Nothing says Fourth of July Fish Friday like a juicy, flame-kissed BBQ Fish Burger that’s both festive and fin-tastic. Whether you’re hosting a star-spangled backyard bash or fueling up before (or after) a dive, this bold, flavorful burger brings the fireworks straight to your taste buds.
Why BBQ Fish Burgers Deserve a Spot on Your July 4th Grill
- They’re lighter than beef, perfect for those hot summer days when you crave a BBQ-style Fish Burger.
- Packed with protein to keep you powered for fireworks, frisbee, or floating around on an inflatable eagle
- Wildly versatile, you can go classic American or dive into tropical, spicy, or smoky vibes
Ingredients: Freedom Between Two Buns
For the fish patties:
- 1 lb fresh white fish (like halibut, cod, or mahi mahi), finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (for that zing of liberty)
Optional add-ins for maximum burger brilliance:
- 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- Dash of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy like the founding fathers
For the patriotic toppings:
- Red: Sliced tomato or red pepper relish
- White: Garlic aioli or tartar sauce
- Blue(ish): Blueberry-herb slaw or pickled blue onions (I usually add blue food colouring to my slaw)
Other essentials:
- Toasted buns (bonus points if you grill ‘em)
- Lettuce, arugula, or coleslaw mix (if you chose onions instead of slaw in the last step) for your BBQ Fish Burger.
- American cheese (optional, but c’mon – it’s the 4th!)
Grill Instructions: Stars, Stripes, and Sear Marks
- Mix all your patty ingredients together until just combined. Don’t overmix – treat that fish with respect!
- Form 4 patties and chill them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes so they hold together like true patriots.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates so your burgers don’t pull a Benedict Arnold and stick.
- Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden with slight char marks and cooked through (internal temp: 145°F).
- Add cheese in the last minute if using, and toast buns on your BBQ, fish burger-friendly grill for about 1 minute.
Build Your Burger Like You’re Constructing a Nation
- Bottom bun
- A dollop of tartar or aioli (white for independence!)
- Leafy greens
- Glorious fish patty
- Tomato slice or red relish (for that “red glare”)
- Pickled onions or slaw for the famous BBQ Fish Burger.
- Top bun, pressed down proudly
Tips for a Legendary Fourth of July BBQ Fish Friday
- Pair with grilled corn on the cob, watermelon wedges, or a red-white-and-blue fruit salad
- Serve with nautical napkins or mini flag toothpicks for extra flair alongside your BBQ Fish Burger.
- Blast some beachy tunes and let the vibes ride the tide
Don’t Forget to Snap It Before You Snack It!
Post your patriotic patties with #FourthOfJulyFishFriday and tag @AngryOctopusDiving for a chance to be featured!
Craving more underwater-inspired eats? Dive into a new Fish Friday recipe every week right here on AngryOctopusDiving.com, where the grill’s hot, the ocean’s salty, and the seafood’s always fresh.
Until next tide, stay wet, stay safe, keep one eye on the grill and the other on the seagulls!
Angry Octopus Out!
