fillets, gently pulsed and formed into patties, then grilled to smoky perfection. Serve them on toasted buns, generously topped with that extraordinary BLT Slaw for an unforgettable meal.
We’re thrilled to share our exciting contribution to #BurgerMonth this year! Diverging from traditional meat patties, we’ve innovated with these incredible Blackened Salmon Burgers. What truly elevates them is the phenomenal BLT Slaw – a fresh, chopped salad featuring crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes, all bound together with a luscious bacon mayonnaise dressing. This combination creates a burst of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
In previous years, our #BurgerMonth entries featured robust flavors like classic beef and savory Italian sausage. Our inaugural participation brought you delectable Italian Burgers, followed by the patriotic Red, White & Bleu Burger and the spirited Bloody Mary Burger. This year, we decided to explore a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative with seafood. Salmon burgers offer a fantastic way to enjoy the classic burger experience while incorporating healthy omega-3s and a unique taste profile, proving that “burger” can encompass a world of delicious possibilities beyond beef.
This epic burger creation is a proud part of the fantastic month-long #BurgerMonth event, passionately hosted by Girl Carnivore. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely our own and reflect our genuine love for great food!
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Blackened Salmon Burgers: A Delicious Departure from Tradition
While classic burgers are always a crowd-pleaser, there are moments when your palate craves something delightfully different. It’s about venturing off the beaten path, exploring a new trail that delivers the same satisfying experience as a burger, yet with a distinct and exciting twist. This is precisely where a blackened salmon burger shines. It offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional beef, presenting a lighter, incredibly flavorful, and health-conscious option that doesn’t compromise on that essential burger joy. It’s perfect for those seeking to diversify their grilling repertoire or simply enjoy the rich benefits of seafood in a familiar, comforting format. These salmon burgers redefine what a “burger” can be, making every bite a delightful surprise.
What is Blackened Seasoning and Why Does It Taste So Good?
Blackened seasoning is often confused with Cajun or Creole spice blends, and while they share many common ingredients, there are subtle yet significant differences. The core distinction lies in the proportions of these spices, resulting in blackened seasoning typically being less intensely spicy than its Cajun and Creole counterparts, which often feature a higher cayenne content. Essentially, it’s a savory, aromatic blend designed to create a bold crust when cooked at high temperatures, imparting a characteristic smoky flavor without necessarily being fiery.
Our signature Blackened Seasoning mix is a harmonious blend of paprika, cayenne pepper (just enough for a gentle kick), black pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and garlic powder. This combination provides a depth of flavor that is both robust and complex. The “blackened” effect isn’t just about the seasoning itself; it’s a cooking technique where food (like fish or meat) is coated in this dry spice rub and then seared in a screaming hot, often cast-iron, skillet until a dark, flavorful crust forms. This crust locks in moisture and creates an incredible textural contrast. Even before the high-heat cooking, the blend itself carries a natural savoriness and a hint of smokiness, making it ideal for everything from fish to chicken. If you happen to have Cajun or Creole seasoning on hand, feel free to use it as a substitute – you’ll likely enjoy the spicier profile it offers, indicating you’re already a fan of bold, zesty flavors!
Mastering the Grill: How to Cook Blackened Salmon Burgers
Grilling salmon burgers requires a bit more finesse than beef, primarily because salmon cooks much faster and can be more delicate. The key to success lies in temperature control and proper handling. We recommend keeping your grill temperature around 350°F, or even slightly lower, throughout the cooking process. Salmon fillets cook incredibly quickly, needing only a few minutes per side to reach perfection. The blackened seasoning will develop a beautiful, flavorful crust, contributing a delightful char flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
For optimal results and to prevent your patties from falling apart, we highly recommend cooking them on a grill mat rather than directly on the grates. This provides a stable, non-stick surface, ensuring your burgers stay intact and cook evenly. These salmon burgers typically cook in about 10 minutes total. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 160°F. Once cooked, salmon will flake easily with a fork, indicating a moist and tender result. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry, less flavorful burgers. If you don’t have a grill, these burgers can also be pan-fried in a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, or even baked at 375°F until cooked through, offering versatility for any kitchen.
The Cheese Debate: Can You Melt Cheese on a Salmon Burger?
The notion that fish and cheese don’t mix is a common generalization, often debunked by popular dishes like McDonald’s millions of Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. So, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t enhance your blackened salmon burger with a slice of melted cheese! In fact, a carefully chosen cheese can add another layer of flavor and richness, transforming a great burger into an extraordinary one. The key is to select a cheese that complements, rather than overpowers, the delicate flavors of the salmon and the bold notes of the blackened seasoning.
