Upcycled Salmon Burgers are a delicious and sustainable way to enjoy seafood. Made with leftover cooked salmon, these burgers are packed with flavor and nutrients. They’re also a great way to reduce food waste, as they utilize perfectly good salmon that might otherwise be thrown away.
What Makes Salmon Burgers “Upcycled?”
The term “upcycled” refers to the process of using ingredients that would have otherwise been discarded and transforming them into something new and delicious. In the case of upcycled salmon burgers, the star ingredient is cooked salmon that’s leftover from a previous meal. This could be baked salmon, grilled salmon, or even canned salmon.
Instead of letting that leftover salmon go to waste, upcycling it into salmon burgers is a creative and environmentally friendly solution. It reduces food waste and gives you a chance to enjoy salmon in a whole new way.
Why Choose Upcycled Salmon Burgers?
Beyond their positive impact on the environment, upcycled salmon burgers offer a multitude of benefits:
- Flavorful: The patties are bursting with the natural savory taste of salmon, enhanced by the other ingredients.
- Nutritious: Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile: They can be served on buns like traditional burgers, nestled in lettuce wraps for a lighter option, or crumbled over salads for a protein boost.
- Easy to make: The recipe is straightforward and can be adapted to your liking.
Grilling Upcycled Salmon Patties
Simple Upcycled Salmon Burger Recipe
This recipe is a great starting point, and you can customize it to your preference by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, quinoa or rice, onion, celery, egg, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper.
- Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for the Best Upcycled Salmon Burgers
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture. Overmixing will result in tough patties.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time.
- Get creative with toppings. Avocado, pickled onions, and sriracha mayo are all delicious options.
- Make a big batch and freeze some for later. These patties freeze beautifully and make for a quick and easy meal.
Completed Upcycled Salmon Burger on a Plate
Upcycled Salmon Burgers: Good for You and the Planet
Choosing to make upcycled salmon burgers is a small change that can have a big impact. Not only are you creating a tasty and satisfying meal, but you’re also taking a stand against food waste and making a conscious effort to eat more sustainably.
“Upcycling is a fantastic way to be resourceful in the kitchen,” says Chef Emily Carter, a passionate advocate for sustainable cooking. “It allows us to minimize our environmental impact while creating delicious and innovative dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to save money!”
So next time you have leftover salmon, don’t throw it away! Transform it into these flavorful and sustainable upcycled salmon burgers. Your taste buds and the planet will thank you.