This Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a fun twist on your regular burger. With golden shrimp coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s sure to make your taste buds happy!
Honestly, who can resist a burger that crunches? I love to pair it with a zesty sauce and fresh toppings. It’s a quick and tasty dinner that feels like a coastal getaway on your plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well here! If you can’t find shrimp, you could use fish filet, like cod or tilapia, as a substitute. Just cut them into smaller pieces.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a wonderful crunch! If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but they won’t be quite as crispy. You can even crush some cornflakes for a unique crunch.
Mayonnaise: I like using mayonnaise for its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great swap. You can also use vegan mayo if that fits your diet better.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp Patties?
The secret to a perfectly crispy shrimp burger lies in the breading process and frying temperature. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot, the patties will soak up oil and get greasy.
- Keep the shape of your patties uniform to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed, so the patties have room to fry without steaming each other.
Following these steps will help you achieve that golden-brown, crispy finish that’s the hallmark of a great shrimp burger!
How to Make a Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Patties:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 20 minutes to cook. You’ll want to allow 20-30 minutes for chilling the patties, giving you a delicious dinner ready in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Then, roughly chop the shrimp into coarse pieces—this will help form your patties.
2. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and set aside.
3. Shape the Patties:
Form the shrimp mixture into 4 equal patties. If you want them to hold together better, pop the patties in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
4. Set Up the Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one for the all-purpose flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. This will make breading the patties easy.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to make about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
6. Bread the Patties:
Take each shrimp patty and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for that delicious crunch.
7. Fry the Patties:
Carefully place the breaded patties in the hot oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown and thoroughly cooked. After frying, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Make the Sauce:
While the patties are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create your zesty sauce.
9. Assemble the Burgers:
To assemble your shrimp burgers, spread a generous amount of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun. Add a crispy shrimp patty on top, followed by a fresh lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. Cap it off with the top bun.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these deliciously crispy shrimp burgers immediately with your favorite fries or a side salad. Enjoy the crunch and zest!
Your crispy fried shrimp burger is ready to delight your taste buds, making for a fun and satisfying dinner!
FAQ for Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before using them. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can quickly thaw them in cold water by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging the bag in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
Can I Make These Patties in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp mixture and form the patties ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This can help the flavors meld together, and it’ll make dinner preparation easier!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Burgers?
Store any leftover shrimp patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can either briefly microwave them or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispiness. Just be careful not to overcook them!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work too, though they may not be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even crushed potato chips can give a delicious crunch to your shrimp burger!
