2poundssalmon filletsskin and bones removed carefully, (frozen filets work great)
1 & 3/4cupspanko breadcrumbs(whole wheat if you want), plus more if needed, divided
1bunchgreen onionswashed
¼cupmayonnaise
1tablespoonpickling liquid from a jar of pickled gingerGari*
Oilcanola, peanut, or vegetable for pan frying
For the Wasabi Mayonnaise:
1/2cupmayonnaise
1-3tablespoonswasabi sauceaccording to taste
Optional garnishes you might want to serve:
Whole wheat or white bunstoasted
Asian Marinated Cucumber Salad (don't skip this! You will regret it!
red lettuce leavesor butter lettuce
avocado
tomato
Instructions
For the Burgers: Cut the salmon into 2-inch chunks and throw it into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until it has broken down a little bit but is not smooth. It should still have about ¼-inch pieces in it. Scrape it into a bowl.
Cut off the white part of the green onions and save for another use. Slice the green parts in half lengthwise, then chop them very thinly. Put this into the bowl with the salmon, ½ cup of the panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and pickled liquid. Mix until combined, but don't overdo it.
Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Divide the salmon mixture into 8 mounds and form those mounds into patties that are ¾-inch thick. Try to make the edges just as thick as the centers. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour (up to 8) before cooking.
Pour the remaining panko bread crumbs onto a plate. Using a large spatula, gently lift and place each salmon patty on the bread crumbs, press down lightly to help the panko stick, flip the patties over and repeat.
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl it to coat.
Gently slide the salmon burgers into the pan. A 12-inch pan should hold 4 patties at a time. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the first side is golden brown. Carefully flip the patties using a wide spatula. Use a splatter shield so that your arms don't suffer Death By Hot Oil.
Fry the second side for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and firm around the outer edges. Transfer to a paper towel lined platter. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat until all of the salmon burgers are done.
For the Wasabi Mayonnaise: put the mayonnaise in a small bowl and use a fork or spoon to stir in the wasabi sauce, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste the mayonnaise and add more mayonnaise or wasabi to taste.
To serve: top toasted buns with salmon burgers, Wasabi Mayonnaise, and any other toppings that sound good to you. These work great as lettuce wraps. Enjoy!
Notes
*Um, I've never even heard of pickled ginger. (I'm kind of jealous about that actually) But anyway I didn't have any so I used pickling liquid from a jar of regular old pickles. It worked great. But this does mean that there was no ginger flavor in the burgers, so next time I may add some fresh ginger or maybe just a dash of ginger powder.Source: Foodie with Family