Introduction

Oh, friends, do you remember those classic summer cookouts? The smell of charcoal in the air, the laughter of loved ones, and those perfectly grilled patties? Today, we’re bringing a little bit of that magic right into your kitchen with a recipe that’s going to become your new favorite: incredibly easy Shrimp Burgers! Seriously, these are so simple and unbelievably delicious, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made them a million times before.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Whip these up in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners!
Easy: Minimal chopping and simple mixing make this a breeze.
Giftable: Make a batch for a friend’s BBQ or a neighbor’s potluck!
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds of these flavorful patties.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, cooks! Here’s what you’ll need to create these little bites of coastal heaven:

1 cup Panko bread crumbs: For that perfect crispy coating!
1½ pounds large shrimp (about 26 to 30 per pound): We’ll use these in two ways – some chopped and some whole for texture.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Our binder that adds a touch of creaminess.
½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all those delicious flavors.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Just a little kick to awaken your taste buds.
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a hint of warmth that’s not too spicy.
3 scallions, chopped fine: These add a fresh, oniony brightness.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For pan-frying these beauties to golden perfection.
1 cup tartar sauce: The classic, creamy, tangy companion your shrimp burger deserves.
4 hamburger buns: Your canvas for this culinary masterpiece. Toast them if you’re feeling fancy!
4 leaves Bibb lettuce: For a fresh, crisp crunch.

How to Make It

Alright, apron on! Let’s get cooking. This is where the magic happens:

Prep your shrimp: Grab your food processor and pulse about half of your peeled and deveined shrimp until they’re nicely chopped. Think of it as making a shrimp paste – this will help bind everything together. Transfer this to a medium-sized bowl.
Mix it all up: Now, add the rest of your shrimp (the whole ones!), the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and those finely chopped scallions right into the same bowl. Give it all a gentle mix. You want to combine everything until it’s just mixed – no need to overdo it!
Shape your patties: It’s patty-shaping time! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. I like to make them just a smidge larger than my buns because they sometimes shrink a tiny bit when they cook.
Get that skillet ready: Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
Cook ’em up! Carefully place your shrimp patties into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and are cooked all the way through. They’ll get a lovely golden-brown sear on the outside.
Assemble your masterpiece: Time for the grand finale! Serve your perfectly cooked shrimp patties on your toasted hamburger buns. Top with a crisp leaf of Bibb lettuce and a generous dollop of that delicious tartar sauce. Pure bliss!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling adventurous? You can totally play with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:

Spice it up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
Herb power: Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped finely would be a lovely addition.
Citrus zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice in the patty mixture adds a wonderful brightness.
Binder boost: If you don’t have mayo, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard can work in a pinch, though it will add a different flavor profile.
Veggie goodness: Finely chopped bell pepper or a bit of grated zucchini (squeezed dry!) can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets to make your shrimp burgers absolutely perfect:

Don’t over-process: You want some texture from the whole shrimp, so be careful not to turn everything into mush in the food processor.
Gentle mixing: Just like you don’t want to overwork cookie dough, be gentle when mixing the shrimp patty ingredients. This helps keep them tender.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure they get a good sear and cook evenly.
Prep ahead: You can shape the patties a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just cook them when you’re ready to eat!

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any cooked shrimp patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or in the oven for the best texture.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I grill these? Absolutely! Just be sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled, and grill over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. They can be a bit delicate, so use a good spatula!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
What can I serve with shrimp burgers? These are fantastic with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, or a light green salad.

Shrimp Burgers

Incredibly easy and delicious shrimp burgers perfect for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Servings 4 burgers

Equipment

Food processor
Medium-sized bowl
Large skillet
Spatula

Ingredients

Shrimp Patties

1 cup Panko bread crumbs For that perfect crispy coating!
1.5 pounds large shrimp about 26 to 30 per pound; some chopped and some whole
2 tablespoons mayonnaise Our binder that adds a touch of creaminess.
0.5 teaspoon salt To enhance all those delicious flavors.
0.25 teaspoon pepper Just a little kick to awaken your taste buds.
0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper For a hint of warmth that's not too spicy.
3 scallions chopped fine; add a fresh, oniony brightness.

For Cooking and Serving

3 tablespoons vegetable oil For pan-frying these beauties to golden perfection.
1 cup tartar sauce The classic, creamy, tangy companion your shrimp burger deserves.
4 hamburger buns Toast them if you're feeling fancy!
4 leaves Bibb lettuce For a fresh, crisp crunch.

Instructions

Prep your shrimp: Grab your food processor and pulse about half of your peeled and deveined shrimp until they're nicely chopped. Think of it as making a shrimp paste – this will help bind everything together. Transfer this to a medium-sized bowl.
Mix it all up: Now, add the rest of your shrimp (the whole ones!), the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and those finely chopped scallions right into the same bowl. Give it all a gentle mix. You want to combine everything until it's just mixed – no need to overdo it!
Shape your patties: It's patty-shaping time! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. I like to make them just a smidge larger than my buns because they sometimes shrink a tiny bit when they cook.
Get that skillet ready: Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
Cook 'em up! Carefully place your shrimp patties into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You'll know they're ready when they turn opaque and are cooked all the way through. They'll get a lovely golden-brown sear on the outside.
Assemble your masterpiece: Time for the grand finale! Serve your perfectly cooked shrimp patties on your toasted hamburger buns. Top with a crisp leaf of Bibb lettuce and a generous dollop of that delicious tartar sauce. Pure bliss!

Notes

Don't over-process the shrimp for texture. Mix ingredients gently. Avoid overcrowding the pan for a good sear. Patties can be prepped ahead and refrigerated.