California Shrimp Burger Recipe
Make California Shrimp Burger Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Shrimp Patties
California Toppings & Sauce
Buns & Finish
Method
Shrimp Patties
- 1
Prep shrimp
Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Chop the shrimp roughly into 1/4-inch pieces — you want small pieces but some texture (alternatively pulse 4–6 short pulses in a food processor, careful not to create a paste).
- 2
Mix patty ingredients
In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, lime zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too wet, add up to 1 tablespoon more panko.
- 3
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces/113 g each). Shape each portion into a compact patty about 3.5 inches (9 cm) across and 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Place formed patties on a plate and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help them set (this reduces breakage during cooking).
- 4
Cook patties
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When oil shimmers, add patties (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary). Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 120–130°F for shrimp; patties will turn opaque and firm). If patties brown too quickly, reduce heat to medium-low and cover briefly for even cooking. Transfer cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate and keep warm.
California Toppings & Sauce
- 5
- 6
Make sauce
If using plain mayonnaise, stir in 1 teaspoon hot sauce and 1–2 teaspoons sweet relish to make a chipotle-style mayo; otherwise use prepared chipotle mayonnaise. Adjust heat to taste. Keep sauce chilled until assembly.
- 7
Prep vegetables
Thinly slice tomato and red onion. Rinse and spin dry butter lettuce leaves (or separate romaine leaves). If using quick-pickles or additional relish, have them drained and ready.
Buns & Finish
- 8
- 9
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon of chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top to protect the bun from moisture. Set a warm shrimp patty on the lettuce, add a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of mashed avocado, top with tomato slice and a few thin rings of red onion, and, if desired, a teaspoon of sweet relish or pickles. Finish with a final squirt of sauce if desired, then crown with the top bun.
- 10
Serve
Serve the California Shrimp Burgers immediately with lime wedges on the side. Suggest pairing with a simple side salad, sweet potato fries, or kettle chips.