Howdy, friends! It’s been awhile! How’s everyone? I truly hope this finds you all safe and well and still cooking! These chickpea salmon burgers are a take on my Ma’s “salmon patties” that I grew up with and LOVED, and I think she would approve of this version that launches them straight into the heart (or heat?!) of summer.
They’re made with simple pantry ingredients like canned salmon, chickpeas, an egg, a few seasonings, and her secret ingredient: crushed saltine crackers. The saltines give these burgers an irresistible taste and signature texture that can’t be replicated with other binders. But these days, to add a bit of fiber, I use a mixture of saltines and quick oats: enough saltines to give that unique taste & texture while the oats do their thing unobtrusively in the background. I’ve also updated my Ma’s original recipe (which I think was JUST canned salmon, egg, & saltines) to add chickpeas & chopped vegetables. Back when I was a kid, I’m sure I enjoyed Ma’s simple version much more (one less vegetable to worry about!) but now that I’m an adult, I appreciate the colour, flavour, & nutrition that these extra ingredients add.
But one thing we can all appreciate about this recipe is that it’s made in one bowl, in about 10 minutes, and cooks quickly on the stove or even on the grill. So you won’t have to heat up your kitchen… and that is a blessing during these dog days of summer!
These burgers are perfect for a light summer cookout when you don’t want beef, or for the pescatarian in your family. They can also be made gluten-free by using your favourite GF crackers (saltine variety is ideal) and buns. Change the seasonings if you like… serve them as lettuce wraps… add avocado! Whatever makes you smile! And that is so important these days. Stay safe and well, friends!
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) pink or red salmon, drained
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- ¼ cup each red bell pepper and cilantro, chopped
- 2 T. red onion, minced
- juice of ½ lemon (about 2 T.)
- 1 T. tahini
- ½ t. dried dill (optional)
- ¼ t. black pepper
- ¼ t. salt
- 10 saltine crackers, crushed (sub GF crackers as necessary)
- ¼ cup quick oats (use GF as necessary)
- ~4 T. neutral vegetable oil, for cooking
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted (use GF as necessary, or wrap in lettuce for a GF/lower-carb option)
- lettuce, tomato, ketchup, pickle, onion as desired
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place the chickpeas and mash with a potato masher until a chunky paste forms. You still want some texture but most of the chickpeas should be broken up. Add the salmon and break up with a fork. Next add the beaten egg and stir to combine.
- Add the next 8 ingredients (bell pepper through salt) and mix well. Stir in the crushed crackers and quick oats. At this point your mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers; if too wet, add 1-2 T. more cracker crumbs or oats, if too dry & crumbly, add ½ a beaten egg.
- Form into 6 patties and chill for 30 minutes if you have time. (It just helps them hold together better when cooking.)
- To cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and golden brown. Drain briefly on paper towels.
- Serve warm on toasted buns with desired condiments. Makes 6 burgers.
