If you are craving something deliciously crunchy, fresh, and packed full of flavorful prawns, this Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe is going to become your new go-to! Imagine juicy, tender prawn patties encased in a perfectly golden panko crust, nestled inside soft brioche buns with crisp lettuce, tangy gherkins, and a swipe of your favorite sauce. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic burger that brings the ocean’s bounty right to your plate and promises a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four round, golden-brown fried patties with a crispy and crumbly texture are placed on a white marbled surface. Each patty is sprinkled lightly with coarse salt, adding small white flakes on the crunchy surface. The edges of the patties are uneven and crunchy, showing a rich brown color with hints of lighter golden areas. A silver slotted spatula, partially visible at the bottom, rests near the patties, suggesting they have just been lifted or arranged on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in making your Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe come alive with flavor, texture, and appeal. Whether it’s the freshness of the prawns or the crunch from the panko, every component matters.

Fresh or frozen peeled prawns (400g fresh or 500g frozen): The star protein, providing that sweet, briny flavor essential to the patties.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a subtle pungency that enhances the prawns without overpowering.
Green onion (1/4 cup, finely sliced): Gives a fresh, slightly sharp contrast and beautiful flecks of green.
Cooking salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural prawn flavors and balance each bite.
Egg (1, lightly whisked): Acts as the perfect binder and helps the crumbs stick to the patties.
Plain flour (1/2 cup): Creates a light base layer for the crumb coating, ensuring proper adhesion.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/4 cups): Responsible for that satisfyingly crispy texture on the exterior.
Olive oil or any neutral-flavored oil (1/2 cup): For frying the patties to golden perfection without masking flavors.
Brioche buns (4, lightly toasted): Soft and slightly sweet, the ideal vessel for the prawn patties.
Shredded iceberg or cos lettuce (1 1/2 cups): Adds crunch and a refreshing lift to each bite.
Gherkins (finely sliced): Provide a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
Sauces (Bang Bang Sauce recommended, Tartare Sauce, Peri-naise, or ketchup): Your personal touch that brings an extra layer of flavor to the burger.

How to Make Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Prawns

If you’re using frozen prawns, start by thawing them fully and patting away any excess moisture—this ensures your patties won’t be soggy. Chop the prawns into small, uniform pieces about 8mm across. This size helps with a nice meaty bite while mixing perfectly in the patty mix.

Step 2: Blitz and Mix the Patty Base

Place half of the prawns along with the minced garlic in a food processor or use a stick blender to blitz them into a coarse paste. No need to overdo it; you want texture, not a puree. Then, mix this paste in a large bowl with the remaining chopped prawns, finely sliced green onion, salt, and pepper. The texture will be a little wet and loose, but that is exactly right for the patties to hold together beautifully when shaped.

Step 3: Set Up Your Crumbing Station

For an efficient assembly line, get three shallow dishes ready: one with the plain flour, one with the whisked egg, and a plate piled with panko breadcrumbs. This classic three-step dredging ensures each prawn patty gets coated evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Step 4: Shape and Crumb Your Patties

Using slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, divide the prawn mixture into four equal balls. Dredge each ball first in flour, then in the egg (letting the excess drip off), and finally press gently into the panko on both sides and edges to form uniform patties slightly larger than your buns. The panko creates that iconic crispy crust once fried.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your olive or neutral oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick pan. Fry each patty for about two minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The scent of the crisping panko is absolutely irresistible at this point! Transfer the cooked patties to paper towels briefly to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Assemble Your Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe

Lightly toast your brioche buns to add a bit of firmness and warmth. Spread the base bun generously with your preferred sauce, then layer on the crispy prawn patty. Add sliced gherkins and a heap of shredded lettuce. Top with more sauce on the lid, and crown the burger. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe

A close-up image of a crispy fried fish sandwich on a white bun, cut in half to show inside layers. The bottom bun holds a golden brown crispy fish patty with a creamy orange sauce beneath it. On top of the fish patty is a layer of shredded green lettuce, then slices of white onion, followed by a thick fish filet with visible bits of green herbs inside. Above the fish filet is a layer of creamy orange sauce topped with more shredded lettuce, then the soft top bun. The sandwich is surrounded by golden crispy French fries, with some shredded lettuce scattered around, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A fresh handful of shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce adds delightful crunch and a clean flavor that balances the richness of the fried prawns. Thinly sliced gherkins lend a tangy pop making every bite interesting. For an extra hit, a drizzle of zesty Bang Bang Sauce or creamy tartare works wonders to elevate the whole experience.

Side Dishes

These burgers love company! Serve alongside homemade fries or crispy sweet potato wedges for that classic combo. A simple side salad with citrus dressing or garden greens can lighten the plate beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to the crisp, savory patties.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or family? Try serving the prawn patties open-faced with avocado slices and a sprinkle of chili flakes atop the lettuce for a stylish look. Alternatively, swap the brioche buns for sturdy lettuce wraps to keep things light and gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), place the cooked patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the buns and fresh veggies separate to maintain their texture. This way, you can reassemble your burgers fresh when hungry again.

Freezing

This Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as the delicate texture of the prawn patties doesn’t freeze well. The panko crust can become soggy and lose its crunchiness, so I do not recommend freezing cooked patties. However, you can prepare and crumb the uncooked patties a few hours ahead and keep them chilled before frying.

Reheating

When ready to eat leftovers, reheat the patties in a non-stick pan with a little oil over medium heat until the outside crisps back up and they’re warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy and the prawns rubbery, which would be a shame after all that delicious effort!

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and remove any excess moisture before prepping the patties. This prevents watery patties and helps the crumb stick better for that perfect crispy finish.

What sauces work best with Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe?

Bang Bang Sauce is highly recommended for its creamy, spicy kick, but tartare sauce, Peri-naise, or even ketchup are tasty options too. The sauce adds moisture and flavor contrast, making each bite even more satisfying.

Can I prepare the patties in advance?

You can prepare and crumb the patties a few hours before frying and keep them chilled in the fridge. Just make sure to crumb them well as the panko might absorb some moisture over time. Cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How do I make the patties less soft and easier to handle?

Since prawn meat is naturally delicate, the patties will always be softer than traditional beef burgers. Keeping your hands slightly damp and properly crumbed with panko helps with shaping and handling. Also, making them a bit thinner can make flipping easier when frying.

Are brioche buns necessary?

Not at all! While brioche buns offer the perfect balance of softness and slight sweetness, soft white buns or even sturdy burger buns work well. You can also go gluten-free with lettuce wraps if preferred.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Crispy Prawn Burgers (Shrimp) Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. The combination of juicy prawns, crunchy crust, and fresh, tangy additions makes every bite an absolute delight. Happy cooking and even happier eating!