Shrimp burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger that you and your family can truly enjoy. With their light and fresh flavors, they offer a unique alternative to traditional beef or chicken patties. Making shrimp burgers at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthier.
Why We Love This Shrimp Burgers Recipe
The beauty of shrimp burgers lies in their simplicity and versatility. They come together quickly and require minimal ingredients, making cooking an easy and enjoyable experience. The texture is incredibly tender, and the fresh flavor of shrimp elevates the entire dish. By using fresh scallions and a zesty tartar sauce, you will experience a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, these shrimp burgers are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a summer cookout, or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Shrimp Burgers
To make mouthwatering shrimp burgers, gather the following ingredients:
- Panko Bread Crumbs: 1 cup
- Large Shrimp: 1 1/2 pounds (26 to 30 per pound), peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
- Scallions: 3, chopped finely
- Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Tartar Sauce: 1 cup
- Hamburger Buns: 4, toasted if desired
- Bibb Lettuce: 4 leaves
With these simple ingredients, you are well on your way to crafting a scrumptious meal!
How to Make Shrimp Burgers Directions
Cooking shrimp burgers from scratch is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed directions to create your delicious patties.
Prepare the Panko: Start by pulsing the panko bread crumbs in a food processor until they are finely ground. Aim for about 15 quick pulses. Once done, transfer the panko to a shallow dish to prepare for breading the patties later.
Process the Shrimp: Take one-third of the shrimp (approximately one cup) and place it into the now-empty food processor. Add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse this mixture until the shrimp is finely chopped, which should take around eight pulses.
Chop the Remaining Shrimp: Now, add the remaining shrimp to the processor and pulse again, but this time until it is coarsely chopped. You might need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step should take about four pulses.
Combine with Scallions: Transfer the chopped shrimp mixture into a bowl. Stir in the finely chopped scallions. The scallions will add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Form the Patties: Using your lightly moistened hands, divide the shrimp mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. It’s important to handle the mixture gently to keep the patties from becoming too dense.
Dredge in Panko: Take each patty and dredge it in the ground panko bread crumbs. Be sure to press lightly to ensure the panko adheres well to the mixture. Once coated, transfer the patties to a plate.
Heat the Oil: In a nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers. This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown crust on your shrimp burgers.
Cook the Patties: Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, cooking until they are golden brown on each side. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes per side. To ensure they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees.
Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the burgers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let them rest for about 30 seconds on each side to remove any excess oil.
Assemble Your Shrimp Burgers: Spread a generous amount of tartar sauce evenly on the bottom of each toasted burger bun. Place a shrimp patty on top, add a lettuce leaf, and cover it with the top half of the bun. Serve your delicious creation immediately and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Shrimp Burgers
Serving shrimp burgers is a delightful experience, as you can dress them up or keep them simple, depending on your preference. Consider serving your shrimp burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad for a light and satisfying meal. You may also want to put out some extra condiments for those who like to customize their flavors; options include spicy mayo, salsa, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus.
Consider pairing your shrimp burgers with refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water. The bubbly or citrusy drinks will balance the savory richness of the burgers, enhancing the overall dining experience. Enjoy your meal with family and friends; shrimp burgers are a perfect dish for gatherings!
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Burgers
Creating the perfect shrimp burger involves a few expert tips you can follow to ensure your patties turn out fantastic:
Use Fresh Shrimp: Always choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained before processing.
Don’t Over-Process: When chopping the shrimp, be careful not to over-process. You want a mix of finely chopped and coarsely chopped shrimp for the right texture.
Chill Before Cooking: If time allows, placing the formed patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help them firm up. This makes them easier to handle and reduces the chance of breaking during cooking.
Preheat the Pan: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties. This will help create that lovely golden crust and prevent sticking.
Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding other toppings like avocado, pickles, or tomatoes to customize the flavors to your liking. The shrimp burger can adapt to many delicious additions!
By following these tips, you’ll create flavorful and well-structured shrimp burgers every time.
How to Store Shrimp Burgers
If you find yourself with leftover shrimp burgers, there are simple ways to store them. Allow the cooked patties to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat the patties in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
If you anticipate having leftovers for longer, consider freezing the uncooked patties instead. Arrange the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. This method keeps them from sticking together, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To cook from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations of Shrimp Burgers
The great thing about shrimp burgers is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with various ingredients to create your ideal flavor profile. Here are some fantastic variations to consider:
Spicy Shrimp Burgers: Add more cayenne pepper or mix in some chopped jalapeños into the shrimp mixture for an extra kick.
Asian-Inspired Shrimp Burgers: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and garlic into the shrimp mixture. Top with a spicy sriracha mayo and serve on a sesame seed bun.
Mediterranean Shrimp Burgers: Add feta cheese and chopped olives. Serve with a yogurt and dill sauce for a fresh and tangy twist.
Herb-Infused Shrimp Burgers: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Veggie-Packed Shrimp Burgers: Add grated zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers into the mixture for added vegetables and moisture.
Feel free to let your creativity flow and make the dish your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Burgers
If you have questions about shrimp burgers, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you.
Can I use frozen shrimp for the shrimp burgers?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the shrimp before processing.
How do I know when the shrimp burgers are done?
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the patties reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Additionally, they should be golden brown on the outside.
Can I make shrimp burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.
What should I serve with shrimp burgers?
Serve your shrimp burgers with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious meal.
Shrimp Burgers
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Nonstick Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 scallions, chopped finely
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
- 1 cup tartar sauce for serving
- 4 hamburger buns toasted if desired
- 4 Bibb lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Pulse panko bread crumbs in a food processor until finely ground. Transfer to a shallow dish.
- Process one-third of the shrimp with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and cayenne until finely chopped.
- Add remaining shrimp and pulse until coarsely chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Transfer shrimp mixture to a bowl and stir in scallions.
- Form the mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties and dredge in the ground panko.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading tartar sauce on the buns, adding a shrimp patty and a lettuce leaf. Serve immediately.
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