Shrimp Burger Recipe

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This Shrimp Burgers recipe is perfect for seafood lovers! The patties are seasoned with Old Bay, smoked paprika, and lemon pepper for ultimate flavor. From there, the cakes are cooked with a crispy crust and juicy interior. This dish is ready in 15 minutes and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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These burgers offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, as shrimp is a low-fat and high-protein source of nutrition. They are also a great way to enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of seafood in a fun and easy-to-eat format.

I’ve had the Trader Joe’s shrimp burgers and they are not good. I was so disappointed. I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s but they mixed the mark. They taste super processed. I couldn’t finish them after my first bite. I filed that away and eventually came up with this recipe!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Flavor and Texture: Shrimp burgers have a unique taste and a delicate texture that sets them apart. The shrimp’s natural sweetness and tenderness make for a flavorful and juicy burger.
• Healthier Option: Seafood is lower in fat compared to beef, making these a lighter and potentially healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their red meat intake.
• Versatility: They can be seasoned with various herbs, spices, and ingredients like garlic, cilantro, lemon zest, or chili flakes to create diverse flavor profiles.
• Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks relatively quickly compared to some meats, reducing the overall cooking time required to prepare the burger patties.
• Customization: They can be combined with different ingredients such as breadcrumbs, chopped vegetables, or binders like egg or mayonnaise to tailor the texture and taste to personal preferences.

What Type of Shrimp to Use

The best type to use is peeled, and deveined shrimp. This will save you a ton of time. This is one of the few times I use the wild-caught shrimp from Butcher Box. The quality is great! The size is a little bit small for most shrimp recipes and meals I prepare. These aren’t jumbo shrimp, but you don’t need jumbo shrimp for this recipe because you’re going to chop and dice the shrimp during the preparation.

You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before using them. If you are using fresh shrimp, be sure to check them for any signs of spoilage, such as a strong odor or discoloration.

If you choose shrimp that isn’t peeled or deveined, be sure to do this first. Deveined shrimp are shrimp that have had their digestive tract, or “vein,” removed. The vein is a dark, thin line that runs along the back of the shrimp.

Undeveined shrimp are shrimp that have not had their digestive tract removed. Deveining shrimp is a simple process that can be done by making a shallow cut down the back of the shrimp with a small, sharp knife and then removing the vein with the tip of the knife.

How to Season/Spices to Use

Your favorite seafood spices and blends will work best. I use a combination of Old Bay, Smoked Paprika, and Lemon Pepper.

How to Prepare the Shrimp

You will need to chop the shrimp into two separate groups of small pieces. Half of the shrimp will need to be diced finely, you can either chop them by hand or use a food processor. The other half of the shrimp can be loosely diced into chunks about 1 inch each.

There are a couple of reasons why it’s best to use finely chopped shrimp along with larger 1-inch chunks of shrimp.

• Finely chopped shrimp will give the burgers a more tender and juicy texture. If you only use large chunks of shrimp, they can become tough and dry.
• A combination of finely chopped and loosely chopped shrimp will help to bind the other ingredients in the burgers together. This will help to prevent the burgers from falling apart when you cook them.
• This method also cooks more quickly than whole or large pieces, which can help ensure that the burger is cooked through without overcooking or burning the outside.

Once the shrimp are chopped, you will need to mix them with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, you will need to form the shrimp mixture into patties.

How to Make Shrimp Burgers

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Dice half of the shrimp into small pieces about an inch thick. For the remaining half of the shrimp finely dice it into bits or use a food processor to get the job done.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped and finely diced shrimp, spices, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix to combine the ingredients.
3. Use wet hands to form the mixture into 4 patties or whatever size you would like them to be.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
5. Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp burgers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the burgers are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Sticky Burgers

The burgers will be really sticky while you are handling them and forming patties. Shrimp has a high protein content. When shrimp is ground up, the proteins in the shrimp come into contact with each other and form a sticky bond.

Here are some tips to deal with sticky shrimp while forming the patties:

• Pat the shrimp dry: Before chopping the shrimp for the burger patty, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Use wet hands when handling the mixture: While forming the patties wet your hands. You may need to wet them again in between each patty.
• Be sure to use breadcrumbs noted in the recipe: Adding breadcrumbs to the mixture can help absorb some of the moisture and make the patty less sticky.
• Chill the mixture: If your mixture is too sticky to handle, after mixing the burger ingredients together, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help firm it up and make it easier to handle.
• Preheat and grease your pan: Make sure to preheat your skillet and use oil to prevent the burger from sticking.

Do You Have to Use Eggs to Form the Patties

Eggs are used as a binding agent. They are used similarly to how you would prepare meatloaf, crab cakes, etc. You can omit the eggs, but you will likely struggle to form patties and keep them together while cooking.

What Type of Pan to Use

I always use a cast iron skillet. It cooks them perfectly with a little char and sear on top just how I like it. Here are some options:

• Cast iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan: Cast iron skillets are a great option because they heat evenly and can withstand high heat. This is important because shrimp burgers cook quickly and need to be cooked over medium-high heat to prevent them from becoming tough. Cast iron skillets also develop a natural seasoning over time, which helps to prevent food from sticking.
• Nonstick skillet: They are easy to clean and prevent food from sticking. However, nonstick skillets can be damaged by high heat, so it is important to use medium-high heat when cooking shrimp burgers in a nonstick skillet.
• Grill pan: Grill pans are a great option for this recipe. They give the burgers a nice smoky flavor and grill marks.

How to Use an Air Fryer

You can air fry the patties at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes. Flip halfway through.

How to Tell When They’re Done Cooking

Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Ensure that the shrimp has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer. You can also check out our guide on How to Tell if Shrimp is Cooked here.

What to Put on the Burger/Topping Ideas

• Spicy mayo
• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess and a touch of healthy fat
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky flavor and crunch.
• Pickled onion
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can add a nice crunch and texture.
• Cheese: Melted cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack or feta can add richness and flavor.
• Pineapple Mango Salsa: A sweet and tangy salsa adds a fresh and tropical touch to the burger.
• Guacamole: A spoonful of guacamole on top of the burger can add an extra dose of creaminess, and flavor.
• Crispy onion rings: Crispy fried onion rings add a satisfying crunch.
• Arugula or lettuce: Adding a few leaves of arugula or lettuce provides freshness and balance.

Spicy Mayo

For the spicy mayo, I combined 1 tablespoon of mayo with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. I use Louisiana or Sriracha. Adjust the ratio and measurements to suit your taste.

How to Store

Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days in the fridge.

How to Reheat

You can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or on a grill at 350 degrees until warm. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stove with a little bit of oil. I would avoid the microwave because you risk the texture drying out and becoming rubbery.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the burgers tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. Defrost the burgers in the fridge.

Pair With These Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Green Beans
Traeger Smoked Baked Beans
Smothered Potatoes and Onions
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Smoked Fish Dip

Check out our posts, Side Dishes with Shrimp Tacos and Side Dishes for Shrimp for ideas for pairing.

More Shrimp Recipes

Blackened Shrimp
Creamy Shrimp and Corn Chowder with Potatoes
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Creamy Shrimp Risotto
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas
Steak and Shrimp Surf and Turf