Shrimp burgers are a delicious, lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers that are perfect for summer. These easy shrimp burgers are loaded with flavor and have a delicious crunch from the chopped vegetables.
Follow this guide to learn how to make the best shrimp burgers at home with my simple recipe, helpful tips, and FAQs.
Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Burger
- Use fresh, raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Chop the shrimp into smaller pieces so the patties hold together better.
- Chill the formed patties in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before cooking to help them keep their shape.
- Brush both sides with olive oil before cooking for a nice browned exterior.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients, or the burgers will be dense. Gently mix just until combined.
- Cook over medium heat and flip the burgers carefully to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Don’t overcook, or the burgers will be rubbery. Cook just until opaque in the center.
- Serve on a toasted bun with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shrimp should I use?
Medium shrimp (36–40 per pound) or large shrimp (26–30 per pound) work best. Smaller shrimp can be too delicate and fall apart when forming the patties.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
It’s best to use fresh, raw shrimp, but if using frozen, thaw completely first and drain off any excess moisture before chopping.
Do I need to bread the patties?
Breadcrumbs are added to the shrimp mixture to help bind the patties together. For a crunchy panko coating, dredge the formed patties in panko before cooking.
What’s the best way to chop the shrimp?
Use a food processor to pulse into a coarsely chopped texture. Be careful not to overprocess into a paste.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Chilling formed patties before grilling helps them firm up. Use a vegetable grill basket or perforated foil to support delicate patties.
How can I add more flavor to the shrimp burgers?
Consider adding minced garlic, grated ginger, chili sauce, chopped herbs, or spices like cayenne, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning.
What bun works best for shrimp burgers?
Brioche, potato, or Hawaiian sweet rolls work well. The softness contrasts nicely with the shrimp patty. Or use a sturdy bun if adding lots of toppings.
shrimp burger recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp, coarsely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the shrimp.
- Chop the shrimp into smaller pieces so they are easier to form into patties. I recommend using a food processor to get the perfect texture. Pulse the shrimp 5–6 times until coarsely chopped. Be careful not to overprocess into a paste.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, egg, panko, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together well.
Step 3: Form the patties
- Form the shrimp mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly coat both sides of the patties with olive oil using a brush or your fingers. This helps achieve a nice browned crust when cooking.
Step 4: Cook the burgers.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the oiled shrimp patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, or the burgers will be rubbery.
Step 5: Toast the buns
- While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns in a toaster or skillet for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 6: Assemble and serve
- Place each shrimp patty on the bottom bun. Top with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy your tasty shrimp burgers!
Notes
- Raw shrimp vary in size. You may need to adjust the amount based on what you have on hand.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! Some ideas are minced garlic, ginger, hot sauce, cajun seasoning, chopped cilantro, or green onion.
- If you don't have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or smoked paprika.
- Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape better, but you can skip it if you're short on time. They may just be more delicate.
- Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the patties and the heat level. Adjust as needed.
- Try serving shrimp burgers on top of salad greens for a lighter meal. They're also great with slaw or crispy fries!
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.