Ingredients
For the Quick Pickled Cukes
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1/2 cup white vinegar
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1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 whole cucumber, very thinly sliced
For the Salmon Burgers
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1 pound skinless, boneless salmon fillet, cut into large chunks
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3 ounces smoked salmon
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1 large egg
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3/4 cup spinach
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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Burger buns
Instructions
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Prepare the pickling liquid. In a bowl, combine the white vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
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Pickle the cucumbers. Add the thinly sliced cucumber and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare the salmon mixture. Place the fresh salmon chunks, smoked salmon, egg, spinach, lemon zest, and black pepper in a blender or food processor.
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Pulse until combined. Pulse 4–5 times, just until the ingredients come together. Keep the mixture slightly chunky rather than blending it into a paste.
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Shape the patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into burger patties.
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Heat the skillet. Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook the burgers. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed, until the centers reach 145°F and the burgers are cooked through.
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Assemble and serve. Place each salmon patty on a burger bun and top with the quick-pickled cucumbers.
Notes
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Keep the salmon chunky: A few short pulses are enough. Overprocessing can make the patties dense.
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Chill before shaping: If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it briefly to make the patties easier to handle.
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Slice cucumbers thinly: Thin slices absorb the pickling liquid more quickly and make the burgers easier to bite.
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Avoid overcrowding the skillet: Cook in batches if needed so the patties brown evenly.
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Check doneness: Use a food thermometer to confirm the center reaches 145°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Pickle: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
