Discover the ultimate grilling experience with these Blackened Salmon Burgers, perfectly complemented by a vibrant, creamy BLT Slaw. This recipe promises to be a highlight of your summer cookouts, offering a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic burger. Each succulent salmon patty, infused with bold blackened seasoning, is grilled to perfection and nestled on a toasted bun, then topped with a generous scoop of our irresistible bacon, lettuce, and tomato coleslaw. Prepare to delight your taste buds with a symphony of textures and flavors that will redefine your burger expectations.
A Fresh Take on Burger Month: Introducing Salmon Perfection
Every year, #BurgerMonth challenges culinary enthusiasts to push the boundaries of what a burger can be. This year, I embraced the challenge by stepping away from traditional meats and crafting something truly unique: these Blackened Salmon Burgers. What elevates them from great to absolutely exceptional is the addition of a spectacular BLT Slaw – a simple, yet incredibly flavorful “chop salad” featuring a luscious bacon mayonnaise dressing. This innovative combination delivers a burst of freshness and a smoky, savory depth that you won’t soon forget.
In previous years, I’ve explored a variety of meaty creations. My first #BurgerMonth contribution was a robust Italian Burger, packed with classic Italian flavors. Last year, I doubled down with two distinct offerings: a patriotic Red, White & Bleu Burger and a bold Bloody Mary Burger. This year, the focus shifts to a lighter, yet equally satisfying option that proves a burger doesn’t always need beef to be sensational.
This epic burger creation is a proud part of the fantastic month-long #BurgerMonth event, hosted by Girl Carnivore. While I cherish being a part of this celebration, all opinions and culinary explorations are, as always, entirely my own!
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Blackened Salmon Burgers: A Culinary Adventure
While classic burgers are undeniably delicious, there are times when your palate craves something different, something that ventures off the beaten path. For those moments, a blackened salmon burger emerges as the perfect choice. It offers the satisfying experience of a burger with a sophisticated, fresh twist. Far from a typical ground beef patty, these salmon burgers provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or the comforting familiarity of a handheld meal. They are an excellent option for seafood lovers or anyone looking to infuse their grilling repertoire with exciting new tastes. The flaky texture of salmon combined with the bold seasoning creates a truly memorable dish that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for expert burger tips and tricks, remember that applies to all types of patties, including these fantastic salmon creations.
What Exactly is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened seasoning is often grouped with Cajun and Creole spices, and for good reason—they share many common ingredients. However, there’s a subtle yet distinct difference in their proportions and overall heat level. While Cajun and Creole blends can pack a fiery punch, blackened seasoning tends to be slightly less spicy, allowing the other savory notes to shine through more prominently. It’s designed to create a beautiful, dark crust on food when cooked at high temperatures, hence the “blackened” name, but its rich flavor profile is enjoyable in any preparation.
Should your pantry only hold Cajun or Creole spice mixes, don’t hesitate to use them! If these are staples in your kitchen, you likely appreciate a bit more heat anyway, and they will certainly add a wonderful zest to your salmon burgers. The goal is to achieve a robust, well-spiced flavor, and these alternative blends will get you there.
My preferred **Blackened Seasoning** blend is a harmonious mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and garlic powder. While the “blackened” effect truly comes alive during the cooking process, when the spices char and create a dark, flavorful crust, this blend imparts a natural savory depth and a subtle smokiness even before it hits the heat. It’s a versatile seasoning that can elevate not just salmon, but a variety of proteins and vegetables, making it a valuable addition to your spice rack.
Mastering the Grill: How to Cook Blackened Salmon Burgers
Grilling salmon burgers requires a slightly different approach than beef or pork patties due to salmon’s delicate texture and quicker cooking time. The key is to manage your grill temperature carefully to ensure a beautifully cooked burger that doesn’t fall apart or dry out. Maintain your grill at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or even a touch lower, throughout the cooking process. Salmon cooks incredibly fast, needing only a few minutes per side to reach perfection.
