Just imagine tender, juicy Gulf shrimp made into a patty, topped with yummy basil pesto aioli, and sandwiched between a soft fluffy bun, and you have one tasty Shrimp Burger!
1poundshrimppeeled and deveined, with the tails removed
1cupPanko bread crumbs
2large eggs beaten
1tablespoonhot sauce
1clovegarlicminced
1teaspoonOld Bay Seafood Seasoning
1teaspoonground black pepper
1tablespoonfresh parsleychopped
½jalapenoseeded and minced
1tablespoonchopped scallionswhite parts only, finely minced
2tablespoonsolive oil
Basil Pesto Aioli
¼cupbasil pestopurchased or *see recipe link for homemade basil pesto in tips
¼cupmayonnaise
Additional ingredients
4hamburger buns
4slicestomato
Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Shrimp Patties
For the patties, put the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse seven times. It’s fine if some of the shrimp are not completely chopped up.
In a large bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, eggs, hot sauce, garlic, seafood seasoning, black pepper, parsley, scallions and minced jalapeno. Mix to combine.
Add the breadcrumb mixture to the shrimp in the food processor. Pulse seven times or until everything is just combined. Do not over process.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal sections. Use a very light touch and form the mixture into four patties using your hands. They will be soft and delicate so handle them carefully. Place the patties on a plate lined with wax or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least one hour for them to firm up.
When you are ready to cook the shrimp burgers, add two tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
When the oil is hot, carefully place the burgers in the pan and pan-fry for about four minutes on the first side, then flip and continue cooking for an additional three to four minutes. Do not overcook.
Place the patties on a paper towel to drain.
Basil Pesto Aioli
For the Basil Pesto Aioli, mix ¼ cup basil pesto with ¼ cup mayonnaise in a small bowl. Mix well.
Assembly
To prepare your burgers, lightly toast the buns and spread a liberal amount of Basil Pesto Aioli on each bun. Add some lettuce, a slice of tomato and your shrimp patty and enjoy.
Notes
My top tip for cooking any recipe with shrimp is not to overcook them. They can go from cooked to overcooked in a matter of seconds.
You can use purchased basil pesto in this recipe, or here is a link to my homemadeSouthern Basil Pesto if you would like to make your own.
Uncooked shrimp burgers can be frozen for up to 30 days. To freeze, place sheets of wax or parchment paper between the patties and wrap tightly in freezer wrap.
Trader Joe's has crushed garlic in small cubes in their frozen food section if you want to save time.