This Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a tasty twist on a classic! With juicy shrimp and a crunchy coating, it’s perfect for any meal or gathering.
The best part? You can whip this up in no time, and I love adding my favorite toppings like lettuce and sauce. It’s like a day at the beach on a bun! 🌊🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great in this dish. If you’re sensitive to seafood, you can substitute with fish like cod or tilapia. Just ensure the pieces are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but you might want to double coat your shrimp to achieve that crunch!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps the batter stick and adds flavor. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Buns: I love using brioche buns for a soft, touch sweet flavor. Any hamburger buns can do, including whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
How Do I Get Perfectly Fried Shrimp?
Frying can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F or 175°C) before adding shrimp. This keeps them crispy and stops them from getting greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp. This lets excess oil drip off, keeping your shrimp crispy.
- You can test your oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready!
With these insights and tips, your Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger will be a hit! Enjoy creating this delicious meal!
Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns
- Lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon or whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French fries (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp burger takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and fun enough for a weekend treat. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the shrimp and making the sauce, and about 20 minutes frying and assembling your burgers. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by roughly chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole if you prefer. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
2. Make the Breading Stations:
Get three shallow bowls ready for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined.
- In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the chopped parsley, if using.
3. Bread the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to coat the shrimp! Start by dredging each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. This gives it that extra crunchy texture!
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the breaded shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce will add an amazing flavor to your burger!
6. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast the buns in a skillet or oven until they’re golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
7. Assemble the Burger:
Let’s put it all together! Spread your prepared sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a crispy fried shrimp patty on top, followed by a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato. Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Your crispy fried shrimp burger is ready! Serve it alongside some French fries or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Now you have a scrumptious Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger recipe to impress your friends and family with! Enjoy the crunch and flavor!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to fully thaw them first by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water. Pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but for extra crunch, consider double-breading your shrimp. This means coating them in flour, the egg mixture, and then the breadcrumbs twice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover shrimp burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The oven will help to keep them crispy!
Can I Prepare the Shrimp Mixture in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp mixture and the sauce a few hours ahead. Just bread the shrimp right before frying to maintain their crispy texture. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook!
