This Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger is a fun twist on a classic! With crunchy shrimp and a soft bun, it’s a match made in burger heaven.
Who knew shrimp could be this tasty on a bun? I love piling on extra toppings like lettuce and spicy sauce—it makes every bite a delight! 🍤
Making this burger is super easy. Just fry those shrimp and assemble your burger in no time. Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something different!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh medium shrimp is the star here! If you have frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely. For those avoiding seafood, you could try chicken tenders as an alternative.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor. If you don’t have any, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a super crunchy texture. Can’t find panko? Regular breadcrumbs will work, although they won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed crackers for a unique twist!
Dill: Fresh dill is tasty, but dried dill works fine too. If you’re not a fan of dill, parsley or chives could work as a refreshing substitute.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy shrimp lies in the double coating step. Let’s make sure they’re perfectly crunchy:
- Make sure to marinate the shrimp in buttermilk to keep them juicy and help the coating stick better.
- Coat shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip them back again in the buttermilk, and coat them once more in the flour mix. This gives a thick, even crust.
- When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady and ensure each piece gets golden and crispy!
Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. This keeps them crispy for assembly!
How to Make a Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Burger:
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 burger buns, toasted
- 2 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
For the Dill Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or fresh finely chopped dill
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy fried shrimp burger recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. It includes about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, and another 15 minutes for frying and assembly. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dill Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill. This will create a zesty dill sauce to spread on your burger. Set it aside for now to let those flavors meld.
2. Soak the Shrimp:
Take your cleaned shrimp and place them in a medium bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps to flavor the shrimp and makes the coating stick better!
3. Prepare the Coating:
In another shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will give your fried shrimp that irresistible crunch!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of the batter; if it bubbles up, it’s ready!
5. Coat the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp is done soaking, remove them from the buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour and breadcrumb mixture until well coated, ensuring each piece is covered evenly.
6. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Assemble the Burger:
To put your burger together, start by spreading a generous layer of the dill sauce on the bottom bun. Then, stack the crispy fried shrimp on top, followed by a fresh leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato.
8. Top It Off:
Spread a little more dill sauce on the top bun and place it over the burger stack. It’s time to enjoy your masterpiece!
9. Serving Suggestion:
Serve your crispy fried shrimp burger immediately, ideally with a side of French fries or your favorite side dish. Dive in and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful shrimp burger with a delicious dill-mayo kick! 🍤
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. A quick way to thaw is to place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before marinating!
Can I Prepare the Dill Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dill sauce up to a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the burgers. This allows the flavors to develop even more!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to slightly curdle before using!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Burgers?
Leftover components can be stored separately. Place any leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven (for crispiness) or microwave, then assemble fresh burgers when ready to eat!
