Simply Smokin’ Salmon Burger

In keeping with the theme of super budget-friendly recipes this month, I was thrilled to find a great deal on fresh Atlantic Salmon.  I got it for $5.99/lb compared to it’s usual price of $10.99/lb.  That is cause for some serious salmon buying, right?  Well, I bought 5 lbs so I’ve got a lot of cooking to do!

This recipe for salmon burgers requires only one pound for 4 burgers so it’s a great deal.  There are a fairly large number of ingredients in this recipe but if you cook healthily on a regular basis, you should have most of them in your cupboard and fridge.  My secret ingredient? – smoked salmon!  Now I know this is a love/hate kind of food but if you love it, I promise it adds an extra kick to the burger along with the regular salmon.  If you don’t, it’s still a fabulous burger without it. Personally, I could eat salmon 3 times a week.   I just might be doing that if I can find this sale again.

 For something a little different I roasted some sunflower seeds and added them to one side of the burger.  You know I always love a little crunch in my meal and this was no exception.

I couldn’t decide what toppings to use so I created 3 options.  Firstly, the standard tomato, onion,  and lettuce – everyone’s favourite.  I also made a tomato/caper relish which turned out to be the perfect compliment to the burger.  Lastly, I whipped up a yogurt aioli that is a healthy alternative to mayo and I loved the final product.  The relish and the aioli both used capers which allowed me to use up the capers I bought for the marinara sauce I made recently.  When I was done cooking and shooting the pics, I used all three on one burger and it was fantastic!  Although, now when I think of it, I guess it pushed me over a reasonable calorie count, lol.

If you are wanting to keep it healthy, stick to a whole wheat bun and leave that horrid mayo in the fridge.  Besides, it just ruins a beautiful fish.

I have to confess, despite being a huge fan of salmon, I had never had a salmon burger before and had certainly never made one but I was thrilled with the resulting flavours of this experiment.

Salmon is loaded with protein and the two blockbuster Omega 3’s – DHA and EPA – that makes us happy, smart and pain-free.  As the body cannot manufacture Omega 3`s, the best way for us to obtain them is through the food we eat.   Eating salmon  also contributes to better cardiovascular health, protects your eyes and is a great source of Vitamin D.

I would be interested to know how many folks include salmon recipes in their regular meal rotations.  If you are someone who does not eat salmon,  would a scrumptious burger entice you?

Here’s to healthy, happy eating – Cheers!

 Tomato/Caper Relish

1 large tomato, chopped; 1 clove garlic, zest from on orange, 8 olives, rinsed and chopped; 1 teaspoon capers or caper berries, chopped; 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped; splash of EVOO, and salt and pepper to taste.  Combine ingredients and serve.

Yogurt Aioli

3/4 cup yogurt, 3 teaspoons capers, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons dill, chopped; 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon pepper.  Combine ingredients and serve.

PIN IT!