The blackened seasoning performs wonderfully on the grill, adding a fantastic char flavor that complements the richness of the salmon. Unlike heavier meats, salmon patties are more fragile, which is why I always recommend cooking them on a grill mat. This essential tool prevents the patties from sticking to the grates and breaking apart, ensuring they stay intact and presentable. In my experience, these burgers are typically done in about 10 minutes. For food safety and optimal texture, aim for an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can accurately check with a reliable meat thermometer like the Thermapen Mk4. Cooking them correctly ensures a moist, flaky interior with a deliciously spiced crust.
Essential Tips for Grilling Perfect Salmon Burgers:
- **Preheat Properly:** Ensure your grill reaches a stable 350°F before placing the patties.
- **Use a Grill Mat:** This is non-negotiable for delicate salmon patties. It prevents sticking and maintains their shape.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Give each patty space for even cooking and easier flipping.
- **Flip Gently:** Use a wide spatula and turn the burgers carefully to avoid breakage.
- **Monitor Internal Temperature:** A meat thermometer is your best friend here, ensuring doneness without overcooking.
- **Toast Your Buns:** While the burgers cook, lightly butter and toast your buns on the grill for added flavor and texture.
The Age-Old Question: Can You Melt Cheese on a Salmon Burger?
It’s a common generalization that fish and cheese don’t always make the best culinary partners. However, if you consider the immense popularity of McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich, which undoubtedly pairs fried fish with a slice of processed cheese, it’s clear that this rule is often meant to be broken. So, why should a delicious blackened salmon burger be any different? There’s absolutely no reason you can’t enjoy a savory salmon cheeseburger!
When selecting the ideal cheese to melt over your salmon patty, I highly recommend provolone. It boasts a mild, slightly nutty, and almost milky flavor profile that complements the richness of salmon without overpowering it. Provolone melts beautifully, creating a satisfying, gooey layer, and is readily available pre-sliced, making assembly a breeze. Its subtle “fishy funkiness,” as some might describe it, is just enough to enhance the seafood without becoming dominant, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious combination.
Crafting Perfection: How to Make Blackened Salmon Burgers & BLT Slaw
You might imagine that a gourmet salmon burger would be complex and time-consuming to prepare. On the contrary, this recipe for blackened salmon burgers is surprisingly straightforward! The magic begins once you’ve mixed up your bold blackened seasoning. This spice blend is then combined with fresh salmon fillets and a touch of breadcrumbs in a food processor, creating the perfect consistency for patties. The BLT Slaw is equally simple and absolutely amazing – I like to prepare it first and chill it in the fridge while I focus on the burgers, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preparing the Irresistible BLT Slaw
Start by creating your luscious **Bacon Mayonnaise**, affectionately known as Baconnaise. In your food processor, combine creamy mayonnaise with crispy, crumbled bacon and a touch of savory bacon grease. This creates a wonderfully smoky and rich dressing that forms the heart of our slaw.
Once your baconnaise is ready, simply combine this delicious dressing with freshly chopped lettuce and diced tomato. Stir gently until everything is well coated, then refrigerate. This allows the flavors to truly meld and gives you a crisp, refreshing topping that perfectly complements the rich salmon patties.
Assembling the Blackened Salmon Burgers
I adore my compact Kitchenaid 3.5 cup mini food chopper for this task! Begin by cutting your salmon fillets into large, manageable chunks. Add these salmon pieces, along with the breadcrumbs and your custom blackened seasoning, into the food processor. Pulse the mixture until it’s well combined but not entirely smooth. You want to retain some distinct chunks of salmon to give the burgers a wonderful texture and a satisfying bite. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Here you can see the perfectly mixed salmon before being divided and formed into four equally sized patties. These patties are now ready for the grill, promising a fantastic culinary experience.
The Grand Finale: Toasting Buns & Assembling Your Masterpiece
As your blackened salmon burgers near completion on the grill, take a moment to prepare your buns. Generously slather the insides of the hamburger buns with butter, then place them face down on the grill or in a hot skillet. Toast them until they are golden brown and lightly crispy. This simple step adds another layer of flavor and texture, ensuring your burger holds up well to all the delicious toppings.
