Take it away-home made "Fake away" Thai salmon burger

Ditch the dodgy takeaways and make your own homemade versions instead. 

Healthier, cheaper and far tastier, too.

"Salmon is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory to the body and critical for good health. Omega-3s support the body’s health in every way and are vital in the fight against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Omega 3′s also help to lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, nourish the immune system and reduce symptoms of arthritis and depression".

Most of us know we should be eating oily fish due to its range of health benefits, but can't stomach the taste.If I read one more article about the health benefits of my least favorite fish, I honestly cannot be held accountable for my actions.By now, we know from every magazine, newspaper, television and vitamin commercial that the almighty salmon is healthy to eat and it has antioxidants. We see that everywhere, hear about that from friends, family, doctors, hairdressers.Well, salmon is one of the best sources – a 100g serving can give you around 2000mg of omega-3, so it’s hard to beat.
I am trying to eat a healthier diet these days and of course, wild salmon is always recommended as one of the best foods you can eat for good nutrition. The problem is, I don't really like the taste of salmon.So how can I disguise the taste of it? 

Home made curry

We are all aware that we should be eating oily fish due to its range of health benefits but can't stomach the taste.With a bit of imagination and culinary artistry there are several ways to disguise the taste without a layer of ketchup in sight.I am going down the route of trying to make some of my favourite takeaway dishes at home......"fakeaways" they´re called.We all make curries at least once a week and maybe make our own slant on a fish and chip supper.Kebabs are easy, and so too egg fried rice dishes.Its so easy to make your own spring rolls.Self endorsed pizzas are the ultimate TV dinner.Custom made with no waiting time, and fresh and hot out of your own oven. Once you put your mind to it there are  stacks of 'fakeaways'  that save you cash and satisfy your cravings.First up I have tried a Thai style salmon burger with home made cucumber and coriander relish.For the salmon sceptics amongst us I defy anyone to not like salmon after eating these.They are an easy way to enjoy oily fish.  and are a delicious alternative to standard ground beef or pork burgers.As with any burger, they are delicious piled on top of a soft, buttery bun, topped with all your favourite toppings. Instead of the usual lettuce topped burger, however, I stuck with the Thai flavours of the salmon burgers and made a cucumber and coriander relish.You could make a Thai Cabbage Slaw instead.
Thai-style salmon burger
with cucumber and coriander relish

adapted from a recipe by Donna Hay
Makes 4
½ cup (100g) brown rice
1 cup (250ml) water
1 stalk lemongrass (white part only), roughly chopped
1 long red chilli, chopped
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes 
2 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
2 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
½ cup coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve
500g skinless salmon fillets, cut into 2cm pieces

CUCUMBER AND CORIANDER RELISH

1 Lebanese cucumber, seeds removed and chopped

1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 teaspoon honey
Place the rice and water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until almost tender. Remove from the heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes or until tender. 

While the rice is cooking, preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the lemongrass, chilli, garlic, fish sauce and soya sauce in a small food processor and process until finely chopped. Place in a large bowl, add the salt, kaffir lime leaves, onion, coriander, salmon and rice and mix well to combine. Place ½ cup of the mixture in the food processor and process until finely chopped. Return to the salmon mixture and mix well to combine. 

Place dollops of the mixture on 2 large lightly greased oven trays lined with non-stick baking paper and flatten into burgers. Cook, turning halfway, for 8 minutes or until golden. 

To make the cucumber coriander relish, place the cucumber, coriander, lime juice, fish sauce and honey  in a small processor and blitz  to combine. Serve the fish cakes with the relish on the side and potato sticks.