There is nothing quite like biting into a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger—but these Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe take things up an exciting notch. Picture a golden-fried shrimp patty bursting with flavor, nestled inside a soft, toasted brioche bun, layered with tangy tartar sauce and a luscious honey mustard aioli that adds just the right touch of sweetness and zing. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re craving seafood with a twist or looking to impress guests with something unique, this recipe is a total winner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for these shrimp burgers work together beautifully to create a dish that’s crispy, savory, and full of vibrant flavors. Each component, from the shrimp to the spices and the homemade sauces, contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp provides tender, sweet seafood flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the shrimp patties.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a little heat and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder: Provides a slight tang and elevates the overall spice blend.
- 1 large egg white: Helps bind the shrimp mixture for perfect patties.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the patties for frying.
- 1 cup panko: Gives the patties their signature crispy crust.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that irresistible golden crust.
- 4 brioche buns toasted: Soft, buttery buns provide a perfect base for the rich shrimp patties.
- 3 hard-boiled eggs coarsely chopped: Essential for the creamy, chunky tartar sauce texture.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Used in both sauces, it adds creaminess and richness.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion: Adds a slight crunch and sharpness to the tartar sauce.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons: Bring a tangy, crunchy surprise that livens up the tartar.
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill: Offers a fresh, herbal note to brighten the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Adds lively acidity to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: For just a touch of heat in the tartar.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: For the honey mustard aioli base.
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard: Imparts texture and a tangy mustard flavor to the aioli.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens and mellows the aioli.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Introduces brightness and a mild tang.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: Adds crunch and a refreshing bite as a cabbage slaw.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Lightly dresses the cabbage for flavor and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lends a fresh acidity to the cabbage slaw.
How to Make Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Patties
Start by finely chopping the peeled and deveined shrimp; the pieces should be small enough to bind but still maintain some texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, and dry mustard powder. Stir in the egg white and flour, then fold in the panko breadcrumbs gently so the mixture holds together without becoming too dense. Form the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about the size of your brioche buns. The key here is to ensure they’re compact but not overworked to retain a tender bite inside the crispy crust.
Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat for shallow frying — about half an inch deep. Once shimmering hot, carefully place the shrimp patties in the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on each side, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. Drain the patties on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep that glorious crunch intact.
Step 3: Prepare the Tartar Sauce
While the shrimp cooks, mix together the coarsely chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, finely chopped onions, and cornichons. Season with chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything without mashing the eggs too much — the tartar sauce should be chunky, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor.
Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Aioli
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This aioli is the perfect sweet and tangy complement to the crispy shrimp patties and rich tartar sauce, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Dress the Cabbage Slaw
Toss shredded green cabbage with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl. This light slaw adds a fresh crunch and nicely balances the richness of the burgers.
Step 6: Assemble Your Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe
Start by toasting your brioche buns until slightly golden for that added softness and flavor. Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard aioli on the bottom bun, then add a handful of cabbage slaw. Place a crispy shrimp patty on top, spoon over the tangy tartar sauce, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately and prepare to delight in every bite!
How to Serve Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can turn your shrimp burgers into a culinary showstopper. Consider topping your burger with extra dill sprigs, thin lemon slices for brightness, or even thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the aioli can amp up the smoky aroma, making every bite feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
To complement these crispy shrimp burgers, serve with crunchy, golden sweet potato fries or a zesty corn salad. A light cucumber and tomato salad with fresh herbs offers a refreshing counterpoint, while a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade will elevate the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a casual gathering, assemble sliders using smaller shrimp patties on mini brioche buns with dollops of the tartar sauce and honey mustard aioli. Alternatively, serve the patties deconstructed on a platter with all the elements—lettuce, sauces, cabbage slaw—allowing guests to build their own perfect Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy this classic with a seafood twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra shrimp patties or sauces, store patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the tartar sauce and honey mustard aioli separate in small containers, tightly sealed, to maintain their fresh flavors and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked shrimp patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, cook directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time. Sauces are best made fresh, but mayonnaise-based sauces freeze poorly, so avoid freezing those.
Reheating
Reheat cooked shrimp patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve their crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Refresh the toasted buns quickly in a hot oven or skillet before assembling the burgers again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for these burgers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture which can interfere with binding the patties.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp patties instead of frying?
You can bake them, but frying gives the best crispy texture. To bake, spray patties lightly with oil, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
How spicy are these burgers? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild heat level from the chili powder and hot sauce in the tartar. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance, or leave it out completely for a milder version.
What can I substitute for brioche buns?
Any soft sandwich buns or even sturdy lettuce leaves for a low-carb option work well. Just make sure the buns are soft but strong enough to hold the patties and toppings.
Can I prepare the tartar sauce and aioli in advance?
Yes, both sauces can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated in airtight containers. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully! Just give them a stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a seafood meal that feels special yet is easy to pull together, this Crispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe is calling your name. Every bite is a celebration of crispy, creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that come together so perfectly, you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather your ingredients, have fun creating it, and share this delightful dish with friends or family—you’re guaranteed to earn some serious foodie applause!
PrintCrispy Shrimp Burgers with Tartar Sauce and Honey Mustard Aioli Recipe
These Crispy Shrimp Burgers are a delightful seafood twist on the classic burger, featuring crunchy shrimp patties seasoned with a blend of spices and served on toasted brioche buns. Accompanied by a tangy homemade tartar sauce, a zesty honey mustard aioli, and a refreshing cabbage slaw, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp Patties
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 large egg white
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
Tartar Sauce
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Honey Mustard Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cabbage Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Patties: In a food processor, pulse the peeled and deveined shrimp until coarsely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a bowl and mix in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, dry mustard powder, and egg white until well combined. Gently fold in the flour and panko breadcrumbs to bind the mixture.
- Form the Patties: Divide the shrimp mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty about ¾ inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Fry the Shrimp Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Tartar Sauce: In a bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, cornichons, fresh dill, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, honey, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the Cabbage Slaw: Toss the shredded cabbage with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl to lightly dress it.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the brioche buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of honey mustard aioli on the bottom bun, place a crispy shrimp patty on top, add a spoonful of cabbage slaw, and finish with a dollop of tartar sauce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the shrimp patties are chilled before frying to help them hold together better.
- Use fresh herbs for the tartar sauce to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the tartar sauce based on your spice preference.
- Opt for brioche buns as they add a subtle sweetness that complements the shrimp.
- Leftover shrimp patties can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
