Are you looking for a healthy and mouth-watering alternative to traditional meat burgers? Grilled Salmon burgers are something you must try. Being rich in nutrients and easy to cook, they are among my top favorites and hopefully will be yours too.
When it comes to grilling, some people may find difficulty regarding proper grilling temperature and cooking time as it varies among dishes. Knowing how long to grill salmon burgers on a gas grill is crucial for a perfect blend of juicy and flaky interior with a seared exterior.
So, here I am going to share complete details about cooking grilled salmon burgers, their grilling time, the temperature of the grill, and some game-changing techniques. Stay tuned.
What are salmon burgers?
Salmon is a versatile fish, being a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon burgers consist of ground or chopped fresh salmon meat that is mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, and different flavours or seasonings to form a paste.
Next, patties are formed with this paste and grilled until you get perfectly tender burgers. You can get pre-made salmon at the grocery store, and can also prepare it at home by getting good quality salmon from the fishmonger.
How Long to Grill Salmon Burgers on Gas Grill? A Step-by-Step Guide by The Smokingrills Team
Salmon burgers are delicate and flaky in consistency. So, they can be overcooked very easily. It is also important to prevent them from falling apart or sticking to the salmon burger grill. Here is a proper approach you must take:
Choosing The Right Salmon
First of all, get fresh wild-caught salmon from your fishmonger and ask him to remove the pin bones as they are inconvenient when you chop the meat with your hands. If you don’t have access to the fishmonger, visit the grocery and pick high-quality fillets.
Prepping The Salmon Burgers:
- Chop the salmon with the help of your hands or a Cuisinart Food Processor.
- Mix the recommended ingredients like salt, pepper, pickled garlic, paprika, onions, and sauces. Don’t forget to add the binding agents, including breadcrumbs or eggs.
- Form the equally sized patties and refrigerate them for 30 minutes so that they get firm.
Remember, seasoning or marinade is very important as the final taste of your burgers depends on it.
Preheating and Cooking on the Gas Grill:
- Preheat your gas grill to a temperature of 375 to 400°F.
- Spray the grill grates with non-stick spray.
- Place the salmon burgers on the grill grates and close the lid.
- Cook for 3 minutes undisturbed.
- Then flip the side and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Check for doneness by seeing if they are nicely browned or the internal temperature records 145°F.
Add Toppings And Serve:
Grill or toast the buns. For toppings, I always prefer Asian flavors. So, add pickled ginger and wasabi to mayonnaise. Brush the burgers with soy sauce and sprinkle with seasoning for spice. Add some cucumber and onion pieces. Deliver and let me know the comments.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Salmon Burgers on a Gas Grill?
It is important to know that cooking the salmon burgers on a gas grill is a bit less time-consuming as compared to a charcoal grill due to the high temperatures. The ideal salmon burger grill time depends on certain factors. However, on a general note;
General Guidelines:
- Thin patties (1/2 inch): 3-4 minutes per side.
- Medium patties (3/4 inch): 4-5 minutes per side.
- Thick patties (1 inch): 5-6 minutes per side.
Doneness level:
For better cooking results, check the internal temperature by placing a digital meat thermometer in the center of the meat. 145°F is the recommended internal temperature for tender and flaky salmon burgers with moist centres. However, for different doneness levels, the internal temperature is as follows;
- Medium-rare: 125°F internal temperature, slightly pink in the center.
- Medium: 135°F internal temperature, slightly pink in the center.
- Medium-well: 145°F internal temperature, golden brown on the outside with a bit pink inside.
- Well-done: 160°F internal temperature, dark brown outside with no pink in the center.
Factors affecting the cooking time
Remember the cooking time for salmon burgers may vary with certain factors. So you must consider the following factors while cooking;
- Thickness of petties: Thick petties take greater time to be cooked as compared to thin petties
- Temperature of the grill: The cooking time varies with the temperature of the gas grill. For best results, it is recommended to preheat the gas grill to 375 to 400 F. lower temperature increases cooking time.
- Burger composition: Besides thickness, the composition of the patty can also alter cooking time. If you are adding some veggies, the cooking time may be a bit longer.
- Type of grill: Salmon burgers grilled over a gas grill take less time as compared to charcoal grills.
Note: If you are planning to buy a new gas grill at an affordable price, I recommend this amazing Portable Pit Boss Propane Gas Grill with dual burners and stainless steel framework. Grab one and make your grilling fun.
Tips for cooking perfect salmon burgers on a gas grill
Perfect cooking requires attention to minute details on your part. Follow some tips and techniques and make people lick their fingers after eating your grilled salmon burgers:
- Take the wild-caught fish with bright colour and no smell and get the pin bones extracted.
- Chop the salmon with your hands. This makes varied sizes of flesh which are better stuck to each other and don’t fall apart during barbeque.
- Spray the grill grates with non-stick spray before placing patties.
- Before putting burgers on the grill, brush the patties with coconut or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- It is always recommended to grill the burgers on direct heat. However, if you own a gas grill with multiple burners, use a zone setup, one with direct and the other with indirect heat, allowing controlled cooking.
- To get crisscross sear marks, rotate the burgers on the first side while grilling.
- Lastly, don’t forget to check the internal temperature of the burgers with a Thermopro Thermometer.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I make the salmon burgers without an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can cook salmon burgers without an outdoor grill. They can be easily cooked in a pan or skillet over the stovetop.
Q. Are salmon burgers gluten-free?
No, the salmon burgers are not gluten-free. The ingredients, like panko breadcrumbs, contain gluten. However, to make gluten-free salmon burgers, you can replace these breadcrumbs with other gluten-free ingredients like half hemp hearts or almond flour.
Q. How do I know if the salmon burgers are done?
Cook the salmon burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. If it records 145°F, your burgers are perfectly cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook them until they are golden brown or easily flaked with a fork.
Q. Are grilled salmon burgers a healthy choice?
Salmon burgers are a rich source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, grilling causes the extra fats to drip away, making them a nutritious choice for consumption.
Q. At what gas grill temperature should I cook salmon burgers?
For grilling salmon burgers, preheat your gas grill to a temperature of 375 to 400°F. This temperature helps to get a beautiful sear and prevents sticking.
Q. What type of salmon should I use for salmon burgers?
Fresh wild-caught salmon is recommended for its delicious flavour and high nutrition profile. Farmed salmon can also be used however, it contains greater fat content. Ensure the salmon is bright in colour with no off-putting smell.
