Tired of the same old beef burgers? Try a refreshing and flavorful alternative with these zesty shrimp burgers! Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, these shrimp patties are packed with vibrant flavors, including fresh cilantro, zesty lemon, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. The combination of shrimp, vegetables, and Panko bread crumbs creates a juicy and crispy burger that will make you rethink traditional seafood dishes. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these shrimp burgers are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy seafood in a new form. Serve them with your favorite toppings or as a standalone dish for an impressive meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Burgers:
- 1 pound of uncooked shrimp, with shells removed and deveined
- ½ medium yellow onion
- 2 celery ribs
- 1 green onion stalk
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro leaves (not packed)
- ½ lemon, zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½-⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp and Vegetables:
- Start by finely chopping the peeled and deveined shrimp into small pieces. You want a mix of finely chopped shrimp and small chunks for the best texture in the burgers.
- In a food processor, pulse the yellow onion, celery ribs, green onion, red bell pepper, and garlic cloves until finely chopped. Alternatively, you can mince the vegetables by hand. Set the vegetable mixture aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, vegetable mixture, minced cilantro, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the egg, mayonnaise, Panko bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape when formed into patties. If it’s too wet, add a little more Panko bread crumbs to bind the ingredients.
3. Shape the Patties:
- Form the shrimp mixture into 4-6 evenly sized patties, depending on your desired size. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up. This will make them easier to cook and help the patties hold together.
4. Cook the Shrimp Burgers:
- Warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp patties to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and the shrimp is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
5. Serve the Shrimp Burgers:
- Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve the shrimp burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or a dollop of aioli.
- Alternatively, you can serve them without buns alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
Conclusion:
These zesty shrimp burgers are a flavorful, light, and healthy alternative to traditional beef or chicken burgers. The combination of fresh shrimp, bright lemon, and fragrant cilantro gives these patties a refreshing taste, while the Panko bread crumbs provide the perfect crispy texture. Whether served on a bun or as a standalone dish, these shrimp burgers are versatile and can be customized to your liking. Try them at your next family dinner or barbecue, and enjoy the delicious, seafood-inspired twist!