Savory Shrimp Burgers Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh and flavorful twist on your classic burger, Savory Shrimp Burgers are here to impress.

These delicious patties are made from juicy shrimp, seasoned to perfection, and pan-seared until golden. With a lightly crispy exterior and a tender, seafood-packed center, they’re an excellent alternative to beef or chicken burgers—light, high in protein, and bursting with coastal charm.

Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even as a gourmet lunch, shrimp burgers are fast becoming a household favorite across kitchens looking for something deliciously different.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s:

• Light yet satisfying, with a delicate seafood flavor.
• Quick and easy—no need for fancy ingredients or equipment.
• Great for people who want to eat more seafood without going full-on fish.
• Customizable with spicy or herbaceous twists depending on your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A unique take on burgers—fresh, flavorful, and lean.
• Shrimp has a naturally tender texture that blends beautifully into patties.
• Easy to make ahead and ideal for pan-frying or grilling.
• Pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of toppings and sauces.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional but recommended): 15–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 30–45 minutes
• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories: ~300 kcal per burger patty (not including bun or toppings)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Patties:

• 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + celery salt)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings and Buns:

• 4 burger buns (brioche or whole wheat)
• Lettuce or arugula
• Sliced tomatoes
• Red onion rings
• Avocado slices
• Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Roughly chop 3/4 of the shrimp into small pieces.
2. Place the remaining 1/4 shrimp in a food processor and pulse into a paste. This acts as a binder for your patties.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • Shrimp pieces and shrimp paste
   • Panko breadcrumbs
   • Egg
   • Green onions
   • Mayonnaise
   • Mustard
   • Lemon juice
   • Minced garlic
   • Old Bay seasoning
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Mix gently until well combined—do not overwork.

Step 3: Form the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
2. Shape into patties about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
3. Optional: Place patties on a parchment-lined plate and chill for 15–30 minutes to help them firm up and hold shape.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 145°F / 63°C).
3. Remove and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Toast burger buns lightly for added texture.
• Spread your choice of sauce (tartar, spicy mayo, garlic aioli) on the bun.
• Add a shrimp patty and layer with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and onion.
• Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.

Additional Recipe Tips and Variations

Tips:

• Use fresh or thawed raw shrimp—avoid precooked shrimp.
• Chilling the patties helps prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp patties—they cook fast and can dry out quickly.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or sriracha to the mixture.
• Herbed Version: Add chopped dill, parsley, or cilantro.
• Low-Carb: Skip the bun and serve patties over greens with lemon vinaigrette.
• Grilled: Grill patties on a well-oiled grill or grill pan for 3–4 minutes per side.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results.

Freezing:

• Uncooked Patties: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook from frozen or thaw before cooking.
• Cooked Patties: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently in a pan.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender (for shrimp paste)
• Mixing bowl
• Nonstick skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Optional: Parchment paper (for chilling patties)

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed, drained, and patted dry before using.

Q: Can I bake the shrimp burgers?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free panko and serve without a bun or on a gluten-free bun for a GF version.

Q: Can I make mini versions for sliders or appetizers?
A: Absolutely—form smaller patties and reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Savory Shrimp Burgers are a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional burgers. With juicy, flavorful shrimp seasoned to perfection and cooked into golden, crisp-edged patties, this dish is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for seafood lovers and burger enthusiasts alike, these burgers are easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite. Try them once, and they might just replace your go-to burger night meal!