Chipotle Salmon Burgers

Manami's Note:

These are truly awesome! These burgers are rather fragile, so use a grill pan or a nonstick skillet. The patties should be shaped up to 8 hrs in advance & refrigerated, so the flavors can marry and cook just before serving. We used whole-wheat English muffins but ciabatta rolls or sesame hamburger buns will be fine. Cooking Light Magazine, June 2008 edition. Not accounted for in instructions.

• Total Time: 32 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

MAYONNAISE

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mango
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh pineapple
• 1⁄8; teaspoon finely grated lime rind

BURGERS

• 1⁄3; cup chopped green onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle chile , in adobo sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ lbs salmon fillets , skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• cooking spray
• 4 English muffins
• 4 butter lettuce leaves

Directions:

1. PREPARE MAYONNAISE:.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor or blender; process until smooth.
3. Transfer to a bowl; cover and chill.
4. PREPARE BURGERS:.
5. Place onions, 1/4 cup cilantro, chile, and juice in a food processor; process until finely chopped.
6. Add salt and salmon; pulse 4 times or until salmon is coarsely ground and mixture is well blended.
7. Divide salmon mixture into 4 equal portions; shape each portion into a (1-inch-thick) patty.
8. Cover and chill 30 minutes. (The longer you wait the better!).
9. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
10. Coat pan with cooking spray.
11. Add patties to pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
12. Wipe skillet with paper towels; recoat with cooking spray.
13. Place 2 muffins, cut sides down, in pan; cook 2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
14. Repeat procedure with cooking spray and remaining muffins.
15. Place 1 muffin bottom on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 lettuce leaf and 1 patty.
16. Spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise mixture over each patty; place 1 muffin top on each serving.