Juicy Shrimp Burgers are a bold, flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering a lighter yet deeply satisfying seafood option that feels both fresh and indulgent. Made with real shrimp, aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, and scallions, these burgers are tender on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
What sets this recipe apart is the balance between savory seafood flavor and the vibrant pineapple habanero salsa that crowns each burger. The salsa brings sweetness, acidity, and controlled heat, creating contrast that enhances rather than overwhelms the shrimp.
Perfect for summer grilling, backyard cookouts, or elevated weeknight dinners, shrimp burgers deliver restaurant-quality results with straightforward technique. They are approachable, versatile, and impressive without being complicated.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it prioritizes texture, balance, and structure.
Shrimp burgers can easily become rubbery or bland if over-processed or under-seasoned. This method avoids that by combining a smooth shrimp base with reserved chopped shrimp pieces, creating a patty that holds together while maintaining a tender bite.
Smoked paprika and garlic enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it. Panko breadcrumbs and egg provide just enough binding to keep the patties intact without making them dense.
The pineapple habanero salsa plays an essential role. Sweet roasted pineapple offsets the savory shrimp, while habanero adds controlled heat and lime juice brightens the entire dish. Together, they elevate the burger from simple seafood to a layered, memorable meal.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course / Seafood
Cuisine: American
Ingredient Breakdown
Shrimp
Large shrimp are ideal for burgers due to their firm texture and mild sweetness. Using a mix of blended and chopped shrimp ensures structure and juiciness.
Garlic
Smashed garlic infuses the shrimp mixture with aromatic depth without sharpness.
Smoked Paprika
Adds subtle smokiness that complements seafood and enhances grilled flavors.
Scallions
Provide freshness and mild onion flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Lightweight breadcrumbs help bind the patties while keeping them tender.
Egg
Acts as a binder, giving the burgers stability during cooking.
Pineapple
Roasted pineapple adds caramelized sweetness and balances the heat of the habanero.
Habanero
Brings heat in a controlled way. Seeding the pepper reduces intensity while keeping flavor.
Lime Juice
Adds acidity that brightens both the salsa and the shrimp burgers.
Olive Oil
Enhances richness and helps emulsify the salsa.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Base
Roughly chop the shrimp, setting aside about one-quarter in small chunks. Place the remaining shrimp in a food processor with garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until mostly smooth.
Add the reserved chopped shrimp and pulse briefly to maintain visible pieces.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl. Stir in scallions, panko breadcrumbs, and beaten egg until combined. Shape into evenly sized burger patties.
Place patties on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents spreading during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Lightly roast pineapple and red onion in a hot skillet or on a grill for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
Add roasted pineapple, onion, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, habanero, cumin, salt, and olive oil to a food processor. Blend until slightly chunky. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Burgers
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (about 425°F). Add oil.
Cook shrimp burgers for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, crisp on the outside, and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Serve shrimp patties on toasted buns topped generously with pineapple habanero salsa. Serve immediately.
Texture and Flavor Profile
These shrimp burgers are crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a moist, almost buttery interior texture. The shrimp remains juicy without being spongy or dense.
The salsa adds contrast with sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and gentle heat. Together, the components create a balanced bite that feels light yet satisfying.
Tips for Best Results
• Do not over-process the shrimp
• Chill patties before cooking
• Use high heat for a crisp exterior
• Seed the habanero for controlled heat
• Toast buns for structure
Variations
Grilled Shrimp Burgers
Cook patties on a well-oiled grill over medium-high heat.
Spicy Version
Leave habanero seeds intact or add chili flakes to the shrimp mixture.
Lettuce Wrap Option
Serve burgers wrapped in butter lettuce instead of buns.
Asian-Inspired Version
Add ginger and soy sauce to the shrimp mixture and top with slaw.
Sauce Swap
Replace salsa with garlic aioli or citrus mayo.
Serving Suggestions
Juicy Shrimp Burgers pair well with:
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Grilled corn
• Fresh fruit salad
• Chips and salsa
They work well for summer gatherings, casual dinners, or seafood-focused menus.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooked shrimp burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Salsa is best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition Overview
This dish is:
• High in protein
• Moderate in fat
• Balanced and filling
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~28 g
Fat: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~24 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Values vary by ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make shrimp burgers ahead of time?
Yes. Form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze shrimp burger patties?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I bake shrimp burgers?
Yes, but pan-searing provides better texture.
What buns work best?
Soft brioche or potato buns work well.
Juicy Shrimp Burgers are a standout seafood recipe that delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and visual appeal. With tender shrimp patties and vibrant pineapple habanero salsa, this dish brings balance, freshness, and controlled heat to every bite.
Perfect for summer cooking, casual entertaining, or when you want a lighter alternative to beef burgers, this recipe proves that seafood burgers can be just as indulgent and crave-worthy.
Juicy Shrimp Burgers
Ingredients
- Shrimp Burgers
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 –4 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Pineapple Habanero Salsa
- 1 cup pineapple diced and lightly roasted
- ½ red onion roasted
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 habanero pepper seeded
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Roughly chop the shrimp. Set aside about one-quarter of the shrimp in small chunks.
- Place the remaining shrimp in a food processor with the garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until mostly smooth. Add the reserved chopped shrimp and pulse briefly so small pieces remain.
- Transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl. Stir in scallions, panko, and the beaten egg until a thick mixture forms. Shape into burger patties.
- Place patties on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Prepare the salsa by grilling or pan-roasting the pineapple and red onion for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Add all salsa ingredients to a food processor and blend until slightly chunky. Chill until ready to use.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (about 425°F). Add 1–2 tablespoons oil.
- Cook shrimp burgers for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, crispy on the outside, and cooked through.
- Serve shrimp patties on toasted buns topped with pineapple habanero salsa.
Notes
