Whether or not you need to thaw salmon burgers before cooking depends on a few factors. Here is a quick overview of the considerations when thawing and cooking salmon burgers:
Should Salmon Burgers Be Thawed Before Cooking?
In most cases, yes salmon burgers should be thawed before cooking. Thawing ensures the burger cooks evenly all the way through. Trying to cook frozen salmon burgers often leads to burnt outsides and cold centers.
Thawing salmon burgers in the refrigerator overnight is ideal. This allows the frozen burger to gradually come up to temperature. Rushing the thawing process with things like hot water or the microwave can start to cook the burger unevenly.
Can Salmon Burgers Be Cooked From Frozen?
It is possible to cook salmon burgers straight from frozen, but extra care must be taken. The outside of the burger will cook much quicker than the inside. This often leads to overcooking the outside while the middle remains underdone.
Cooking from frozen works best with very thin burgers around 1/2 inch thick. The thinner the burger, the less time needed for the inside to come up to temperature. Flipping the burgers frequently also helps them cook evenly.
Burgers thicker than 1/2 inch are likely to still have a cold center after cooking if not thawed first. The outside layers will become overdone trying to heat the middle. Defrosting thicker burgers in the refrigerator is recommended.
Quick Thaw Methods for Salmon Burgers
If short on time, there are some quicker thawing methods that can be used besides thawing overnight in the fridge:
- Run burgers under cold water in the sink. Rotating the burgers helps them thaw evenly.
- Place in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes as it warms up.
- Set burgers on a plate. Place another inverted plate on top to press down as they thaw.
- Microwave in short bursts, flipping halfway. Be careful not to start cooking the burgers.
These quick thaw methods allow the salmon burgers to be cooked right away. But for best results, overnight thawing in the refrigerator is recommended when possible.
Tips for Cooking Thawed Salmon Burgers
Once thawed, salmon burgers can be cooked a variety of ways. Here are some tips for cooking thawed salmon patties or burgers:
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter.
- Place burgers in the hot pan. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Flip burgers gently with a spatula. Be careful not to break them apart.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Salmon is best cooked to medium doneness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The burger will continue cooking slightly.
- Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion. Serve on a bun or over greens.
Salmon burgers pair well with sriracha mayo, tartar sauce, or teriyaki glaze. Brushing with a simple lemon butter while cooking also adds great flavor.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Salmon Burgers?
It is not recommended to refreeze salmon burgers after they have been thawed. Any bacteria that may have grown while thawing could continue multiplying during a second freeze. For food safety, cook thawed burgers within a day or two and do not refreeze.
However, if the thawed salmon burgers were kept refrigerated the entire time, never sitting at room temperature, they can safely be refrozen. Make sure to wrap them tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap. Refreezing properly thawed and handled burgers should maintain quality.
Storing Cooked Salmon Burgers
Leftover cooked salmon burgers should be stored promptly in the refrigerator or freezer:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooked burgers in freezer bags or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep for 2-3 months frozen.
Let refrigerated burgers come to room temperature before reheating. Cook frozen burgers directly from the freezer, increasing cook time as needed.
Conclusion
Thawing salmon burgers before cooking allows them to heat all the way through without burning or overcooking the exterior. For food safety, thawed burgers should be cooked within a day or two and not refrozen. With proper thawing and handling, salmon burgers make for a quick, flavorful meal.
Salmon Burger Thawing Times
| Thawing Method | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 12-24 hours |
| Cold Water | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
| Microwave | 3-5 minutes |
Cooking Salmon Burgers from Frozen
Cooking salmon burgers straight from the freezer can be done in a pinch but is not ideal. Here are some tips if you have to cook frozen salmon patties or burgers:
- Use thin burgers around 1/2 inch thick. Thicker burgers are likely to still be cold inside.
- Use medium-low heat and cook gently to prevent burning exterior.
- Flip burgers frequently, every 2-3 minutes.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Check temperature in thickest part.
- Add a lid to help thaw middle and steam cook. Add 1-2 Tbsp water to pan.
- Be prepared for longer cook times, up to 50% longer than thawed burgers.
While cooking from frozen is possible, thawing chilled salmon burgers in the refrigerator overnight results in the best texture and ensures even cooking.
Salmon Burger Recipe
This simple recipe for salmon burgers is flavorful and easy to make. For best results, thaw salmon fillets overnight before making into patties.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 burger buns
- Toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)
Instructions:
- Chop salmon into small pieces and add to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground but not completely smooth.
- Add egg, panko, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Pulse to fully combine.
- Form salmon mixture into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve salmon burgers on buns with desired toppings.
For juicy, flavorful salmon burgers, it is best to thaw the salmon before making and cooking the patties. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
Freezing Cooked Salmon Patties
To freeze leftover cooked salmon patties or burgers:
- Let cooked patties cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Place patties in single layer on baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen patties to freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal containers.
- Label with contents and date. Store frozen up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen salmon patties:
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight is ideal. Or microwave just until patties can be separated.
- Place in lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
- Cook approx. 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
Letting the patties thaw before reheating results in the best texture. Cook frozen as needed, increasing cook times.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about salmon burgers:
How long do raw salmon patties last in the fridge?
Raw salmon patties can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Can I grill my salmon burgers instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling thawed salmon patties is an excellent cooking method during summer. Cook over direct medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Brush with oil to prevent sticking.
My burgers fell apart while cooking. How can I prevent this?
Using lightly toasted breadcrumbs instead of fresh ones can help bind the burgers. Also be sure to handle the patties gently when placing in the pan and flipping. Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes before cooking to firm them up.
What is the best way to bread salmon patties?
For crispy breaded salmon patties, dip each patty in flour, then beaten egg, then panko breadcrumbs. Let sit 5 minutes so coating adheres before pan-frying until golden brown.
Salmon burgers are a tasty and healthy meal option. Follow these tips on thawing, cooking, and storing for best results. Let us know if you have any other salmon burger questions!