Salmon Burgers

I like salmon, kind of. It's not my favorite fish, I find it a bit strong in taste. But if it has enough marinade or other flavors, I love it. I had a large chunk of salmon in the freezer and didn't feel like another filet so I mashed it up into these burgers and they were great! This recipe isn't exact - it's another attempt to replicate an item from Zola's menu, the restaurant where I worked in Ann Arbor. So if you're craving a burger but you're guilted into a healthy protein, try this!! It's great served with rice and veggies, a cold noodle salad or just on it's own...

1/2 lb fresh salmon (or less - depends on # of people and how big you want your burgers!)
(this should give you 2-3 large burgers)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg beaten
1 green onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp soy sauce
1-2 tsp of chili garlic paste if you've got it
1/2 tsp rice vinegar
3-4 tbsp canola oil
Burger buns
Mayonnaise & more chili garlic paste to spread on the bun
Lettuce

1. Put the salmon in a food processor for a few pulses or chop the salmon finely and then mash a bit with a fork (this is how I do it). You don't want it pastey, be sure to see it a little chunky but mashed enough that it will stick together.

2. Put the salmon in a bowl and mix in the next 6 ingredients. If a little runny, add more breadcrumbs.

3. In a large skillet (cast iron works well but any pan will do), heat the oil on medium high. There should be enough oil in the pan to cover the bottom and a little more.

4. As the oil heats up, with your hands, make your patties and set aside. Be sure to make them like discs, not balls - you want them to cook evenly and all the way through without getting tough on the outside. As far as size - aim for the size of your buns!

5. Place the patties in the hot oil and cook a couple of minutes on each side and then flip. BE CAREFUL flipping - these things are fragile and will fall apart. You need to use your hands & spatula.

6. Dress your bun with mayonnaise and a little chili garlic paste or hot sauce if you've got it. Throw on a little lettuce.

7. Once the outside of the patties are golden brown on each side (flip only once!), remove from heat and place in your buns.