Shrimp Burgers

shrimp burgers served with sliced tomatoes
Photo: Chris Simpson
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4

Bite into summer with these juicy shrimp burgers slathered with smoky chipotle-lime mayo. The secret to patties that hold together without fillers like breadcrumbs or eggs is to whirl a handful of shrimp in the food processor, forming a paste that binds the rest of the chopped shrimp, scallions, and pickled hot cherry peppers. Another secret? You can form the patties and refrigerate them up to a day ahead, then grill, which takes just 10 minutes, and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pounds peeled, deveined shrimp

  • cup coarsely chopped scallions (from 3)

  • 2 tablespoons sliced hot cherry peppers (6 to 7 slices), plus more for serving

  • ¼ cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • Vegetable oil, for brushing

  • 4 soft brioche, potato, or sweet Hawaiian buns, split

  • Sliced heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes and butter lettuce leaves, for serving

Directions

  1. In a food processor, pulse one-third of shrimp into a smooth paste. Add remaining shrimp, scallions, cherry peppers, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse a few times just until coarsely chopped and evenly combined.

  2. Divide mixture into 4 portions; shape into patties slightly wider than buns and about 3/4 inch thick. Refrigerate on a parchment-lined plate until ready to grill or, loosely covered, up to 1 day.

  3. Preheat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Brush grates and shrimp patties with oil.

  4. Grill patties, flipping once, until just cooked through and charred in places, 3 to 4 minutes a side. Grill split sides of buns just until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.

  5. Dress split sides of buns with spicy lime mayo; top with lettuce, tomatoes, patties, and more cherry peppers and basil. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

These juicy burgers will be done in under 10 minutes—just be sure to oil your grill grates before starting so they won't stick.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, June 2022

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