Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe
There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe that delivers a delightful crunch followed by juicy, flavorful shrimp and a creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. This dish takes the classic burger experience to a whole new level with succulent shrimp patties that are golden fried to perfection, enveloped in a soft toasted bun and brightened with fresh toppings. Whether you’re craving a seafood treat or looking to impress at a weekend cookout, this recipe promises easy steps and incredible results that you’ll be excited to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential for creating a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe. Each item plays a special role, from the aromatic green onions that add freshness to the homemade sauce that brings an irresistible creaminess to every bite.
- Raw shrimp (1 lb): The star of the show, peeled and deveined to ensure tender, flavorful patties.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Adds body and helps bind the shrimp mixture while keeping patties light.
- Egg (2 total): One for mixing in the patties and one for the breading process to create a perfect crust.
- Green onions (2): Finely chopped for a subtle, fresh bite that balances the richness.
- Garlic cloves (2): Minced to infuse a savory depth into the shrimp patties.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings umami and a touch of saltiness to enhance every flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the shrimp mix and sauce with fresh acidity.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfectly balance the taste.
- Flour (1/2 cup): For the first step in breading, ensuring the coating sticks well.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides the iconic crunch that makes these shrimp burgers irresistible.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Ideal frying oil since it handles high heat without overpowering flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for the homemade sauce with natural richness.
- Ketchup (1 tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- Pickle relish (1 tbsp): Introduces a delightful crunch and zing to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Brings a gentle sharpness that wakes up the flavor.
- Burger buns (4): Soft and toasted, the perfect vessel to hold all that deliciousness.
- Lettuce leaves: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and bright, they complement the crispy shrimp patties perfectly.
- Red onion slices (optional): For those who love a bit of extra bite and sharpness.
How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by giving your shrimp a quick pulse in the food processor. Be careful not to overdo it — you want a coarse chop that holds texture, not a shrimp paste. Transfer that to a mixing bowl, and combine it with breadcrumbs, an egg, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and your salt and pepper. Mixing this gently but thoroughly ensures each patty will have a flavor-packed, tender bite.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties
Form the shrimp mixture into four equal-sized patties. Cooling them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes is a game changer — this step firms them up so they hold together beautifully during frying. Trust me, this little pause pays off when you reach that perfect golden crust.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Organize three shallow dishes for breading: flour in one, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third. This classic dredging trio gives each patty that signature crispy coating. The flour helps the egg stick, and the panko is what creates that mouthwatering crunch.
Step 4: Bread the Patties
Coat each patty lightly in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the panko crumbs until fully covered. Don’t rush this step; make sure each patty is evenly coated for the best texture and even frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — enough to shallow fry but not submerge the patties. Carefully fry each patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the coating is a gorgeous golden brown and the shrimp is cooked through. Once done, drain them on paper towels so they stay crisp but not oily.
Step 6: Whip Up the Homemade Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This sauce is creamy with a bright, tangy kick that complements the fried shrimp beautifully and ties the burger together perfectly.
Step 7: Assemble Your Shrimp Burgers
Now for the moment of assembly magic. Toast your burger buns to add just a touch of warmth and crunch. Spread a generous layer of the homemade sauce on the bottom bun, layer with fresh lettuce, your crispy shrimp patty, juicy tomato slices, and red onion if you’re using it. Add another spoonful of sauce on top, then crown with the bun’s top half. This stacking of textures and flavors creates a burger experience that’s truly next level.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
Adding crisp lettuce and slices of vibrant tomato isn’t just for looks — these fresh garnishes balance the richness of the fried shrimp and creamy sauce beautifully. Red onion slices bring a slight sharpness and extra crunch that many love, making each bite layered with contrasting textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries or crunchy potato chips. For a lighter option, a tangy coleslaw with cabbage and carrots adds a refreshing contrast that brightens the whole meal. Whatever your pick, sides are an opportunity for even more texture and flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, serve sliders using mini buns for a fun party appetizer. Alternatively, wrap the assembled burger in parchment paper marked with a cute sticker or tied with twine for a gift-like appeal. You could even swap the lettuce for crispy kale or arugula for a peppery punch and welcomed crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the patties keep their crispy texture longer and the sauce stays fresh and creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked shrimp patties by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and keeps them ready for your next craving. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before breading and frying.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers without losing the satisfying crunch, warm shrimp patties in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that golden texture. Toast buns fresh for best results, then assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before processing. Dry shrimp chops will hold better and fry up crispier than wet ones.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be quite as light and crispy. For an extra crunch, crushed cornflakes can make an inventive substitute.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp patties instead of frying?
You can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t be as crispy as frying but is a healthier alternative that still tastes delicious.
How spicy is the Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe?
This recipe is mild with a gentle smoky warmth from the paprika and slight tang from the sauce, making it perfect for all taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Can this burger be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes like almond or rice flour. Be sure to check that other ingredients like soy sauce are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends anytime you want to brighten up your meal routine. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and prepare to savor every crunchy, juicy bite!
Print
Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger with Homemade Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Fried Shrimp Burger features juicy shrimp patties coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a tangy homemade sauce. The shrimp patties are seasoned with garlic, green onions, smoked paprika, and soy sauce, then layered inside toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and optional red onion slices. A perfect quick and flavorful seafood burger that brings a crispy texture and zesty sauce in every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp Patties
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading & Frying
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Homemade Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices (optional)
Instructions
- Process Shrimp: Place shrimp in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, being careful not to over-process, then transfer to a bowl.
- Mix Patty Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the processed shrimp and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up for easier handling and frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs respectively, ready for the breading process.
- Bread the Patties: Coat each chilled patty first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Fry Patties: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each patty for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain patties on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a tangy homemade sauce.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread the sauce on the bottom half of toasted buns, then layer with lettuce, a fried shrimp patty, tomato slices, red onion slices if using, and additional sauce. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp burgers hot, accompanied by fries, chips, or coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- To prevent patties from falling apart, chilling them before breading is key.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the homemade sauce to your taste preference.
- For a lighter version, patties can be baked at 400°F for 10-12 minutes instead of frying, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American