Pesto Salmon Burgers

My daughter has been after me since last summer to make these salmon burgers, and for the life of me I don’t know why I waited so long.  If you love salmon like I love salmon, you will definitely love a salmon burger.  This one is terribly decadent with the addition of basil pesto and mozzarella cheese.  Oh, man.

Salmon patties are available in the freezer section of most markets, I think, but I made my own using Mark Bittman’s recipe.  They are just killer.  I also made my own pesto sauce, but you could also purchase that and these would then be a very quick weeknight family meal.

But let me just nudge you ever so gently to make these salmon patties.  They honestly just melt in your mouth, and with the creamy pesto and oozy mozzarella cheese, well, this becomes a rather decadently delicious burger.  You know you want one.  Here's the recipe...

Pesto Salmon Burger

For a printable recipe, click here

Serves 4

4 hamburger Buns

Mayonnaise

Salmon Patties (purchased, or see recipe below)

Sliced Fresh Mozzarella cheese

Basil pesto (store-bought or see recipe below)

Lightly toast the hamburger bun, add a dab of mayo and slather with pesto. Add the salmon patty and top with some mozarella cheese.  Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.  Place the other half of the bun on top and enjoy!!

Salmon Patties

Adapted from Mark Bitten

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless salmon

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 small shallots, peeled and cut into chunks

1/2 cup coarse bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

1. Cut the salmon into large pieces, and combine 1/4 of the pieces with the mustard in a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes pasty, scraping down the sides as necessary. Add the shallots near the end so they are also finely chopped.

2. Add the remaining salmon pieces along with half the parsley, and pulse until the larger pieces are somewhat combined with the mixture, making sure not to over-process. 1/4-inch pieces of salmon should remain; you don't want a complete salmon puree.

3. Turn out the mixture into a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs by hand. Season with a healthy pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper, and shape into four patties.

4. Heat butter or oil in a large (12-inch) skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is very hot, carefully place the patties inside and cook 2-3 minutes per side, turning once.

Basil Pesto

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (I use less)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the lemon juice and then the oil slowly (you may not need all the oil) and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.