Shrimp Burgers are pure summer joy packed into a bun: juicy, succulent shrimp seasoned and formed into golden patties, snuggled with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and a zesty sauce. My friends beg for this recipe on every warm-weather get-together, and for good reason! The delicate flavor of the shrimp, the crisp crunch from panko, and the hit of lemon and Old Bay combine in a way that’s both comforting and unexpectedly fresh. This is one of those dishes you’ll want to return to again and again—whether you’re firing up the stovetop for a weeknight dinner or dazzling a backyard crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Shrimp Burgers lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for the pleasure it brings, from savory shrimp to a bright hit of lemon. Stick to these essentials, and you’ll nail the flavors, textures, and that irresistible visual appeal.

Raw shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The fresh, sweet, and delicate star flavor—get good quality, as it shapes the whole burger!
Panko breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These flaky Japanese breadcrumbs create the perfect light crispness and keep the burgers tender.
Green onions (2, finely chopped): They add a mild, fresh bite and gorgeous flecks of green.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Essential for moisture and a subtle richness that carries every flavor.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A punch of savory tang that compliments the shrimp beautifully.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): That citrus pop makes the whole burger taste brighter and fresher.
Garlic clove (1, minced): Brings a hint of warmth and complexity to the mix.
Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Seafood and Old Bay are a match made in heaven—you’ll taste why instantly.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up every ingredient but not overwhelm the delicate shrimp.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a bit of background warmth and peppery flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): Enough to get a golden crust on your patties without extra heaviness.
Burger buns (4): Go brioche or classic sandwich roll, and toast lightly for a little extra magic.
Lettuce leaves: Fresh crunch—Romaine or butter lettuce both work marvelously.
Sliced tomato: Juicy and sweet, makes every bite taste like summer.
Tartar sauce or aioli: Don’t skip this! It’s the perfect cool, tangy finish—homemade or your favorite store-bought.

How to Make Shrimp Burgers

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels—too much moisture makes the burgers fall apart later. Take half of the shrimp and pulse it in a food processor until it forms a chunky, sticky paste. This acts as your burger’s binding force. The remaining shrimp should be chopped into small pieces for bites of beautifully textured seafood in every mouthful.

Step 2: Mix Up the Patty Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp paste and chopped shrimp. Add in the panko breadcrumbs, green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently—overmixing makes the patties dense and less juicy. You want to see bits of shrimp and flecks of green onion for that rustic, homemade look.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the shrimp mixture into four equal amounts. Use wet hands to form them into patties about the size of your burger buns. If things get sticky, a quick rinse under cool water helps. Chill the patties for a few minutes if you have time—it helps them hold their shape.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Burgers

Heat your olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, gently lay in the patties. Let them sear without fussing for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The key is to not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. You’re looking for a firm, juicy texture—shrimp overcooks fast, so keep a close eye.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

While the patties cook, slice and toast your buns until lightly golden. Layer each bottom bun with lettuce, tomato, the hot shrimp patty, and a generous spoonful of tartar sauce or aioli. Crown with the top bun, and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Shrimp Burgers

Garnishes

A good garnish takes Shrimp Burgers from tasty to unforgettable. Layer up with crisp lettuce for freshness, thick slices of summer tomato for sweetness, and don’t forget a tangle of crunchy red onion if you love extra bite. Sprigs of dill or chives scattered over the sauce make the whole burger look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Classic sides make a plate of Shrimp Burgers a complete meal. Try thick-cut oven fries, a tangy coleslaw with extra lemon, or good old-fashioned potato chips for crunch. For something lighter, toss up a green salad with shaved fennel and citrus segments—the brightness pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Shrimp Burgers love a good party twist! Serve as sliders on mini buns for appetizers, or ditch the bun and nestle a patty atop a salad for a gluten-free version. For a summery family table, set up a burger bar with all the fixings and let everyone stack their own. Little details, big smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Shrimp Burgers (lucky you!), pop the patties into an airtight container once cooled and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble with fresh buns and garnishes just before serving for the best experience.

Freezing

To get ahead for busy nights, shape the patties and freeze them raw, separated by parchment paper, for up to a month. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed as normal. Cooked patties can be frozen too, but for best texture and flavor, raw is ideal.

Reheating

Reheat Shrimp Burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until warmed through—about 2-3 minutes per side. This keeps the patties juicy without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but a quick pan-sear refreshes both flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Burgers?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before using. Frozen shrimp are often easy to keep on hand and work beautifully when prepped with care.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs will do the trick, though the texture will be a bit denser. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely crushed rice crackers.

Do I need a food processor?

A food processor makes forming the shrimp paste a breeze, but if you don’t have one, just chop half the shrimp very finely with a sharp knife until almost paste-like. It takes a few extra minutes but works just as well!

Can I grill Shrimp Burgers instead of pan-frying?

While these burgers are best pan-fried for a perfect golden crust, you can grill them on well-oiled grates. Chill the patties first so they hold together, and handle gently to prevent sticking or falling apart.

How can I make these burgers spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños into the shrimp mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy aioli for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Shrimp Burgers—the way they capture summer flavors, satisfy seafood cravings, and bring smiles every time they’re made. Give them a try and let your kitchen be the place everyone wants to gather for seconds!

Shrimp Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Shrimp Burgers are a flavorful twist on a classic burger, featuring juicy shrimp patties seasoned with Old Bay and served with your favorite toppings on a toasted bun. Perfect for a summer seafood feast!

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Patties:

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
4 burger buns
lettuce leaves
sliced tomato
tartar sauce or aioli for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Pat shrimp dry and process half in a food processor. Chop remaining shrimp and combine with paste, breadcrumbs, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Form Patties: Divide mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties.
Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Assemble Burgers: Toast buns if desired. Build burgers with lettuce, tomato, shrimp patty, and sauce.