Salmon Burgers With Herb Aïoli

From Fine Cooking 105 , pp. 22 May 6, 2010

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  small garlic cloves
•  kosher salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups mayonnaise
• 1⁄3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 5  brioche bread or 5  hamburger buns, 1 cut into large cubes, the other 4 split
• 1  lb salmon fillet, skinless, preferably wild, pin bones removed, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 2  ounces butter, unsalted

Directions

1. Chop the garlic. Using the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Transfer the garlic paste to a small bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, chives, dill, mustard, lemon juice, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoons pepper, and salt to taste. Set the aïoli aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse the cubed bun into crumbs. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumbs and save the rest for another use. Pulse the salmon until coarsely chopped, about 5 pulses. Transfer the salmon to a medium bowl and stir in 3/4 cup of the aïoli, the reserved breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper. Shape into four 1-inch-thick patties.
3. Heat 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When melted and hot (but not smoking or brown), add the patties and cook until they are firm and each side is crisp and golden-brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, position a rack 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. Brush it on the insides of the split buns. Put the buns on a baking sheet, butter side up, and toast under the broiler until light goldenbrown, 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Serve the burgers on the buns, spread with the remaining aïoli.
6. Serving Suggestions.
7. Serve with a deeply spiced, aromatic Chickpea and Spinach Salad.