Simple Shrimp burgers that you can serve on top of the yummiest jalapeno lime slaw. They’re also great stuffed into a brioche bun with slaw on top. So many ways to enjoy this!
Okay, so neither had I. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make it a thing. It’s kinda like a shrimp cake but it’s kinda not. When I think of a shrimp cake, I picture a tiny patty that is very light and airy and not at all hearty. And this isn’t that. It’s a full-on, protein-packed meal so I’m doing it; I’m calling it a shrimp burger. It’s the kind of thing you can still pull off pretty quickly on a weeknight so don’t worry!.
I know I’m telling you to eat less carbs and there’s no bun, but I say you do you, boo! I can picture this all being put together on a pillowy soft brioche bun with lots of slaw on top. Creamy, crunchy, tender bread, and protein-packed shrimp burger patty. Give me a second while I try to figure out why I love my bun-less version so much.
Now about that slaw. We’re going to use some Greek yogurt, a jalapeño pepper without the seeds, a lot of lime juice, and a bunch of cilantro. I need you to make this slaw even if you’re not on team cilantro. Just swap it for any herb that tickles your fancy. Parsley is the perfect candidate if you like things smooth and simple.
I love these shrimp burgers because they can be used in so many ways.
I wanted to find a way to make these burgers light and fresh while still packing a lot of flavor. Which is why making a recipe that is easy to change to suit your tastes is the best way to do that.
Sometimes I’ll throw in some fresh lemon zest into the patty mix. You can find lemon zest in my spice cabinet for nights when I don’t feel like zesting a lemon, which can feel like a chore some days. A little Italian seasoning, a pinch of cayenne, a few shakes of salt-free lemon pepper seasoning, or a hint of basil. With these ingredients, the meal is always different because they add something special to it.
Raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined that I bought about 15 minutes before making this quick dinner. I think you should use raw shrimp in these burgers instead of cooked shrimp because the cooked shrimp will get very dry when you pan fry them. Fresh or frozen shrimp will work. Just make sure to let them thaw and squeeze out as much water as you can before you chop them. I just roughly chopped them up on the cutting board. For those who don’t like cutting up raw seafood, you can also put the shrimp in a food processor and pulse it a few times.
You only need chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. That’s it! See what I mean when I say you can make this quickly? You probably already have most of these things on hand.
Next, we’ll make the jalapeno lime slaw. We’re just tossing it all into a blender or a food processor and giving it a whirl. That’s greek yogurt, a few garlic cloves, cilantro (or parsley), salt, lime juice, and a seeded jalapeno. A few swaps you can make – sour cream, less/more lime juice, less/more garlic. For the cabbage, you can either grab a bag of the pre-shredded stuff or chop up your own. No right or wrong there either.
When my shrimp burger patties are done, I might add a dollop of sour cream on top if I’m feeling kind. These shrimp burgers with slaw will be my cheat meal one day. I’ll put them on a brioche bun and eat them all up!
These shrimp burgers are on the weekly rotation. They have lean protein, take about 30 minutes to make, and can be easily changed to a different flavor every time. The husband won’t mind because they fit into both of our low-carb diets.
Shrimp burgers make for a deliciously easy and healthy weeknight meal. But a great shrimp burger still needs the right sides to round out the plate. The ideal shrimp burger accompaniments should balance out the patty’s rich seafood flavor with bright, crisp textures.
So what are the best side dishes to serve with shrimp burgers? Here are 15 of my top recommendations for mouthwatering shrimp burger pairings:
1. French Fries
You can’t go wrong pairing a classic burger with classic fries. Crispy outer fluffy interior french fries are the perfect vehicle for shoveling all the delicious burger drippings and condiments into your mouth. Go with regular Russet or sweet potato fries for a tasty shrimp burger side.
2. Onion Rings
If fries seem too boring jazz up your shrimp burger platter with crunchy flavorful onion rings instead. The combination of the sweet, fried onion and the juicy shrimp patty is a match made in heaven. Lightly coat sliced onions in flour and panko breadcrumbs before frying.
3. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is a great way to cut the richness of a shrimp burger. Making coleslaw is as easy as shredding up cabbage and carrots and tossing them with mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper. The crispy veggie crunch paired with the seafood burger is spectacular.
4. Potato Salad
Along the same lines as coleslaw, a mayo-based potato salad makes an exceptional shrimp burger accompaniment. The potatoes provide a hearty, filling foundation for the meal, while the mayo dressing echoes the burger’s richness. Add lots of diced celery for fresh crunch.
5. Pasta Salad
For an even more substantial side, try an Italian-style pasta salad chock full of veggies and cheese. Rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, parsley, mozzarella – the options are endless for tasty add-ins. The carb-loaded pasta salad balances the shrimp patties.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
If you’re cooking shrimp burgers on the grill, throw some corn on there too! The natural sweetness of char-grilled corn is the perfect foil for savory seafood. Slather grilled corn with compound butter for even more richness and flavor.
7. Baked Beans
No burger cookout is complete without a big pot of saucy baked beans. Their thick, sweet, smoky flavor provides the quintessential complement to any grilled meat. Make homemade or crack open a couple cans – either way, beans round out shrimp burgers superbly.
