Make Salmon Burgers If/When Your Kid Won’t Eat Fish
Still trying to land on that one salmon recipe your toddler will eat consistently? You know what to do: (salmon) burger it. In a patty shape, sandwiched in a bun, covered in condiments–well, anything is possible. Similar to the way we use sweet potato to liven up these salmon cakes, here avocado functions as a scene-stealing co-star, adding creaminess and blunting the fish’s taste and texture; cream cheese spread on the bun does the same, adding another layer of familiarity and smoothness. Don’t expect it to replace a hamburger among your child’s food favorites, but do leverage this recipe as a great option whenever you want–or, really, need–your child to eat fish.
- 1/2 Avocado
- Lime
- 6 oz Salmon (Canned or a fresh filet both can work)
- 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- Slider Buns
- Cream Cheese
- Mash the avocado until soft. Pour a generous squeeze of lime over it and mix.
- Mash salmon in same bowl as avocado until in several pieces and/or like a paste.
- Add in breadcrumbs and mix until blended. Form small patties with the mix and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat a pan to Medium, adding a small pool of oil at the center.
- Cook patty for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another two minutes.
- Lightly toast the buns, then spread cream cheese on one or both buns.
If using mini-burger buns, your toddler should be able to consume without the need to cut into small pieces (though do so as needed). We usually serve condiments on the side: better to have them dip than investigate what’s inside…
For a firmer patty, add an egg when mashing the avocado and salmon; you can also add minced vegetables, such as spinach and onion; whitefish will also work instead of salmon, and minced crabmeat, as in our crab cake recipe, is even better.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
