This Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a fun twist on the classic burger! With crunchy shrimp as the star, it’s both tasty and satisfying. Who wouldn’t want a burger filled with delicious seafood?
I love how quick it is to whip up — just some shrimp, spices, and a yummy bun! Serve it with your favorite sauce, and you’re in for a treat. Get ready to impress your friends! 🍤🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great, as they’re tender and cook quickly. If you’re allergic or prefer another seafood option, try using crab or fish fillets like tilapia or cod instead.
Panko breadcrumbs: These create that lovely crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture will be slightly different.
All-purpose flour & cornstarch: This combo gives the shrimp a nice crispy coating. You can swap cornstarch with rice flour for a gluten-free option, and almond flour can work too!
Mayo: The sauce is a key flavor factor! If mayo isn’t your thing, try using Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette for a healthier twist.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, the breading process is crucial. Start by making sure your shrimp are well-dried; excess moisture can cause them to steam instead of fry.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess.
- Make sure to really press the panko onto the shrimp so it sticks well.
- Fry in hot oil! Keeping your oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures a quick cook without sogginess.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy shrimp. Trust me, taking these steps will leave you with a crunchy, golden delight!
Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices tomato
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or pickle juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- 1 tsp hot sauce or Dijon mustard (optional for the mayo sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying your delicious shrimp burger in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to clean them. Once they’re rinsed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this helps them fry up crispy later!
2. Make the Dredging Stations:
Set up three bowls for breading the shrimp. In the first bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl, ready for coating.
3. Bread the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to coat the shrimp! Start by dipping each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the shrimp into the egg mixture. Finally, roll the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to be about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) — the perfect temperature for frying!
5. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Don’t crowd the pan! Fry the shrimp until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice (or pickle juice), and chopped parsley (or dill) if you’re using it. Add hot sauce if you prefer a kick! Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Take your toasted burger buns and spread a generous layer of the mayo sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer on the crispy fried shrimp, followed by a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice. For extra flavor, you can spread more mayo sauce on the top bun before closing it up.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your homemade Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burgers right away! Pair them with your favorite fries or coleslaw for a complete meal. Dig in and relish the crunch!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to fully thaw them before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, dry them thoroughly with paper towels before breading.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture of the burger may be a bit less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, you can use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mayo sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using, and it’s good to go!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Burgers?
Store any leftover shrimp burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
Enjoy making your shrimp burgers! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
