If you are looking for a delightful seafood treat that delivers big on flavor and texture, you’ve got to try this Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe. These sliders boast perfectly crispy salmon patties nestled inside soft buns, topped with a zesty and refreshing lemon arugula slaw that adds just the right peppery crunch. This dish feels like a gourmet bite-sized escape to the coast, combining the richness of salmon with bright, fresh greens and a touch of citrus. Perfect for casual dinners, entertaining friends, or simply elevating your lunch game, these sliders are as fun to make as they are to eat. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create a balance of textures and flavors. Each component, from the fresh salmon to the lemony slaw, plays a crucial role in making each slider irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
- Skinless salmon fillet (1 pound): Provides the juicy, flaky seafood base with bold flavor and excellent protein.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Adds binding and a light crunch to the salmon patties for perfect crispiness.
- Egg (1): Helps to hold the patties together so they don’t fall apart while cooking.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Imparts subtle tang and depth to the salmon mixture.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers herbal brightness that complements the salmon gorgeously.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings savory complexity to each bite.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Infuses fresh citrus notes into the patties without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for frying): Ensures a golden, crispy crust on the patties.
- Slider buns (6): Soft and slightly toasted, perfect for holding the juicy salmon and slaw.
- Fresh arugula (2 cups, roughly chopped): Adds peppery crunch and vibrant color to the slaw.
- Shredded cabbage (1/2 cup, optional): Offers extra texture and crunch if you like a heartier slaw.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances the slaw dressing beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon for slaw): Lightly coats the greens for a silky finish.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the tangy lemon.
- Salt and pepper (to taste for slaw): Finishes the lemon arugula slaw with just the right seasoning.
How to Make Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Patties
Start by finely chopping your skinless salmon fillet or pulsing it briefly in a food processor for a good texture. In a large bowl, combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into six small, evenly sized patties. To help them keep their shape during cooking, pop the patties into the fridge for about 15 minutes. This step really helps achieve that perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Arugula Slaw
While the salmon patties chill, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a lively slaw dressing. Toss the fresh arugula and shredded cabbage (if you’re using it) in the dressing until everything is evenly coated. This crisp and tangy slaw will add a fresh balance and peppery crunch to your sliders, making each bite feel bright and refreshing.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Patties
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place each salmon patty into the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the outside turns golden brown and crispy, and the interior is cooked through but still juicy. The key here is to gently flip them so they hold together without breaking. Cooking over medium heat ensures the patties get that signature crispy salmon slider texture while keeping the inside tender.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble the Sliders
Lightly toast the slider buns to add a bit of crunch and warmth. Then, build each slider by placing one salmon patty on the bottom half of the bun, generously topping it with the lemon arugula slaw, and finishing with the top bun. If you want to elevate the flavors, feel free to spread a bit of lemon aioli or tartar sauce on the buns before assembling. Serve these beauties warm to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors at their freshest.
How to Serve Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and an inviting aroma, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or a thin lemon slice on the side. A little extra cracked black pepper over the slaw can also uplift the flavors wonderfully. These simple touches make your sliders look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, pair these crispy sliders with a light side like sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted seasonal vegetables. A cool cucumber salad or pickled veggies also works nicely to contrast the warm, rich patties. This way, you keep the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve the sliders on a wooden board with little bowls of different dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or a fresh herb yogurt dip. You could also set up a slider bar where guests customize their own with extras like sliced avocado, pickles, or sprouts. Not only does this add a personalized touch, but it makes the dining experience even more fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked salmon patties and slaw separately in airtight containers inside the fridge. This keeps the patties from getting soggy and the slaw fresh. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing their quality.
Freezing
These salmon sliders freeze beautifully. Simply freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Avoid freezing the assembled sliders or the slaw, as the texture doesn’t hold up as well.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the salmon patties in a hot skillet with a little oil rather than the microwave to bring back their crispiness. The slaw should be eaten fresh or chilled for contrast, so add it to the sliders after reheating. This way, each bite retains that perfect mix of crispy and fresh that makes this Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned salmon in a pinch. The texture will be a bit softer, but the sliders will still taste delicious. Just be sure to drain the salmon well and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to use arugula in the slaw?
While arugula adds a wonderful peppery bite that complements the salmon, you can substitute it with baby spinach or mixed greens if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix and form the salmon patties up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have slider buns?
No worries! You can use small sandwich rolls, mini brioche buns, or even slightly larger buns and make smaller patties. The key is to keep the slider vibe with soft bread that doesn’t overpower the salmon.
How do I make the patties crispy without overcooking the salmon?
Cook the patties over medium heat so the outsides get golden and crispy while the inside remains moist. Let them chill before cooking to help them set and avoid falling apart during flipping.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about biting into a perfectly crisp salmon slider paired with a fresh lemon arugula slaw. This Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe is an absolute winner when you want a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and impressive without being complicated. Once you try it, I have no doubt it will become a shining star in your recipe collection as it has in mine. So go ahead and treat yourself—you’re in for a delicious experience that your taste buds will thank you for.
Print
Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Salmon Sliders with Lemon Arugula Slaw are a delicious and fresh seafood option perfect for a quick meal. The salmon patties are golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful interior, thanks to fresh herbs, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Paired with a zesty lemon arugula slaw, these sliders offer a vibrant and satisfying combination of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Sliders:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, chopped finely or pulsed in a food processor
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 6 slider buns
For the Lemon Arugula Slaw:
- 2 cups fresh arugula, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon Patties: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 6 small, evenly sized patties. Place the patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Make the Lemon Arugula Slaw: While the patties chill, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined. Toss the chopped arugula and shredded cabbage (if using) in the lemon dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Salmon Patties: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is crisp and golden brown and the patties are cooked through.
- Toast Slider Buns: Optionally, lightly toast the slider buns to add extra texture and flavor before assembling.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place each cooked salmon patty on the bottom half of a slider bun. Top generously with the lemon arugula slaw, then cover with the top bun. Serve the sliders warm, enjoying the blend of crispy salmon and fresh, tangy slaw.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a smear of lemon aioli or tartar sauce to each bun before assembling.
- These sliders can also be made with canned salmon if fresh salmon is not available, though fresh salmon provides a better texture and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the patties to ensure they stay moist and tender inside.
- The shredded cabbage in the slaw is optional but adds a nice crunch and additional texture.
