Salmon patties and salmon burgers are two popular ways to enjoy salmon, but they are prepared differently and have distinct textures and flavors. Understanding the differences can help you decide which to make for any given meal.
What are salmon patties?
Salmon patties, also called salmon croquettes or salmon cakes, are made by combining flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into small patties or cakes and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Salmon patties have a soft, almost mousse-like interior encased in a crunchy crust. They are typically disk-shaped, two to three inches in diameter, and about half an inch thick. The fish in salmon patties is broken down into fine flakes, giving the interior a smooth texture. Salmon patties are often served as an appetizer or side dish.
What are salmon burgers?
Salmon burgers feature salmon in patty form but have a more structured texture than salmon patties. The fish is coarsely chopped or ground rather than flaked. The patty mixture also contains binder ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, or mashed potatoes. Seasonings are added for flavor. Salmon burgers hold their shape better than delicate salmon patties, making them ideal for sandwich fillings. Salmon burgers are cooked in the same way as beef hamburgers, by grilling, pan-frying, or baking. They are normally shaped to fit on a hamburger bun.
Difference in main ingredients
The main ingredient in both salmon patties and burgers is, not surprisingly, salmon. However, the form of the salmon differs significantly between the two dishes:
- Salmon patties use salmon flakes. The fish is cooked, deboned, and then broken into small, thin pieces one to two inches across. This creates a delicate texture.
- Salmon burgers use chopped or ground salmon. The fish is diced into small pieces about 1/4 inch or passed through a grinder or food processor. This creates a thicker, meatier texture.
Binders
Binders help hold the patties or burgers together, providing adhesion and moisture:
- Salmon patties typically use breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs as a binder. The starch helps absorb moisture and binds the ingredients.
- Salmon burgers may use breadcrumbs, but also commonly use eggs and potatoes for binding. The eggs coagulate when cooked, creating a firmer texture.
Shapes and sizes
The different binding ingredients and salmon textures lead to differences in the shapes of the patties:
- Salmon patties are formed into small, flat disks or ovals, like mini fish cakes. Their tender texture prevents making a larger burger-style patty.
- Salmon burgers are shaped into larger, thicker burger patties that will fit on a bun. Their firmer texture holds up to the patty shape.
Serving styles
The different structures of salmon patties and burgers lend themselves to different serving styles:
- Salmon patties are delicate, so they are usually served as a side dish or appetizer. Often a sauce or condiment is spooned over the top.
- Salmon burgers are hearty and structured enough to be served between buns as a main sandwich. They can be topped with all the usual burger condiments.
Cooking methods
Both types of patties are cooked by frying, but the methods vary slightly:
- Salmon patties are pan-fried in oil, sometimes with a coating of breadcrumbs or cornmeal. Their flaky texture requires gentle handling.
- Salmon burgers are pan-fried, grilled, or baked. A firmer exterior allows them to hold up to higher heat cooking methods.
Flavors and seasonings
Seasonings add lots of flavor to both dishes:
- Salmon patties often include onion, bell pepper, parsley, mustard, and hot sauce for flavor.
- Salmon burgers may include flavorful mixes of onions, garlic, spices, herbs, soy sauce, teriyaki, or barbecue sauce.
Appearance
| Salmon Patties | Salmon Burgers |
|---|---|
| Small, flat oval or disk shape | Larger, thicker burger patty shape |
| Delicate, smooth interior | Coarser, meatier interior |
| Crispy, crunchy exterior coating | Searled exterior, softer than patty |
| Golden brown color | Pink to golden brown |
Nutrition
Both salmon patties and burgers provide the excellent nutrition of salmon. A 4 ounce serving provides:
- High quality protein – around 22g
- Healthy omega-3 fatty acids – around 2g
- Important vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, potassium, and selenium
- Around 200-300 calories
The binders and seasonings add some carbohydrates and sodium. Salmon burgers use more binders like breadcrumbs, so they tend to be a bit higher in carbs and calories than salmon patties.
Cost
Canned salmon is an affordable way to make either dish. Salmon burgers require leaner ground salmon which is a bit pricier. Patties can utilize any part of the salmon. Overall salmon patties cost slightly less to make than burgers. But both dishes provide an economical way to enjoy the benefits of salmon.
Ease of preparation
Both types of patties are fairly easy to make at home. Salmon patties require a few more steps like flaking the fish and forming the patties delicately. Salmon burgers can be quickly mixed and shaped with less finesse. So burgers might have a slight edge for ease of cooking. However, overall the process for both dishes is relatively simple.
Conclusion
Salmon patties and burgers share salmon as the starring ingredient but have several notable differences. Salmon patties use flaked fish and breadcrumb binders while burgers use chopped salmon and egg/potato binders. Patties are smaller, more delicate cakes while burgers form thicker, heartier patties. Patties are usually pan-fried and served as a side dish. Burgers hold up to high heat grilling, broiling, or baking and serve as a protein-rich sandwich filling. Both provide an easy, nutritious way to incorporate salmon’s health benefits into any meal.