This Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a fun twist on a classic! With crunchy shrimp patties and soft buns, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
What’s not to love? I usually pile on lots of toppings, like lettuce and spicy mayo. Trust me, it’s a great way to impress your friends—or just enjoy a tasty meal at home! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp are best for this burger. If you’re in a hurry, frozen shrimp will work too—just make sure to thaw them properly. Alternatively, you can use crab or even fish fillets for a different flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give a great crunch! If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but your burger might not be as crispy. Try crushing some cornflakes or potato chips for an extra crunch instead.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a minute.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base adds flavor. Swap it with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you want a lighter or plant-based option.
How Can I Get My Shrimp Patties Extra Crispy?
To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, follow these steps when preparing the patties:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal. You can test it by dropping a small piece of batter in the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Try to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches if needed, as this prevents the temperature from dropping and keeps the patties crispy.
- Let the fried patties rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels, if possible. This allows air to circulate around them and keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
With these tips, your fried shrimp burger will shine with crispy goodness! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Patties:
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembling the Burger:
- 2 burger buns, toasted
- 2 large lettuce leaves
- 2 slices tomato
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. You can have this delicious burger ready to enjoy in about 25 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by roughly chopping the shrimp into small pieces. If you prefer, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to create a chunky shrimp mixture. This step gives the patties a nice texture!
2. Make the Shrimp Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix! Now, form the shrimp mixture into two patties that are about the same size as your burger buns.
3. Set Up Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In the third dish, put the panko breadcrumbs. This makes for an efficient breading process!
4. Bread the Patties:
Take each shrimp patty and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the patty into the egg mixture, followed by a thorough coating of panko breadcrumbs. This will give the shrimp burger its crispy texture when fried!
5. Fry the Shrimp Patties:
In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot (test by dropping a breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place the shrimp patties in the oil. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This creamy sauce will add great flavor to your burger!
7. Assemble the Burger:
Take the toasted burger buns and spread a generous amount of the mayonnaise sauce on both the top and bottom. On the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. Add the crispy shrimp patty on top, then cover it with the top bun.
8. Serve:
Your crispy shrimp burger is now ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, and if you like, pair it with a side of French fries or your favorite chips.
Enjoy your crispy, crunchy, and flavorful shrimp burger!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to fully thaw them before preparing. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free shrimp burger, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Look for gluten-free flour blends and panko specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Can I Prepare the Shrimp Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the shrimp patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before frying. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked shrimp patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
