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These juicy shrimp burgers have become my summer grilling obsession, combining Asian-inspired flavors with succulent seafood. The ginger, garlic, and chile create a perfect flavor profile, while the grilled pineapple adds a sweet and smoky contrast that makes these burgers truly special.
I first created these when looking for a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers during a backyard gathering. The combination was such a hit that friends now specifically request my shrimp burgers whenever we host summer barbecues.
Ingredients
- Fresh raw shrimp: forms the burger base providing both texture and sweet seafood flavor
- Ginger and garlic: create aromatic depth use fresh for best results
- Jalapeño or chile flakes: add customizable heat choose based on your preference
- Lemongrass paste: contributes citrusy notes without the work of fresh lemongrass
- Colorful bell peppers: provide crunch and visual appeal
- Cilantro: adds freshness and brightness helps balance the richness
- Fish sauce: optional but delivers authentic umami depth
- Fresh pineapple rings for grilling: caramelizes beautifully for sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine garlic, mayonnaise, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and black pepper in your food processor. Blend until perfectly smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides several times for an even consistency. This can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to develop.
- Create the Shrimp Base:
- Process one-third of your shrimp with aromatic ingredients garlic, chile, ginger, lemongrass paste, and pepper until it forms a smooth paste. This creates the binding agent that will hold your burgers together without needing breadcrumbs or eggs.
- Mix in Texture Elements:
- Add remaining shrimp, shallots, bell pepper, cilantro and fish sauce to the processor. Pulse just enough to combine while maintaining visible chunks of shrimp. The texture should be somewhat coarse with recognizable pieces of shrimp throughout for the best mouthfeel.
- Form and Chill Patties:
- Shape the mixture into either four slider-sized patties using a 1/3 cup measure or two full-sized burgers. Press firmly enough to hold shape without compacting too tightly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes this critical step allows proteins to bind and flavors to meld.
- Grill to Perfection:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Spray both sides of patties and pineapple rings generously with cooking spray. Grill patties until a dark crust forms on the bottom about 5-7 minutes before flipping. Cook another 4 minutes until shrimp is opaque throughout. Grill pineapple alongside until caramelized with distinct grill marks.
- Assemble Your Masterpiece:
- Place each burger on a bun topped with a grilled pineapple ring and a generous dollop of the prepared sauce. The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet caramelized pineapple, and creamy sauce creates perfect harmony in every bite.
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The secret to these burgers is balancing the aromatics with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. I discovered through testing that processing a portion of the shrimp into a paste creates the perfect binding texture without diluting the seafood flavor with breadcrumbs. My family particularly loves how the slight char from the grill enhances the natural sugars in both the shrimp and pineapple.
Make-Ahead Tips
These shrimp patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. The longer chilling time actually improves both flavor and texture as the ingredients have more time to meld together. The sauce can also be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
Indoor Cooking Alternative
No grill? No problem. These shrimp burgers cook beautifully in a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan. Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat and cook patties for approximately 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. For the pineapple, use the same pan after cooking the burgers, adding a light touch of butter for extra caramelization. The indoor method results in a slightly juicier burger with less charred flavor.
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Serving Suggestions
These versatile shrimp burgers pair wonderfully with Asian-inspired sides. Try serving with a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, or alongside a colorful slaw with mangoes and red cabbage. For a complete meal, consider coconut rice or cold sesame noodles as accompaniments. The slider version makes perfect passed appetizers for parties when served without buns on small plates with just a dollop of sauce and a small piece of grilled pineapple.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I stop the shrimp patties from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill is properly preheated and spray the patties with cooking spray or brush with oil before cooking. This prevents sticking and helps form a nice crust.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Ensure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before processing.
- → What can I substitute for fish sauce in this recipe?
You can use soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of lime juice as an alternative to fish sauce.
- → Can I make these shrimp burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to one day before grilling. The chilling time also helps them firm up.
- → What type of pineapple is best for grilling?
Fresh pineapple rings are ideal for grilling as they provide natural sweetness, but canned pineapple rings also work well if fresh is not available.