This Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a fun twist on your typical burger! It features juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy breading, making each bite crispy and delicious.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist the combination of shrimp and a toasty bun! I love piling on fresh toppings like lettuce and sauce for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp have the best texture for these patties. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work too! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before using.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light and crunchy coating. If you’re out, try regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be as crispy. Gluten-free panko is also an option if you want a gluten-free meal!
Mayonnaise: Most recipes use mayo for creaminess. If you prefer, swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or use vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
Spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices as you like! I sometimes add a dash of lemon zest to give it a fresh flavor. If you’re not into spice, skip the cayenne pepper.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Patties Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about how you coat and fry the patties. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your shrimp are well-dried before breading. Any moisture can make the coating soggy.
- When breading, be sure to press the panko firmly onto the shrimp so it sticks well.
- Fry in hot oil! This helps form the crispy crust quickly. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the patties will absorb more oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
With these tips, your shrimp patties will turn out beautifully crispy every time!
Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 4 leaves of lettuce (butter or romaine works well)
- 4 slices of tomato
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- Optional: pickles or sliced red onion for extra topping
Time Estimate:
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing your ingredients and forming the patties, and another 15 minutes frying and assembling the burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like. Set it aside for later!
2. Prep the Shrimp:
Chop the peeled and deveined shrimp into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to form patties. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
In one shallow bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until combined. In a third bowl, have the panko breadcrumbs ready.
4. Form the Shrimp Patties:
Using your hands, take the chopped shrimp and form them into 4 even patties, ensuring they are about the same size as your burger buns. Press them firmly so they stick together well.
5. Coat the Patties:
Take each patty and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
6. Fry the Patties:
Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp patties in the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels once cooked.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of the mayo sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a crispy shrimp patty on top, followed by a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato. If you like, add more sauce on the top bun before closing the burger.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious shrimp burgers immediately with your favorite fries or salad on the side. Enjoy the burst of flavors and that delightful crunch!
Bon appétit! Your crispy, juicy shrimp burger is ready to be devoured! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that they are completely thawed before chopping. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Make These Shrimp Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry them as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Burgers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the patties in a hot skillet until warmed through, or for a crispier texture, reheat them in an oven or air fryer.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs; however, they won’t be as crunchy. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
Feel free to enjoy this crispy shrimp burger with confidence and flexibility!
