Leftovers, don’t you just love them? They really spur my creative thoughts. In this case, it was about 2 cups of leftover grilled fresh salmon from the night before. What to do with it? I wanted something warm (cold salmon salad didn’t do it for me on a crisp autumn night). I have had delicious fish croquettes made with leftover white fish and mashed potatoes. What about salmon and sweet potatoes? If I used yams they would have a lovely pink color. What do you think? It was worth a try. Success! I added some finely chopped Serrano chili to counter the sweetness and add a touch of heat.

Salmon and Sweet Potato Burgers

Salmon and Sweet Potato Burgers

• About 2 cups of leftover salmon, flaked (canned would probably work as well)
• 1 large cooked sweet potato or yam (or 2 smaller ones), removed from the skin and mashed
• 1 Serrano chili, seeded and shopped finely
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 4 finely chopped green onions
• Soy sauce, I used about 2 tablespoons
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• Panko for coating (I used gluten free Panko)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• For serving, sliced avocado and more chopped cilantro

Salmon and Sweet Potato Burgers

1. Combine the flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato, chili, cilantro, scallions, soy sauce and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Taste for seasoning before adding the beaten egg. You may need to add a bit more soy sauce or salt. Once to your liking, add the beaten egg.
2. Spread the panko (or bread crumbs) on a plate.
3. Form the salmon mixture into burger like portions with your hands, coat with the panko and place in a single layer on a plate. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
4. Heat a skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil, sauté the burgers for about 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve with avocado and more chopped cilantro.

Salmon Burgers