Asian Salmon Burgers with Asian Cucumber Relish and Fried Sesame Wontons Strips (Emeril Lagasse) Recipe

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white, soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the salmon, 1/4 cup of the panko, and the green onions and mix. Form into 4 equal patties.
3. Place the remaining panko in a shallow dish. Dredge the patties in the panko to coat evenly on both sides.
4. In a large, non-stick ovenproof skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the salmon patties and cook for 1 minute. Turn, place in the oven and cook until medium-rare, about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven.
5. In a bowl, toss together the mesclun, julienned shizu leaves and the olive oil, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture among 4 plates and place the salmon burgers in the center. Top with the cucumber relish and garnish with the wonton strips and cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.
6. Asian Cucumber Relish:
7. 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, julienned cucumber
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/4 cup peeled, julienned daikon
10. 1/4 cup peeled, julienned carrot
11. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
12. 2 teaspoons fish sauce
13. 2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
14. 1 teaspoon mirin
15. 1 teaspoon minced Thai chile, or other red chile
16. Toss cucumbers with salt in colander. Place colander in sink or over bowl and let stand 15 minutes. Press down on cucumbers to release moisture. Rinse, drain and pat dry.
17. Combine cucumbers with remaining ingredients. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Serve on top of Asian Salmon Burgers.
18. Yield: about 1 cup
19. Fried Sesame Wonton Strips:
20. 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
21. 1 teaspoon salt
22. 5 cups vegetable oil
23. 20 wonton skins
24. 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
25. In a small bowl, stir together sesame seeds and salt.
26. In a heavy 5-quart pot, heat the oil to 360 degrees F.
27. Brush 1 side of each wrapper with the cornstarch mixture and sprinkle on both sides with the seeds. Cut the wrappers into 1/4-inch strips and add to the oil in batches. Fry until crisp and golden, about 30 seconds. (Some seeds will fall off during frying.)
28. Remove and drain on paper towels and season lightly with additional salt. Serve as a garnish for the salmon burgers.
29. Yield: 4 servings