Easy & Flavorful Shrimp Burgers with Zesty Jalapeño Lime Slaw

Simple Shrimp burgers that you can serve on top of the yummiest jalapeño lime slaw. You can also stuff them into a brioche bun and serve it up with the slaw on top! So many ways to enjoy this quick, healthy meal.

Have you ever considered a shrimp burger for your next weeknight dinner? Perhaps it’s a concept that sounds new, but trust us, it’s a game-changer! Forget dainty, miniature shrimp cakes; we’re talking about a robust, protein-packed “shrimp burger” that’s substantial enough to satisfy any appetite. This isn’t just a light appetizer; it’s a full-fledged meal designed for speed and flavor, perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious on the table in about 30 minutes.

While often enjoyed bun-less for a healthy, low-carb option, these versatile shrimp burgers are equally incredible tucked into a soft brioche bun, generously topped with our vibrant jalapeño lime slaw. The combination of textures and flavors – creamy, crunchy, tender, and savory – creates an unforgettable eating experience. But before we dive into the brioche bun indulgence, let’s appreciate the fresh, bun-free approach that truly lets the incredible flavors of the shrimp and slaw shine.

The Heart of the Meal: Irresistible Shrimp Patties

The secret to an outstanding shrimp burger lies in fresh, properly prepared shrimp. For this recipe, we recommend using raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. While cooked shrimp might seem like a shortcut, it tends to dry out quickly during the pan-frying process, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture. Raw shrimp ensures your patties remain juicy and tender.

Selecting and Preparing Your Shrimp

Whether you choose fresh or frozen shrimp, quality is key. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to defrost it thoroughly and, most importantly, squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step prevents soggy patties and ensures a better bind. Once prepped, the shrimp needs to be chopped. You can do this by hand on a cutting board, aiming for roughly 1/2-inch pieces or smaller. Alternatively, for those who prefer to avoid chopping raw seafood, a food processor can do the job quickly. Just be careful to pulse it only a few times – you want a chunky texture, not a paste.

Crafting the Perfect Patty: Binding and Flavoring

To bind our shrimp into sturdy, flavorful patties, we turn to a few pantry staples:

Panko breadcrumbs: These provide lightness and a crispy texture when cooked, absorbing moisture and helping the patties hold their shape.
Cornstarch: A fantastic binder that contributes to the patty’s structure and ensures it doesn’t fall apart in the pan.
A large egg: Acts as a traditional binding agent, helping all the ingredients coalesce.

Beyond the binders, the seasonings are simple yet impactful. A touch of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp. This minimalist approach allows the fresh seafood flavor to be the star, making this a truly “on-the-fly” recipe with ingredients you likely already have.

Customizing Your Shrimp Burger Experience

One of the best aspects of these shrimp burgers is their incredible adaptability. While the base recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own with subtle flavor enhancements. Over countless recipe tests, we’ve discovered endless possibilities to keep things exciting:

Citrusy Brightness: A hint of fresh lemon zest folded into the patty mix adds a delightful, aromatic lift.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chipotle chili powder can transform the flavor profile, introducing smoky warmth.
Herbaceous Notes: Beyond parsley, consider dried basil for a Mediterranean touch or a blend of Italian seasoning for a complex, savory depth.
Convenient Seasoning Blends: On days when you’re short on time or fresh ingredients, a salt-free lemon pepper seasoning offers a quick and easy way to infuse flavor.

Each small addition can create a brand new experience, ensuring these shrimp burgers never get boring and remain a staple in your meal rotation. Experiment with your spice cabinet and see what amazing combinations you can create!

The Essential Sidekick: Zesty Jalapeño Lime Slaw

No shrimp burger is complete without a refreshing, zesty slaw to cut through the richness and add a burst of fresh flavor. Our jalapeño lime slaw is the ideal companion, providing a creamy, crunchy, and tangy counterpoint to the savory shrimp patties.

A Symphony of Fresh Flavors

This slaw dressing is incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers complex flavors. It’s built on a base of creamy Greek yogurt, which provides a healthy tang. Into this, we blend a few garlic cloves for aromatic depth, fresh cilantro (or parsley for those not fond of cilantro) for herbaceous notes, bright lime juice for zest, and a seeded jalapeño for a controlled hint of spice. By blending these ingredients until smooth, you get a harmonious dressing that coats the cabbage perfectly.