If we had to pick an ideal cheese, provolone comes highly recommended. Its mild, slightly tangy, and somewhat “funky” flavor profile works surprisingly well with salmon, without being too assertive. Provolone also boasts excellent melting properties, creating a smooth, gooey layer that adheres beautifully to the patty. Beyond provolone, consider other options like smoked gouda for an extra smoky dimension, a mild white cheddar for a sharp contrast, or even a creamy dill havarti to enhance the fish’s natural flavors. The goal is to find a cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture and complementary flavor, proving that salmon cheeseburgers are not just a possibility, but a delicious reality!
How to Make Blackened Salmon Burgers & Their Perfect Companion: BLT Slaw
Despite their gourmet appeal, these blackened salmon burgers are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The process involves creating a flavorful blackened seasoning, blending it with salmon fillets and breadcrumbs in a food processor to form patties, and grilling them to perfection. The crowning glory, the BLT Slaw, is a quick and easy accompaniment that can be made ahead of time, ensuring a smooth cooking experience. We recommend starting with the slaw, allowing its flavors to meld while you focus on the burgers. This strategic approach ensures both components are fresh and ready for assembly, contributing to an effortless and delicious meal.
Crafting the Irresistible BLT Slaw: Your Burger’s Best Friend
The BLT Slaw is an absolute game-changer for these salmon burgers, adding a layer of crisp texture and savory-sweet tang. Start by preparing your Bacon Mayonnaise, affectionately known as Baconnaise. In your food processor, combine creamy mayonnaise with crumbled crispy bacon and a touch of rendered bacon grease. This creates a rich, smoky, and utterly delicious dressing that forms the heart of your slaw. Ensure the bacon is finely crumbled for even distribution throughout the dressing. For best results, chill the baconnaise for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the dressing to firm up slightly. Once chilled, simply fold this glorious dressing into a mix of freshly chopped crisp lettuce and diced ripe tomatoes. The lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness, balancing the richness of the bacon mayo. Keep the finished slaw refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, ensuring it’s cool and crisp when it hits your burger.
With the bacon mayo dressing combined with crisp chopped lettuce and juicy tomato, your BLT Slaw is perfectly set to elevate your burger experience! This simple yet powerful combination delivers all the classic flavors of a BLT in a fresh, vibrant slaw format.
Next up — the star of the show: Blackened Salmon Burgers!
Assembling Your Salmon Patties: Tips for Perfect Texture
Creating the perfect salmon patty is surprisingly simple, especially with the right tools. We love our little Kitchenaid 3.5 cup mini food chopper for this task, as it allows for precise control over the texture. Start by cutting your boneless, skinless salmon fillets into large, manageable chunks. This ensures that when processed, you’ll achieve a mix of finely ground salmon and delightful, tender chunks, providing a more satisfying bite. Add the salmon chunks, bread crumbs (which act as a crucial binder), and your custom blackened seasoning to the food processor. Pulse the mixture just until it’s combined, being careful not to over-process. The goal is a cohesive mixture that still retains some visible pieces of salmon, not a smooth paste. Over-processing can lead to a mushy texture, so short pulses are your friend here. Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to form it into uniform patties.
Here they are, four perfectly sized patties, awaiting their moment on the grill. For best results, consider chilling the formed patties for at least 15-20 minutes before grilling. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking. While your burgers are nearing completion on the grill, don’t forget the buns! A crucial step for any great burger is a perfectly toasted bun. Lightly slather the insides of your hamburger buns with butter, then place them face-down on the grill for a minute or two, or toast them in a skillet. This creates a golden, slightly crispy surface that holds up beautifully to the patty and slaw, adding another layer of texture and flavor.
Now for the grand finale – assembly! Place your expertly grilled salmon patty on the toasted bottom bun. Then, pile on a generous mound of the irresistible BLT Slaw. The cool, crisp slaw with its baconnaise dressing creates a delightful contrast to the warm, smoky salmon. Top with the other half of the bun, and get ready to dive into one of the most flavorful and satisfying burgers you’ll ever experience!
Love these Burgers? Pin Them!
Don’t let these EPIC salmon burgers fade into memory! Make sure to save this incredible recipe to your favorite Pinterest board before you navigate away. It’s the perfect way to remember where to find your next favorite meal and share it with friends!
Perfect Pairings: What Sides Go Well with Salmon Burgers?
Since the amazing BLT Slaw already crowns your blackened salmon burger, serving as a fresh, crisp lettuce and tomato component, you’ll likely want some fantastic side dishes to complete your meal. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in beautiful weather or cooking in your kitchen, salmon burgers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of classic sides. Salmon, being a rich and flavorful fish, with its healthy omega-3 fats, stands up well to both hearty and light accompaniments, much like traditional beef burgers.
Here are some of our top suggestions for sides that will perfectly complement your blackened salmon burgers, enhancing the overall dining experience:
- Double Fried French Fries: The ultimate classic pairing. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide a satisfying crunch that everyone loves.
