Gourmet Salmon Smash Burgers with Butter Shrimp & Creamy Orzo
These gourmet salmon smash burgers are crispy on the outside and tender inside, paired with rich butter-poached shrimp and creamy orzo for a restaurant-quality meal that’s elegant, satisfying, and full of flavor
Equipment
- 1 Nonstick skillet
- 1 Cast iron pan
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 chef’s knife
Ingredients
- Salmon Smash Burgers
- 1½ lb fresh salmon finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 brioche buns
- Lettuce or arugula
- Optional sauce aioli or tartar
- Butter Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Creamy Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo:
- In a saucepan, bring broth to a simmer. Add orzo and cook until tender. Stir in cream and Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.
- Make the Salmon Patties:
- In a bowl, mix chopped salmon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into loose balls.
- Cook the Salmon Smash Burgers:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon balls and gently smash into patties. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- Cook the Butter Shrimp:
- In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Toast brioche buns. Place salmon patties on buns with greens and sauce. Serve alongside butter shrimp and creamy orzo.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon for best texture.
- Shrimp can be swapped for scallops or lobster.
- Orzo can be made lighter by replacing cream with milk or broth.
- Best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.