Asian Salmon Burgers With Pickled Cucumber On Pumpernickel Food

SALMON BURGERS WITH GINGER AND QUICK-PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Process one third of salmon (about 8 oz.) in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until very smooth and paste-like. Add remaining salmon and pulse until pieces are no bigger than ¼," 4-5 times (be careful not to make it too smooth). Transfer to a large bowl.
• Remove dark green tops from scallions and finely chop. Thinly slice white and pale green parts and set aside. Add chopped scallion greens, ginger, garlic, 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise, and 1 tsp. salt to salmon and gently mix 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 hours.
• Meanwhile, mix sesame oil, 1 tsp. vinegar, remaining ⅔ cup mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl; set aside.
• Toss cucumbers with a pinch of salt in another small bowl. Massage with your hands for a few minutes to soften and expel liquid; discard liquid. Add chile, sugar, and 2 tsp. vinegar and toss to coat. Cover and chill pickles until ready to assemble burgers.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Remove salmon patties from refrigerator and sprinkle with 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 patties until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side (watch carefully; you don't want to overcook).
• Toss herbs, watercress, sesame seeds (if using), reserved white and pale green parts of scallions, remaining 1 tsp. vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Build burgers with buns, patties, herb mixture, pickles, and reserved sauce.

ASIAN SALMON BURGERS WITH WASABI MAYO

Steps:

• For Salmon Burgers:
• Cut the salmon into 2-inch chunks and put into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until the fish is broken down into a chunky puree. It should still have pebble-sized pieces (about ¼-inch) in it. Scrape into a bowl.
• Cut the root end from the green onions, slice in half lengthwise, turn them 90° and slice them very thinly. Put this into the bowl with the salmon, ½ cup of the panko bread crumbs, mayo, and pickled ginger liquid. Mix until uniform.
• Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Divide the salmon mixture into 8 mounds and form those mounds into patties that are ¾-inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours before cooking.
• Pour the remaining panko bread crumbs onto a plate. Gently lift and place each salmon patty on the bread crumbs, press down lightly to help the panko stick, flip the patties over and repeat.
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When it is very hot, add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl it to coat.
• Ease the panko crusted patties into the pan. A 12-inch pan should hold 4 patties at a time and still give you room to maneuver the spatula when it comes time to flip them. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the first side is deep golden brown. Carefully flip the patties using a wide spatula. Be cautious because the oil will want to splatter. Fry the second side for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and firm around the outer edges. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or platter. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat until you have fried all of the salmon burgers.
• For Wasabi Mayo:
• Put the mayo in a small bowl and use a fork or small whisk to stir in the wasabi paste, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste the mayo and adjust with more wasabi if you want a stronger flavor.
• To Serve the Salmon Burgers:
• If you're watching how much bread you eat, serve the Salmon Burgers on a tender lettuce leaf topped with a dollop of the Wasabi Mayo and any other optional toppings you'd like. If you want to eat it burger-style, put a patty on top of a toasted whole wheat bun, spread some wasabi mayo over the burger and top as desired.