- Pineapple Pretzel Fluff: For a surprising sweet and salty contrast, this unique fluff offers a delightful textural and flavor counterpoint.
- Picnic Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, and robust, a good potato salad is always a hit at any cookout or casual meal.
- Pea Salad with Cauliflower: A lighter, refreshing option that adds a touch of freshness and subtle sweetness without being too heavy.
- Raw Veggie Salad: A crisp, vibrant salad packed with fresh vegetables is always a great way to add freshness and fiber.
- Marinated Vegetables: Grilled or roasted marinated vegetables offer a tender, flavorful, and slightly smoky side that pairs beautifully with grilled salmon.
- Cucumber Ranch Salad: (pictured above) Cool, creamy, and herbaceous, this salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich salmon.
- Mom’s Macaroni Salad: A comforting and classic pasta salad that’s always a crowd-pleaser and a hearty accompaniment.
Each of these sides offers a different texture and flavor profile, ensuring you can customize your meal to your preference and the occasion. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious pairings!
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Print Recipe
Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw
Equipment
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KitchenAid Renewed 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Blackened Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
For the Salmon Burgers
- 1 pound salmon filet boneless and skinless
- Blackened Seasoning Mix from above
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
For the BLT Slaw
- 1 small tomato chopped
- 2 cups lettuce chopped
- 6 pieces of bacon fried crispy and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon bacon grease
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
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Prepare the BLT Slaw: In your food processor, combine the mayonnaise with the crispy bacon and a little bacon grease to make your Baconnaise dressing. Add this dressing to the chopped lettuce and tomato, mixing well. Refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all of the specified spices together (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, basil, and oregano).
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To Prepare the Salmon Burgers: Break the boneless, skinless salmon fillet into large chunks. Place the salmon chunks, bread crumbs, and the prepared blackened seasoning into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is combined and the salmon is in pieces of about 1/4 inch. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture. Stop to scrape the sides of the processor as needed to ensure even mixing. Form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties. For best results, chill the patties for 15-20 minutes before grilling to help them firm up.
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To Grill the Salmon Burgers: Preheat your grill to approximately 350°F. Carefully place the salmon patties on a grill mat positioned on the grill grates. Grill for about 5 minutes on the first side, then gently flip them. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
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Toast the Buns: While the burgers are finishing, butter the insides of the hamburger buns. Place them butter-side down on the grill (or in a skillet) for a minute or two until lightly golden and toasted.
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To Assemble the Salmon Burgers: Place a grilled salmon patty on the toasted bottom bun. Pile a generous portion of the chilled BLT Slaw on top of the patty. Crown with the other half of the bun. Feel free to add any other desired toppings; avocado slices are a particularly delicious addition! Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Burger Month Disclaimer
Thank you to #BurgerMonth Sponsors: Cabot, Anvil & Hammer, New York Beef Council, Red Duck Foods, and Spoonabilities for providing amazing prizes for this epic event.
All opinions are my own. The #BurgerMonth giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All winning entries are verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness.
The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. One winner for each weekly giveaway will be selected. The prize packages are sent directly from the sponsors.
Winners have 48 hours to respond or they forfeit the prize and another winner(s) will be chosen.
The #BurgerMonth Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #BurgerMonth posts or entry.
Burger Month 2020 Bloggers
?Girl Carnivore ?A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures ?A Day in the Life on the Farm ? A Merry Recipe ?An Affair from the Heart ?Art of Natural Living ? Caroline’s Cooking ?Chef Justin Grimm ?Chiles and Smoke ?City Living Boston ?Comfortably Domestic ?Culinary Adventures with Camilla ?Dixie Chick Cooks ?Everyday Eileen ?Everyday Southwest ?For the Love of Food ?Good Cook Doris ?Grillax: Fire. Food. Fun. ?Grilling Montana ?Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks ?Jolene’s Recipe Journal ?Karen’s Kitchen Stories ?Kate’s Recipe Box ?Kudos Kitchen by Renee ?Life Currents ?Life of a Ginger ?Making Miracles ?Man Meat BBQ ?Miss in the KItchen ?Off the Eaten Path ?Our Good Life ?Palatable Pastime ?Pastry Chef Online ?Real Life With Dad ?Renee Nicole’s Kitchen – Everyday Gourmet ?Sarah’s Cucina Bella ?Savoring Midlife ?Seduction in the Kitchen ?Simple and Savory ?Spoonabilities ?Sumptuous Spoonfuls ?Swirls of Flavor ?The Redhead Baker ?The Spiffy Cookie ?This is How I Cook ?Thyme for Cocktails ?What’s Cooking Italian Style Cuisine ?Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen ?Wile E. BBQ ?Wok & Skillet ?