Easy Preparation & Customization

Making the slaw is as easy as tossing the dressing ingredients into a blender or food processor and giving it a whirl. Once the dressing is smooth, you’ll simply toss it with shredded cabbage. For ultimate convenience, grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage from the grocery store. If you prefer, finely chop half a large head of cabbage yourself. There’s no wrong way to do it!

Feel free to customize the slaw dressing to your liking. Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a richer texture. Adjust the amount of lime juice to make it more or less tangy. Play with the garlic quantity based on your preference. For the jalapeño, seeding it removes most of the heat, leaving just the fresh pepper flavor. If you want more spice, leave some seeds in, or even add a second jalapeño. This flexibility ensures your slaw is always perfect for your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions and Making it a Meal

Once your delectable shrimp burgers are pan-fried to golden perfection and your zesty slaw is ready, it’s time to assemble your meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, catering to different dietary preferences and cravings.

For a wholesome, low-carb option that’s bursting with flavor, simply serve your warm shrimp patties atop a generous bed of the cool, creamy jalapeño lime slaw. The contrast in temperatures and textures is incredibly satisfying. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, or simply craving the classic burger experience, nestle your shrimp patty into a soft, pillowy brioche bun. Crown it with a heap of the slaw, and perhaps a dollop of extra sour cream for an added layer of richness. The combination of the tender, rich bun, the juicy shrimp, and the vibrant slaw is truly a culinary delight.

Beyond these classic serving methods, get creative! These burgers are fantastic in large lettuce wraps for an even lighter meal, or crumbled over a bowl of fluffy rice with extra slaw. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these shrimp burgers with jalapeño lime slaw are destined to become a weekly favorite, offering a quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable dinner solution.

The consistent rotation of these shrimp burgers in our kitchen speaks volumes. They offer lean protein, fit seamlessly into low-carb meal plans, and can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, the ability to tweak the flavors each time means dinner is always fresh and exciting. Who knew a simple weeknight meal could be so dynamic?

Yield: 4 servings

Simple Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeño Lime Slaw

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

These simple shrimp burgers are a perfect weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes! Serve them on a bed of creamy, zesty jalapeño lime slaw for a low-carb option, or tuck them into a brioche bun for a satisfying burger experience. So many delicious ways to enjoy this healthy, customizable recipe!

Ingredients

Shrimp burger:

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

Jalapeño Lime Slaw:

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

Instructions

For the Shrimp Burgers: Place the shrimp on a cutting board and chop it up into 1/2 inch pieces or smaller. You can also pulse it in a food processor a few times, but be careful not to turn the shrimp into a paste. In a medium bowl, combine all the burger ingredients (cornstarch, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, panko) before adding the chopped shrimp. Mix until *just* combined; overmixing can make the patties tough. Divide the mixture into 4 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch in thickness.
Make the Slaw: Place all the ingredients for the slaw dressing (Greek yogurt/sour cream, garlic cloves, cilantro/parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and start with 3 tablespoons of lime juice, plus the seeded and roughly chopped jalapeño) into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and lime juice to your preference. In a large bowl, toss half of the prepared dressing with the shredded cabbage. Add more dressing if desired, to taste.
Cook the Shrimp Burgers: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the shrimp patties, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the burgers in two batches to ensure even browning and cooking. Pan-fry the shrimp burgers for a total of 5-7 minutes, flipping once, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve the hot shrimp burgers immediately over a bed of the prepared jalapeño lime slaw, or nestled in brioche buns with the slaw on top. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!

Notes

Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully defrosted and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before chopping. This prevents soggy patties.
Cabbage Prep: To save time, you can swap a fresh head of cabbage for a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.
Slaw Yield: This recipe makes just enough dressing for 4 small servings of slaw. If you prefer larger portions or want leftovers, simply double the slaw ingredients. Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Flavor Variations: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with seasonings in your shrimp patties. Popular additions include a little lemon zest, a pinch of cayenne pepper, dried basil, lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even smoky chipotle chili powder for a different kick. Make it your own!
Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp patty mixture up to 4 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. The slaw dressing can also be made ahead.

Have you made this recipe?

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