Savory Shrimp Burger Recipe: Juicy Seafood Sliders in 30 Minutes

Juicy Shrimp Burgers are an exciting twist on the classic burger—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy homemade sauce, melty cheese, and fresh vegetables for contrast.

Sauce is seen dripping from a shrimp burger.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Burgers Recipe

If you enjoy both burgers and seafood, these shrimp burgers combine the best of both worlds. Sweet, juicy shrimp form patties with a light crunch from panko breadcrumbs, while a tangy, creamy dressing lifts the whole sandwich. Highlights:

  • A different way to use shrimp. These patties let shrimp shine in a form you don’t see every day.
  • Light but satisfying. Shrimp burgers feel hearty without the heaviness of a beef patty.
  • Bold flavors. A blend of spices—cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder—paired with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing creates a lively, balanced flavor profile.

What You’ll Need

These shrimp burgers are made from simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Below are the components you’ll use—refer to the recipe card for exact amounts.

The ingredients for shrimp burgers are shown labelled: butter, pepper, salt, flour, spices, parsley, onion, water, scallions, shrimp.
The breading to make shrimp burgers is shown portioned out an labelled: panko bread crumbs, flour, egg.
Ingredients for shrimp burgers assembly are shown labelled: buns, tomatoes, cabbage, dressing.

For the Shrimp Patty

  • Shrimp – peeled and deveined shrimp make the process faster.
  • Onion – a yellow onion works well; red onion can be used for a sharper bite.
  • Butter – salted or unsalted, at room temperature.
  • All-purpose flour, water, salt and pepper.
  • Spices – ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder give depth and a hint of heat.
  • Scallions and parsley – fresh herbs to brighten the patties.
  • Vegetable oil – for frying the patties to a golden crisp.

Breading Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Large egg – beaten, to help the coating adhere.
  • Panko bread crumbs – for an extra-crispy exterior; regular crumbs work if needed.

For the Dressing

  • Mayonnaise – the base for a rich, creamy dressing.
  • Greek yogurt – plain, to lighten and add tang.
  • Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.

Assembly

  • Brioche buns – toasted, or use your favorite burger buns.
  • Cheese – Maasdam or mozzarella melt nicely.
  • Tomatoes – ripe slices add juiciness.
  • Shredded cabbage – for crunch and freshness.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp according to package instructions, then pat dry and use as directed. Buying already peeled and deveined shrimp saves prep time. Any shrimp size works; use the same total weight called for in the recipe.

Shrimp burgers are cut in half and served to show their interiors.

How To Make Shrimp Burgers

These shrimp burgers come together in a few simple steps. The texture should include small shrimp pieces for bite rather than a uniform paste.

The shrimp is processed in a food processor.
Parsley is added to the shrimp mixture.
Four formed shrimp patties on a try.
A shrimp patty is dipped in flour.
The patty is placed in bread crumbs.
A shrimp patty fries in oil.
  1. Make the shrimp mixture. Chop the shrimp in a food processor or by hand, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
  2. Combine. Mix the chopped shrimp with diced onion, butter, flour, water, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder. Stir in scallions and parsley.
  3. Form patties. Divide into four patties and chill 10–15 minutes to firm up.
  4. Bread the patties. Set up three bowls: flour, beaten egg, and panko. Dredge each patty in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Fry. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high and fry the patties until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  6. Drain. Transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Make the dressing. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth.
  8. Assemble. Toast buns, spread dressing on the bottom halves, add a shrimp patty, top with cheese, tomato slices, and shredded cabbage, then close the burger and serve.
Shrimp burgers and sauce on a table.

Tips for Success

Simple adjustments make these burgers even better.

  • Use fresh shrimp when possible, or defrost frozen shrimp just before cooking and pat it very dry.
  • Substitute tartar sauce if you prefer a classic seafood condiment instead of the yogurt-mayo dressing.
  • Add lemon zest to the shrimp mixture for bright citrus notes that pair perfectly with seafood.
  • Try Old Bay for a regional variation—swap it for the cumin and cayenne for a Southern-style flavor.

What To Serve With Shrimp Burgers

Shrimp burgers pair well with fries, roasted potatoes, or a big fresh salad. Crisp slaw or air-fried zucchini fries provide a crunchy, refreshing side. Choose simple sides that complement the seafood flavors without overpowering them.

Two shrimp burger halves are turned on their sides.

Proper Storage

  • Fridge: Store cooled shrimp patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing and toppings separate.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooled patties in a single layer with parchment between them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • To reheat: Warm leftover patties in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short increments until heated through.

More Seafood Recipes To Try

  • Shrimp Nachos
  • Seafood Mac and Cheese
  • Sheet Pan Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry
  • Shrimp Enchiladas
Sauce is seen dripping from a shrimp burger.

Shrimp Burgers

Crispy, juicy shrimp patties on toasted brioche with a creamy homemade sauce, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Shrimp patty:

  • 2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Breading:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Assembly:

  • 4 brioche buns or regular burger buns, split and toasted
  • 12 slices Maasdam cheese or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded

Instructions

For the Shrimp patties

  • Chop the shrimp in a food processor or with a knife, leaving varied-sized pieces for texture.
  • Combine chopped shrimp with diced onion, butter, flour, water, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder.
  • Stir in scallions and chopped parsley until evenly distributed.
  • Shape the mixture into four patties and chill for 10–15 minutes to firm.
  • Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and panko.
  • Dredge each patty in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko, pressing gently so it sticks.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Fry patties until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Prepare the Dressing

  • Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

Assemble the Burgers

  • Toast bun bottoms until lightly golden.
  • Spread dressing on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Add a shrimp patty to each bun, top with cheese, tomato slices, and shredded cabbage.
  • Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 895kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 51g

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary depending on ingredients and preparation.