salmon burgers with pickled cucumbers

Ingredients:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless center-cut salmon, patted dry

5 scallions, green parts finely chopped, white parts thinly sliced (keep separate)

1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

1 garlic clove, finely grated

2 tablespoons plus ⅔ cup mayonnaise

Kosher salt

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

4 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar, divided

3 medium Persian cucumbers, shaved lengthwise

½ jalapeño chili (ribs and seeds removed) very thinly sliced crosswise

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ cup (or more) vegetable oil

½ cup rice flour

2 ½ cups mixed tender greens, such as baby lettuce, watercress, cilantro

4 brioche buns, lightly toasted

Directions:

Cut the salmon into 2" pieces. Transfer one-third of salmon (about 8 oz.) to a food processor and process, scraping down sides, until mixture is very smooth and paste-like. Add remaining salmon and pulse 4–5 times until pieces are no bigger than ¼" (be careful not to make it too smooth). Transfer to a large bowl.

Mix in scallion greens, ginger, garlic, 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise, and 1 tsp. salt; toss to combine.

Form mixture into 4 patties about ¾" thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Chill at least 1 hour or up to 3 (you’ll want to chill the patties so that they hold their shape before getting cooked).

Meanwhile, mix sesame oil, 1 tsp. vinegar, remaining ⅔ cup mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl; set aside until ready to use.

Toss cucumbers with a pinch of salt in another small bowl. Massage with your hands for a few minutes, squeezing lightly to expel water; discard the cucumber liquid. Add the chopped chili, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons vinegar to the bowl; toss to coat. Chill until ready to assemble burgers.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until the oil begins to shimmer. Remove salmon patties from fridge right before cooking and sprinkle with the rice flour just to coat the outside (you won’t need all of it). The patties will be a little loose, but you can always pat them back together with your hands before they hit the pan.

Working in batches and adding more oil in between batches if needed, cook the patties until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes on each side (take care not to overcook).

Toss the baby greens, scallion whites, remaining 1 teaspoon vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Build burgers with buns, patties, reserved special sauce, herb mixture, and pickles.

Makes 4