Hey there burger lovers! I’ve been experimenting with different sauces for shrimp burgers lately, and lemme tell you – finding the perfect sauce can totally transform your burger experience. As someone who’s tested countless combinations, I’m excited to share my favorite sauce pairings that’ll make your shrimp burgers absolutely irresistible!
Why Sauce Selection Matters for Shrimp Burgers
Shrimp burgers are different from regular beef burgers because they
- Have a naturally sweet and delicate flavor
- Can be prone to dryness
- Are lighter and healthier
- Need complementary flavors without overpowering the shrimp
Top 5 Must-Try Sauces for Your Shrimp Burger
1. Bang Bang Sauce
This is my absolute favorite! Here’s my go-to recipe:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Mix these together and you’ve got a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy that works amazingly with shrimp burgers.
2. Remoulade Sauce
This classic never disappoints! Components include
- Mayonnaise base
- Mustard
- Capers
- Fresh herbs
- Pickles
- Hot sauce
- Cajun seasoning
3. Spicy Aioli
Super simple but super effective:
- Mayo base
- Fresh garlic
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
4. Tzatziki
For a refreshing twist:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Dill
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
5. Honey Mustard
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy:
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Mayo
- Lemon juice
Quick and Easy Homemade Sauce Tips
Listen up, y’all! Here’s what I’ve learned from making these sauces:
- Always mix sauces at least 30 mins before serving
- Store in airtight containers
- Let refrigerated sauces come to room temp before serving
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
Best Store-Bought Options
Sometimes we’re just too busy to make sauce from scratch. Here are my fave store-bought options:
- Old Bay Tartar Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Pre-made Remoulade
Pro Tips for Sauce Pairing
- Start with less sauce – you can always add more!
- Consider your burger toppings when choosing sauce
- Think about texture – creamy sauces work great with crispy toppings
- Don’t be afraid to mix sauces together
What to Avoid
Some common mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to!):
- Using too much sauce (drowns out the shrimp flavor)
- Picking overly spicy sauces
- Using thick sauces that make the burger slip
- Combining too many strong flavors
Perfect Bun and Sauce Combinations
I’ve found these combos work great:
- Brioche bun + Bang Bang sauce
- Pretzel bun + Honey mustard
- Potato roll + Spicy remoulade
- Whole grain bun + Tzatziki
Building the Ultimate Shrimp Burger
Here’s my perfect stack from bottom to top:
- Toasted bun bottom
- Light sauce layer
- Lettuce
- Shrimp patty
- Main sauce dollop
- Toppings (tomato, onion, etc.)
- Top bun
Storage Tips for Homemade Sauces
Keep your sauces fresh with these tips:
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep refrigerated
- Use within 3-4 days
- Label with date made
- Don’t double-dip!
Wrapping Up
Finding your perfect shrimp burger sauce might take some experimenting, but that’s half the fun! Start with my recommendations and then get creative with your own combinations. The key is balancing flavors without overwhelming the delicate shrimp taste.
Remember, the best sauce is the one YOU enjoy most! Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes to match your taste preferences. Now go forth and create some amazing shrimp burgers!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my bang bang shrimp burger recipe – it’s to die for!
How to Make shrimp burgers
Step 1: Pulse the Panko. Add the panko to your food processor and pulse until it’s finely ground. Transfer to a shallow dish.
Step 2: Chop the Shrimp. Add one-third of the shrimp, the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the now-empty food processor. Pulse about 8 times until the shrimp are finely chopped.
Step 3: Finish Chopping. Add the rest of the shrimp and pulse 4 times just to coarsely chop. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Make the Shrimp Patty Mixture. Transfer the chopped shrimp to a bowl and stir in the scallions.
Step 5: Shape the Burgers. Lightly moisten your hands and divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each into a ¾-inch-thick patty.
Step 6: Coat the Burgers. Dredge each patty in the crushed panko one at a time. Flip it over to completely coat both sides and the edges.
⭐️ Pro tip: Once the shrimp burgers are breaded, they can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage. If freezing, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer the homemade shrimp burgers to a container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Step 7: Cook. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the patties and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Flip and Finish. Flip the patties over and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and reach 140°F. Transfer the cooked shrimp burgers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for about 30 seconds on each side.
Step 9: Assemble and Serve. Spread the tartar sauce evenly among the bun bottoms, add the burgers and the lettuce on top. Cover with the bun tops and serve.
jenn’s tips for the best Shrimp burgers
- Don’t Over Process the Shrimp. Follow my technique for chopping. This ensures the shrimp patty has a bit of texture.
- Experiment With Shrimp Burger Toppings. Keep it classic with the Bibb lettuce and tartar sauce or get creative with your favorites. You can swap the tartar for cocktail sauce, green sauce, or even a spicy mayo, and add picked red onions or citrus slaw.
- Other Ways to Enjoy. If you want to skip the bun, these shrimp burgers work great as a shrimp patty on its own, added to a lettuce wrap, or served atop a salad or bowl. Shape them into bite-size portions and use mini buns for shrimp sliders, or skip the bun for a tasty appetizer or finger food.
The Shrimp Burger You NEED To Try and Tartar Sauce Recipe
FAQ
What sauce do you put on shrimp burgers?
Tartar sauce: A tangy, creamy topping for the burgers. You can use store-bought or make homemade tartar sauce depending on your preference. Hamburger buns: Serve as the base and top for the shrimp burgers.
What is the best sauce to eat with shrimp?
These three must-have prawn dipping sauces – Homemade Cocktail Sauce, Tartare Sauce, and Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce – are my go-tos. Each one is simple, quick, and guaranteed to make your next seafood spread unforgettable.
What to pair with a shrimp burger?
- Fries. Go with classic Homemade Fries, make some Grilled Sweet Potato Fries as long as you’re firing up the grill, or go with healthy Zucchini Fries.
- Salad. …
- Veggies.
What is the best sauce combo for burgers?
Go old-school with a mix of mayo, special sauce ketchup, dill relish, and a splash of pickle juice. It’s that creamy, tangy combo that just works. Add a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder for more kick. You’ve basically got your homemade burger sauce.