Now for the best part: assembly! Place a perfectly grilled salmon patty on the toasted bottom bun. Pile on a big, luscious mound of your chilled BLT Slaw – don’t be shy! Finally, cap it all off with the other half of the toasted bun. Get ready to sink your teeth into one of the most flavorful and satisfying burgers you’ll make all year. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a slice of fresh avocado; its creamy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the smoky salmon and crunchy slaw.
Share the Love: Pin This Recipe for Later!
Loved what you saw? Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! If you want to remember where you found these EPIC blackened salmon burgers with BLT slaw, be sure to pin them to your favorite Pinterest board before you go. It’s the perfect way to save this recipe for your next grilling adventure or whenever you’re craving a truly spectacular burger!
More Delicious Sides to Complement Your Salmon Burgers
With the savory BLT slaw already incorporated directly onto your blackened salmon burgers, you might be wondering what other sides would perfectly complete your meal. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic accompaniments. Salmon is a rich and flavorful fish, packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it incredibly versatile. It harmonizes beautifully with many of the same sides you’d enjoy with traditional beef burgers or sausages. Here are some fantastic suggestions to round out your salmon burger feast:
- Crispy Double Fried French Fries
- Sweet & Salty Pineapple Pretzel Fluff
- Hearty Picnic Potato Salad
- Refreshing Pea Salad with Cauliflower
- Crunchy Raw Veggie Salad (Peg’s Italian Style)
- Flavorful Marinated Vegetables
- Cool Cucumber Ranch Salad (as pictured above)
- Classic Mom’s Macaroni Salad
The Full Recipe: Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw
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Print Recipe
Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw
These Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw just may be the best thing to come off your grill this year! Blackened seasoning added to salmon filets and pulsed in a food processor before making into patties. Grill to perfection then place them on toasted buns and top them with a heap of BLT Slaw.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Blackened, BLT, Burgers, coleslaw with lettuce, Grilling Salmon, How to make blackened seasoning, how to make salmon burgers, Salmon, Slaw
Servings: 4 burgers
Calories: 688 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- KitchenAid Renewed 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
- 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
- Prepare the BLT Slaw: Mix the crumbled bacon, bacon grease, and mayonnaise together in your food processor until well combined. Add this mixture to the chopped lettuce and tomato. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: Combine all the specified spices (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, basil, and oregano) in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Prepare the Salmon Burgers: Break the salmon fillet into large chunks. Place these salmon chunks, along with the bread crumbs and the prepared blackened seasoning, into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it forms pieces that are roughly 1/4 inch in size. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture, not a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure even mixing. Form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties.
- Grill the Salmon Burgers: Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the salmon patties on a grill mat directly on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes after flipping, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers are grilling, butter the insides of the hamburger buns. Place them butter-side down on the grill or in a skillet and toast until golden brown and lightly crisp.
- Assemble the Salmon Burgers: Place a salmon patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Generously top it with a mound of the prepared BLT Slaw. Place the top bun to complete your burger. Feel free to add any other desired toppings, such as avocado, which pairs wonderfully with the flavors.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 688 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 33g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1192mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
#BurgerMonth Celebration & Giveaway Disclaimer
A heartfelt thank you to the generous #BurgerMonth Sponsors: Cabot, Anvil & Hammer, New York Beef Council, Red Duck Foods, and Spoonabilities, for providing fantastic prizes for this epic event. Your support makes this culinary celebration possible!
Please note that all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. The #BurgerMonth giveaway is open to legal residents of the U.S., age 18 and up. All winning entries are subject to verification. By entering the giveaway, participants grant the right to use their name and likeness. The odds of winning are determined by the total number of entries received. One winner will be selected for each weekly giveaway. Prize packages are shipped directly from the respective sponsors. Winners will be notified and have 48 hours to respond; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #BurgerMonth Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of prize packages. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media channel mentioned in #BurgerMonth posts or entries.
Meet the #BurgerMonth 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 ?
