If you love seafood and crave something crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, this Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger will be your next favorite comfort food. Imagine juicy shrimp patties, seasoned to perfection, coated in golden breadcrumbs, and fried until irresistibly crunchy—then stacked on a soft bun with tangy sauce and crisp lettuce. It’s everything you love about fried shrimp, turned into a hearty, restaurant-quality sandwich you can make at home. I tried this recipe using a mix of large shrimp and a touch of mayonnaise for moisture, and the result was an unbelievably light yet meaty patty. Whether you serve it for a weekend lunch or a casual dinner, this burger delivers pure seafood bliss in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp burger is crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of fresh flavor. It’s easier than you think—no fancy equipment or deep fryer required. The combination of juicy shrimp, crisp coating, and flavorful toppings makes it a satisfying alternative to beef burgers. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—pair it with spicy mayo, coleslaw, or avocado for your perfect bite.
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Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger: The Ultimate Seafood Sandwich Indulgence
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Fried Shrimp Burgers are golden, crunchy patties made from juicy shrimp mixed with seasonings, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Served on soft buns with creamy sauce and fresh toppings, they’re a seafood lover’s dream — crispy outside, tender inside.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Tomato slices, for serving
- Tartar sauce or spicy mayo, for topping
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry, then roughly chop half of them and finely mince the other half for texture.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Mix until a sticky mixture forms.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each patty in flour, dip in egg, then coat generously with panko.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Fry shrimp patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast burger buns lightly, then spread with tartar sauce or spicy mayo.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, and the crispy shrimp patty. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add chopped green onions or cilantro to the shrimp mix for extra flavor.
- Make smaller patties for sliders or seafood sandwiches.
- Pair with coleslaw or fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American / Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the show. Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Egg – Helps bind the shrimp mixture into firm patties that hold up while frying.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping the patties juicy.
Breadcrumbs (Panko) – Give the burgers their irresistible crispy exterior.
Garlic – Adds savory depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Green onions – Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the mix.
Soy sauce – Adds a subtle umami punch that complements the shrimp’s sweetness.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that balance and enhance every flavor.
Flour – Helps the coating stick and forms a crisp outer layer when fried.
Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for even, golden frying.
Burger buns – Soft and lightly toasted to hold all the delicious components.
Lettuce and tomato – For freshness and a bit of crunch in every bite.
Spicy mayo or tartar sauce – The perfect finishing touch for richness and tang.
Directions
- Prepare the shrimp: Roughly chop half the shrimp and finely mince the rest to create texture. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the patties: Add egg, mayonnaise, minced garlic, soy sauce, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
- Shape the patties: Form the mixture into equal-sized patties (about 4 for a standard batch). Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Coat for frying: Dredge each patty lightly in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat generously in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the buns lightly. Spread spicy mayo or tartar sauce on both halves. Layer lettuce, tomato, and the crispy shrimp patty. Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burgers and takes about 35 minutes total—20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.
Storage/reheating
Store cooked shrimp patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunch.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Burger – Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes to the shrimp mix for a fiery southern kick.
Asian-Inspired Shrimp Burger – Add grated ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil to the patty mixture, then top with sriracha mayo and pickled cucumbers.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Burger – Brush the fried patties with garlic butter before assembling for an indulgent twist.
Avocado Shrimp Burger – Add slices of ripe avocado and a squeeze of lime for a creamy, fresh balance.
Cheesy Shrimp Burger – Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the shrimp mixture for extra richness.
Baked Shrimp Burger – Bake patties at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for a lighter version.
Lettuce-Wrapped Burger – Skip the bun and wrap your shrimp patty in crisp iceberg or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
Tempura-Style Shrimp Burger – Coat the patties in tempura batter instead of breadcrumbs for a light, airy crunch.
Shrimp and Crab Burger – Combine chopped crab meat with shrimp for a luxurious seafood blend.
Sweet Chili Shrimp Burger – Glaze the cooked patties with sweet chili sauce for a tangy-sweet finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before chopping.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Chilling them before frying and using enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) helps them hold their shape.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, pulse the shrimp mixture briefly—don’t overblend or it will become paste-like.
What oil is best for frying?
Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil work best for even, crisp frying.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
What toppings go best?
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, coleslaw, and spicy mayo are great options.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, form the patties in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Double-coat the patties in Panko breadcrumbs and fry in small batches.
Are shrimp burgers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well?
Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp cabbage slaw for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger combines the best of both worlds—crunchy fried seafood and the comfort of a hearty sandwich. It’s a fun, flavorful twist on the classic burger that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you keep it simple or load it with toppings, each bite bursts with juicy shrimp flavor and satisfying crunch. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a taste of the coast without leaving your kitchen.
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