Ali Cooks: Hawaiian BBQ Salmon Burgers with Pineapple

It's SUMMERTIME!  And hey, I was feeling a little tropical this week and wanted a throwback to my Hawaii vacation from back in May.  After briefly checking if Brian was open to a new edible experience (the guy doesn't typically eat pineapple or BBQ sauce...), I went out in search of salmon.  I was sure to buy the salmon on the day that I was cooking so that it could be fresh and delicious. 

 

If you're going to make these salmon burgers, please read the note at the very end of the recipe--napkins are a necessity!  ;)

 

Also, the kitchen may smell a lil fishy after you're all done.  Just think of it as a souvenier straight from the salmon itself.  Having Brian as a soux chef was pretty handy, as well, so consider making your burgers with a buddy--it may be more fun that way, too!
 

 

Hawaiian BBQ Salmon Burgers with Pineapple
*adapted from halfbakedharvest.com

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

2 tbs pineapple juice

2 tbs lime juice

2 tbs fresh parsely, chopped

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 pound fresh, raw salmon (skin removed)

1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tbs freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tbs oil

4 slices swiss cheese

4 hamburger buns

2 tablespoon oil (for pineapple)

4 pineapple rings

 

Instructions:

 

In a small bowl combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.  Mix well to combine.  Set aside for later.

 

Add salmon to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it’s somewhat ground.

 

Remove and add the salmon to a bowl with the panko bread crumbs, parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of the Hawaiian BBQ sauce from step one (save the rest for serving). Mix everything with a spoon until just combined.  Form into 4 equally sized burgers.  Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.  Cook the burgers on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.  During the last minute of cooking add the swiss cheese.

 

While the burgers are cooking, heat the remaining two tablespoons of oil in a separate skillet and place the pineapple slices in the pan.  Cook for about 3-4 mins, flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
 

To assemble place a burger on the bottom of a bun, then a ring of pineapple.  Drizzle each burger with the remaining Hawaiian BBQ sauce.

***Warning:  This burger is VERY messy if you love the BBQ sauce like I did.  But PLEASE--give it a shot tackling the burger with your own bare hands before you grab that fork.  Trust me.