Crispy Prawn Burgers

Crispy Prawn Burgers are a mouthwatering seafood twist on the classic burger. These juicy patties are made with tender prawns (or shrimp), pan-fried to golden perfection, and served on a soft bun with crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, and your favorite sauce. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a summer cookout, these burgers bring bold, crispy flavor to your table in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These prawn burgers are quick, easy, and seriously delicious. The patties come together with just a few ingredients and require no complicated prep. The contrast between the crispy panko coating and the soft brioche bun is irresistible. They’re lighter than beef burgers, full of fresh flavor, and endlessly customizable with your choice of sauce and toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Prawn Patties:

• 400g (14 oz) fresh or 500g (1 lb) frozen raw peeled prawns (thawed and drained if using frozen)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ¼ cup green onion, finely sliced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Crumbing:

• 1 egg, lightly whisked

• ½ cup plain (all-purpose) flour

• 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup olive oil or other neutral-flavored oil

For the Burgers:

• 4 brioche buns (or any soft white buns), lightly toasted

• 1½ cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce

• Finely sliced gherkins (pickles)

• Bang Bang sauce, tartar sauce, or your favorite burger sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Prawns:
   If using frozen prawns, thaw completely and pat dry. Chop half of the prawns into ⅓-inch pieces. Use a stick blender to blitz the remaining half into a paste with the minced garlic.

2. Make the Patty Mixture:
   Combine the prawn paste, chopped prawns, green onion, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. The mixture will be soft and sticky—this is normal.

3. Set Up Dredging Station:
   Place flour, whisked egg, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.

4. Form the Patties:
   With damp hands, divide the mixture into 4 balls. Roll each in flour, dip in egg, and then press into panko to form a patty slightly larger than your bun. Coat all sides in panko.

5. Cook the Patties:
   Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Fry patties for 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

6. Assemble the Burgers:
   Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add a crispy prawn patty, top with sliced gherkins and shredded lettuce, and finish with more sauce on the top bun. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 16 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the prawn mixture or sauce.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

• No Egg: Replace the egg with a flax egg or aquafaba for egg-free crumbing.

• Grilled Version: Grill patties on a well-oiled grate instead of frying (note: texture will be softer).

• Mini Sliders: Form smaller patties and use slider buns for appetizers or parties.

• Asian-Inspired: Add a touch of soy sauce and ginger to the patty mix and serve with wasabi mayo.

• Lettuce Wrap: Skip the bun and wrap the patty in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

• Avocado Add-On: Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole for creaminess.

• Cheese Option: Melt a slice of cheese over the patties right after frying.

• Seafood Blend: Combine prawns with a small amount of white fish or crab for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid storing with assembled buns or toppings.

Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded patties between sheets of parchment in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw prawns so the patties hold together and cook properly. Pre-cooked shrimp can lead to overcooked, rubbery patties.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, form and bread the patties, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What sauce goes best with prawn burgers?

Bang Bang sauce, tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo all work beautifully.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. The result won’t be quite as crispy as pan-frying.

Are these burgers spicy?

Not by default, but you can adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños, chili powder, or spicy sauce.

What type of bun works best?

Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, which pairs well with the savory prawn patties. Other soft white buns also work.

Can I use a food processor instead of a stick blender?

Yes, pulse half the prawns with garlic in a food processor until you reach a paste-like texture.

What are panko breadcrumbs?

Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that creates a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

The soft mixture firms up during cooking. Be gentle while flipping and let them set in the pan before turning.

Can I make these into fish cakes instead of burgers?

Absolutely. Serve them without buns alongside salad or rice for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

These Crispy Prawn Burgers are a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional meat-based burgers. Packed with juicy prawns, coated in crunchy panko, and paired with your favorite toppings and sauces, they’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elevated burger night, this seafood spin is sure to be a hit.

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