This crispy fried shrimp burger is a fun twist on a classic favorite! Juicy shrimp are perfectly breaded and fried for a crunchy experience with each bite.
I love adding a drizzle of spicy mayo on top for a kick! Trust me, it takes the flavor to a whole new level. You might want to make extra—they’re that good! 🦐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh raw shrimp is ideal as it gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, frozen shrimp works too! Just make sure to thaw them completely before use.
Buttermilk: This ingredient really helps tenderize the shrimp. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a delightful crunch, but if you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs will work; just note that the texture might be a bit denser.
Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to skip the cayenne or substitute with paprika for added color without the heat.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, follow these key steps:
- First, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes. This not only allows them to soak up flavor but also helps the coating stick better.
- When coating the shrimp, make sure you thoroughly cover them in flour first, then panko. This creates a nice barrier for that crispy exterior.
- Fry the shrimp in oil that’s hot enough (about 350°F) to ensure a quick cook. A good sizzle when they hit the oil is what you want!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. This helps maintain the oil’s temperature, resulting in a crispier finish.
Enjoying your crispy fried shrimp burger will be so much easier when you follow these tips! Happy cooking!
How to Make a Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Burger:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 soft burger buns
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 4 slices of tomato
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40-45 minutes. You’ll have crispy, delicious shrimp burgers ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with buttermilk. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and ensures the coating sticks better when you fry them.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, chopped dill or parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and place the sauce in the refrigerator while you cook your burgers.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In one shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a bit of salt and pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs for coating the shrimp.
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing some excess to drip off. First, dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip them back briefly in the buttermilk (this step is optional but adds extra crunch), and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the shrimp cools a bit, lightly toast your burger buns in a separate skillet or toaster until golden. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch!
7. Assemble Your Burger:
Spread a generous layer of the prepared mayo sauce on the bottom bun. Add a handful of crispy fried shrimp, which you can press together to form a patty shape if you’d like. Top with a crisp leaf of lettuce and a slice of fresh tomato.
8. Finish and Serve:
Place the top bun on your burger and serve immediately! Pair these delicious shrimp burgers with fries or your favorite side for a fun meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, crunchy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger!
FAQ for Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw the shrimp before starting. The best method is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 30 minutes.
How do I store leftovers from the shrimp burger?
Store any leftover shrimp patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate to maintain freshness. Reheat the shrimp briefly in the oven or a skillet to regain some of that crispiness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your burgers.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
