Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure to thaw them before using. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can replace it with chicken or fish fillets.

Buttermilk: It’s great for tenderizing, but you can substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar or yogurt. This combination creates acidity similar to buttermilk.

Cornmeal: I love the extra crunch it gives! If you want, you can swap it with breadcrumbs for a different texture or leave it out completely.

Spices: Feel free to adjust the heat! If you don’t want spicy, omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use your favorite seasoning blend instead of paprika and garlic powder.

Mayonnaise: Instead of plain mayo, try using Greek yogurt for a healthier version. You can also mix in some hot sauce for extra flavor!

How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Fried Shrimp?

The crunch is what makes this shrimp burger special. To achieve the perfect crispy texture, follow these steps:

• Make sure to completely coat each shrimp in the flour mixture. A good coating helps create that nice crunch.
• Use the right oil that’s great for frying, like vegetable or canola oil. Make sure it’s hot enough (350°F) to give your shrimp that golden color.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. This ensures each shrimp fries evenly and crisps up nicely.
• Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels right after frying. This step absorbs excess oil for a less greasy finish.

With these tips, you’ll achieve that delightful crunch that makes every bite of your shrimp burger a treat! Enjoy!

How to Make a Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Assembling the Burger:

• 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
• 4 leaves of lettuce
• 4 slices of tomato

For the Spicy Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious shrimp burger will take about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 20 minutes prepping the ingredients and frying the shrimp, plus a little extra time for assembling your burger. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for gatherings!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This will help tenderize the shrimp and add moisture for frying.

2. Prepare the Breading:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. This mixture will give your shrimp a flavorful and crunchy coating.

3. Make the Spicy Mayo:

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to create a delicious spicy mayo sauce. Set aside.

4. Heat the Oil:

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for best frying results.

5. Bread the Shrimp:

Once the shrimp have marinated, remove them from the buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated. Press the coating onto the shrimp to help it stick.

6. Fry the Shrimp:

Carefully add the breaded shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

7. Assemble the Burger:

Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a handful of the crispy fried shrimp on top, followed by a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice.

8. Finish and Serve:

Cover with the top bun and serve your crispy fried shrimp burger immediately. Pair it with fries or your favorite side for a complete meal!

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful shrimp burger that’s perfect for any casual meal!

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I Make the Spicy Mayo Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy mayo a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even better!

How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Burgers?

To store leftovers, place the components (shrimp, buns, and toppings) in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet for the best texture, and toast the buns before assembling.

What Can I Use Instead of Cornmeal?

If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with breadcrumbs, panko, or leave it out entirely for a plain flour coating. Each option will still provide a tasty crispy texture!