8. Cucumber Salad
For a light, refreshing complement, try pairing shrimp burgers with a cucumber salad. Simply toss thinly sliced cucumbers with red onion, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like dill or parsley. The cool crispness offsets the burger beautifully.
9. Cajun Slaw
Put a spicy twist on coleslaw by making it Cajun-style. Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with Cajun seasoning, lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The tangy heat makes a fantastic foil for the rich shrimp burger.
10. Grilled Veggies
Got leftovers from kabobs or a veggie platter? Then you’re all set! Grilled veggies like zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers, and onions are sensational shrimp burger toppings or side dishes. The smoky char flavor complements the seafood sensationally.
11. Caprese Salad
A traditional Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil makes a delightful accompaniment to shrimp burgers. The fresh tomatoes provide juicy contrast to the shrimp patty, while the creamy cheese balances the seafood’s flavor.
12. Fruit Salad
A crisp, vibrant fruit salad adds bright sweetness and acidity to balance shrimp’s richness. Make an easy fruit salad with berries, melon, pineapple, grapes, citrus – whatever looks fresh! A tangy vinaigrette dressing ties it all together.
13. Caesar Salad
Craving more greens? A classic Caesar salad is a surefire pairing for shrimp burgers. Cool romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan, garlicky croutons, and a creamy dressing complement the patty perfectly. It’s a satisfying combo.
14. Beer Battered Onion Rings
If typical onion rings seem boring, kick them up a notch with beer! Soak sliced onions in beer and spices before dipping in batter and frying. The beer adds great flavor to the onions, making them an even tastier match for shrimp burgers.
15. Air Fryer Okra Fries
For a healthier option, try air frying breaded okra spears. The okra gets super crispy outside and maintains its tender interior. Season with Cajun spices for a little kick to pair with the shrimp burger.
With so many easy, appetizing sides in the mix, any shrimp burger meal can be amazing and satisfying. Fries and slaws are classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative with pastas, salads, veggies, and more. The options for incredible shrimp burger sides are endless!
FAQs
What are some quick and easy sides for shrimp burgers?
Some quick shrimp burger pairings include store-bought potato salad, bagged coleslaw mix, canned baked beans, microwaved frozen vegetables, pre-cut veggie platters, and simple green salads.
What goes well with Cajun shrimp burgers?
Cajun shrimp burgers pair exceptionally well with spicy, tangy sides like Cajun slaw, Creole potato salad, fried okra,Collard greens, grilled corn, black-eyed peas, hush puppies, and dipping sauces like remoulade or Comeback sauce.
Are shrimp burgers good with rice?
Yes, rice makes a nice base for shrimp burgers. White or brown rice and seasoned rice variations like Cajun dirty rice or jambalaya rice blend well with the Creole flavors often found in shrimp burgers.
What bread is best for shrimp burgers?
Light, mildly flavored buns work best for shrimp burgers. Brioche, potato rolls, Hawaiian rolls, and pretzel buns complement the patty well. Split-top white or whole wheat buns are ideal for classic shrimp burgers.
How do you keep shrimp burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking, use sufficiently oiled pans/grills, baste with butter or sauce while cooking, and allow patties to rest before serving to prevent dry shrimp burgers. Also mix in a moist binding ingredient like mayo, yogurt, or egg.
Simple Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeño Lime Slaw
Simple Shrimp burgers that you can serve on top of the yummiest jalapeno lime slaw. They’re also great stuffed into a brioche bun with slaw on top. So many ways to enjoy this!
- 1 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons EACH: cornstarch and chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon EACH: garlic powder and salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil, for pan frying
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt ( or sour cream)
- 2-3 small cloves garlic (to preference)
- 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro (or parsley)
- 3-4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 – 1 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 large head of cabbage, shredded
- Cut the shrimp into pieces that are at least 1/2 inch long and place them on a cutting board. Also, you can just pulse it a few times in the food processor. Just be careful not to make a paste out of the shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix all the burger ingredients together before adding the shrimp. Mix until *just* combined. Make four equal patties that are about 1/2 inch thick.
- To make the slaw, put all of the slaw’s ingredients (except the cabbage) into a blender with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 3 tablespoons of lime juice. Blend until light and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice to preference. Add half of the dressing to the cabbage and taste to see if you need more.
- To make the shrimp burgers, heat a large nonstick skillet with a little olive oil. Add the patties but do not overcrowd the pan. Do this in two batches if you need to. Fry the shrimp burgers in a pan for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re done. Serve on top of ready-made slaw or on brioche buns with slaw on top. Enjoy!.
- Fresh or frozen shrimp will work. Just make sure to let them thaw and squeeze out as much water as you can before you chop them.
- You can omit the cabbage head and use a bag of already shred cabbage instead.
- This makes just enough dressing for 4 small servings. If you want more slaw or leftovers, just double the ingredients! Dressing left over can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
- You can really change this up! Sometimes I add some lemon zest to the burgers along with the other ingredients, and other times I use cayenne, dried basil, lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, or chipotle chili powder. Feel free to make it your own!