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If you’re looking for a seafood recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home, these shrimp burgers are about to become your new favorite dinner. They’re juicy, flavorful, slightly crispy on the outside, and piled high with fresh toppings on a toasted bun.
Unlike traditional beef burgers, shrimp burgers are light yet satisfying — perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. The secret is using chopped shrimp instead of fully pureeing it, which gives the burgers an incredible texture.
Serve them with fries, slaw, or a fresh salad for a meal that tastes straight from a coastal seafood shack.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Burgers
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Crispy exterior with tender shrimp inside
- Packed with garlic, herbs, and fresh lemon flavor
- Easy to customize with toppings and sauces
- Great alternative to traditional burgers
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Burgers
1 ½ pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Herb Aioli
½ cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Brioche buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Red onion
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools makes these burgers much easier to prepare:
- A good food processor for chopping shrimp evenly
- A cast iron skillet for getting a golden crust
- A fish spatula for flipping delicate seafood burgers
How to Make Shrimp Burgers
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Roughly chop about two-thirds of the shrimp into small chunks and pulse the remaining third in a food processor until it forms a paste-like consistency.
This combination creates burgers that hold together well while still having juicy bites of shrimp throughout.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chopped shrimp
- Shrimp paste
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Old Bay seasoning
- Lemon zest
- Parsley
Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into 4 burger patties. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Herb Aioli
Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Toast the brioche buns lightly, then layer with lettuce, shrimp burgers, tomato, onion, pickles, and a generous spoonful of garlic herb aioli.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Burgers
- Don’t Overprocess the Shrimp
- You want texture, not a paste. Leave some chunky pieces for the best bite.
- Chill Before Cooking
- If your patties are too soft, chilling them helps them stay together.
- Use Fresh Shrimp
- Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp both work beautifully.
- Toast the Buns
- A toasted brioche bun adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
Topping Ideas
Try customizing your shrimp burgers with:
- Avocado slices
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Pineapple slaw
- Pepper jack cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Mango salsa
What to Serve with Shrimp Burgers
These burgers pair perfectly with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Pasta salad
- Cucumber salad
- Air fryer potato wedges
These items can help make preparation easier:
- Air fryer
- Mandoline slicer
- Baking sheets (Affiliate Link)
- Burger press (Affiliate Link)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Grill Shrimp Burgers?
Yes, but they can be delicate. Chilling the patties first helps them hold together better on the grill.
Can I Freeze Them?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Final Thoughts
These homemade shrimp burgers are crispy, juicy, and packed with fresh coastal flavor. Whether you’re making them for a summer barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Once you try them, you may never go back to regular burgers again.
