Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe

If you are craving something fresh, flavorful, and a bit unexpected, let me introduce you to the magic of the Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe. These burgers bring together tender salmon packed with vibrant green onions and a hint of pickled ginger, all coated in crispy panko and topped with a creamy, spicy wasabi mayo that wakes up your taste buds. Perfectly golden and satisfying, this recipe is a delightful twist on the classic burger that’s sure to become a family favorite or your go-to when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the delicate flakes of salmon to the crunch of panko breadcrumbs and the zing of wasabi, every element comes together to create a taste experience that’s both exciting and comforting.

• Salmon fillets (2 pounds): Fresh or frozen, skin and bones removed, this is the star protein providing rich, juicy flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1 & 3/4 cups): These breadcrumbs add the perfect crispy texture to the burger patties and a golden crust when frying.
• Green onions (1 bunch): Adds a burst of fresh, slightly sharp flavor that brightens the salmon perfectly.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup for burgers, 1/2 cup for wasabi mayo): This ingredient binds the mixture and lends creaminess to both the patties and the spicy sauce.
• Pickling liquid from pickled ginger (1 tablespoon): A subtle tang that enhances umami and adds an exotic twist.
• Oil for frying: Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil is essential for that beautifully golden crust without overpowering flavors.
• Wasabi sauce (1-3 tablespoons): The secret weapon that gives the mayonnaise its spicy kick and distinctive Asian flair.
• Optional garnishes: Toasted buns, Asian marinated cucumber salad, red or butter lettuce, avocado, and tomato all add freshness and variety to your serving options.

How to Make Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by cutting your salmon into about 2-inch chunks and place them in a food processor. Pulse just enough to break down the fish into small, roughly quarter-inch pieces — you don’t want it pureed, as the texture is key to a juicy burger. Then transfer the chopped salmon into a bowl for mixing.

Step 2: Mix in the Fresh Ingredients

Thinly slice the green parts of your green onions (save the whites for another recipe), then add them to the salmon along with half a cup of panko breadcrumbs, a quarter cup of mayonnaise, and a tablespoon of that delicious pickling liquid from your jar of pickled ginger. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the flavors blend without overworking the protein, which keeps your burgers tender.

Step 3: Form and Chill the Patties

On a lined baking sheet, divide the mixture into eight equal piles. Shape each into a patty about three-quarters of an inch thick, making sure the edges are just as thick as the centers. Cover the patties tightly with plastic wrap and chill them for at least one hour. Chilling helps them hold together during cooking and deepens the flavors.

Step 4: Coat the Patties with Panko

Pour the remaining panko breadcrumbs onto a plate. Gently press each chilled patty into the breadcrumbs on both sides, coating them evenly but delicately to keep the salmon’s delicate texture intact. This coating will fry up into a crunchy delight.

Step 5: Heat the Pan and Add Oil

Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then swirl in about a tablespoon of your chosen oil. This prevents sticking and helps develop a golden crust on the patties, crucial for that irresistible burger texture.

Step 6: Cook the Burgers

Carefully slide up to four patties into the pan (depending on size) and fry for 3 to 5 minutes without moving them until the bottoms are beautifully golden. Flip them gently using a wide spatula, protecting your arms with a splatter shield or something similar to avoid hot oil burns while getting that perfect sear on the other side.

Step 7: Finish Cooking and Repeat

Continue frying for another 3 to 5 minutes until the patties are firm around the edges and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked burgers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Add a bit more oil to the pan as needed and repeat until all eight patties are cooked.

Step 8: Prepare the Wasabi Mayonnaise

In a small bowl, combine half a cup of mayonnaise with 1 to 3 tablespoons of wasabi sauce, tasting as you go until you find that perfect balance between creamy and spicy. This sauce is what truly elevates the flavors, giving your burgers a lively kick.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Now the fun part: stack your salmon burgers on toasted buns or use crisp lettuce leaves to make a lighter wrap. Add a generous dollop of wasabi mayonnaise and any other fresh toppings you love — creamy avocado, juicy tomato slices, or perhaps some crunchy Asian marinated cucumber salad for that extra freshness. Each bite is a flavor-packed journey you will want to savor again and again.

How to Serve Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe is where you can get creative. Fresh avocado and ripe tomato slices add creaminess and acidity, while crisp butter lettuce or red leaf lettuce can add refreshing crunch. Don’t skip the Asian marinated cucumber salad — its tangy and slightly sweet profile complements the rich salmon burgers beautifully.

Side Dishes

These salmon burgers pair wonderfully with light and vibrant sides. Think steamed jasmine rice, a simple seaweed salad, or even crispy sweet potato fries for some fun texture contrast. A refreshing slaw with a sesame dressing also works wonders to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lighter option, consider serving these burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of buns, turning them into finger-friendly nuggets of flavor. They also shine on small slider buns for party platters, allowing guests to customize with various sauces and toppings. Displaying the wasabi mayo in a ramekin for dipping adds a fun, interactive element.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover salmon burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the wasabi mayonnaise separate prevents sogginess, so wait to add it until serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the frying time. Cooked burgers freeze well too, but texture may change slightly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cooked salmon burgers in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture. Add fresh wasabi mayonnaise just before serving for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

While fresh or frozen salmon fillets are best for texture, you could try canned salmon in a pinch. The patties will be denser and may require more binder. For best results, this recipe really shines with fresh fish.

How spicy is the wasabi mayonnaise?

The spiciness depends on how much wasabi you add. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste. Wasabi adds a sharp, sinus-clearing heat that’s more aromatic than mouth-burning.

Can I bake the salmon burgers instead of frying?

You can bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t be as crispy as frying, but this is a good option for a lighter method or larger batches.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work but won’t be as crunchy. Crushed crackers or cornflakes can also be used for added texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and check the wasabi sauce ingredients for any hidden gluten. Otherwise, it’s naturally high in protein and packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe truly brings a fresh, exciting twist to your mealtime routine. The combination of tender salmon, crunchy coating, and that bold wasabi mayo is irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving up a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something unique, these burgers deliver every time. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!

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