Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines crunch, juicy seafood, and a luscious creamy zing, my Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy shrimp patty that’s tender on the inside, perfectly balanced with the tangy, rich sauce that elevates every mouthful. This delightful fusion of textures and flavors brings a refreshing twist to burgers, making it a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or impressing friends at your next gathering. Get ready to bring a little Korean-inspired magic right into your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe is in its straightforward and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a simple but crucial role in creating that signature crispy exterior, juicy shrimp interior, or the creamy sauce that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, bringing richness and smooth texture.
• Greek yogurt: A lighter swap for mayo to keep the sauce fresh but still creamy.
• Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Diced pickles: Offers a crunchy, tangy pop in the sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances sour and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Medium-sized shrimps (41-50 per pound): The star ingredient, with just the right size for tender, juicy patties.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and bringing out flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold your shrimp patty together.
• Dried parsley flakes: Adds a subtle herbal brightness.
• Diced onion: Provides sweetness and texture inside the patty.
• Potato starch: Helps create a light, crispy crust on the patties; cornstarch works too.
• Korean-style breadcrumbs: (or Japanese panko) Gives the patties that signature crunchy bite, both mixed in and for coating.
• Potato buns or your favorite burger buns: Soft and slightly sweet to cradle that crispy, juicy goodness.
• Lettuce, cabbage, cheese, raw onions, tomatoes, peppers: Fresh toppings to your preference, with lettuce and cheese as classic crowd-pleasers.

How to Make Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

First things first, let’s get that golden, creamy sauce ready. In a small bowl, stir together your mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you prefer lightness), lemon juice, diced pickles, Dijon mustard, and sugar. This sauce is the magic touch that brings tang, creaminess, and crunch to each bite of your burger. Once combined, set it aside to let the flavors mingle while you move on to the patties.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Nothing beats lightly toasting the inner sides of your potato buns. Whether you use butter or a little oil, toasting adds a subtle crunch and helps the buns hold up to all that delicious moisture without getting soggy. Keep the outsides soft and pillowy — this contrast makes every bite extra satisfying.

Step 3: Chop Your Shrimp

To get the perfect patty texture, take about 15 of your shrimps and chop them into roughly six pieces each, leaving the remaining five shrimps in two to three pieces. This technique ensures your patty stays juicy but still has a wonderful shrimp bite, not just a pureed texture. It’s a key step that makes this Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe stand out from any ordinary seafood burger.

Step 4: Mix and Form the Patties

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with salt, half an egg, dried parsley flakes, diced onion, potato starch, and about 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of your Korean-style breadcrumbs. Gently fold everything together without overmixing—overworking can make the patties tough. After the mixture is uniform, shape it into two round patties, getting ready for that crispy golden crust.

Step 5: Coat Patties for Extra Crunch

Place an additional half cup of Korean breadcrumbs on a flat plate, then carefully roll each shrimp patty to fully coat them. This second breadcrumb layer is what creates the unbeatable crunch and a beautiful golden exterior when fried. Trust me, this step will up your burger game to a whole new level.

Step 6: Shallow Fry to Perfection

Pour enough oil into a frying pan to submerge about half of the shrimp patty—this is shallow frying, which saves oil and keeps the inside tender without heaviness. Heat the oil until warm and gently place the patties in, frying each side just a few minutes until beautifully golden brown. The patties will be crisp, juicy, and everything you want in that crispy Korean shrimp experience.

Step 7: Assemble Your Burger

Start with your toasted buns. If you’re using cheese, place it on the bottom bun first so it melts slightly from the warm patties. Next, add your lettuce or cabbage so the bottom bun stays nice and dry. Place your crispy shrimp patty atop the greens, then dollop on a generous spoonful of that creamy sauce. Finish with your favorite toppings like raw onions, tomatoes, or peppers, and crown it with the top bun. Bite into this and prepare for pure happiness.

How to Serve Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

While the burger stands beautifully on its own, adding fresh garnishes like thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a few delicate microgreens gives your presentation an extra flair and layers of fresh flavor. A little sprinkle of chili flakes will also add a subtle kick that compliments the creamy sauce marvelously.

Side Dishes

This burger pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a light cabbage slaw to keep things crisp and refreshing. If you want to lean into the Korean inspirations, serve alongside a small bowl of kimchi or pickled radish to contrast the richness with some lively acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving mini versions as sliders at your next gathering with toothpicks to hold them together. Or, present the shrimp patties open-faced on toasted buns with an abundance of sauce, so your guests can pile on toppings just the way they like. Either way, this Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe brings style and flavor to the table effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the shrimp patties and buns separately wrapped in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents sogginess and keeps the crispness alive as much as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the shrimp patties uncooked by placing them on a lined tray until firm, then transferring to a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge and fry as usual to preserve that crispy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, the best method to keep the patties crispy is to pan-fry them again briefly with a little oil over medium heat rather than microwaving. This refreshes the crunch much better and keeps the shrimp juicy inside.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Absolutely! The original recipe uses mayonnaise for its richness, but Greek yogurt offers a lighter and tangier alternative without sacrificing creaminess. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer based on your taste or dietary goals.

Is it okay to substitute cornstarch for potato starch?

Yes, cornstarch is a great substitute and will work similarly to help bind the shrimp mix and add crispiness during frying. Both starches absorb moisture to create that perfect patty texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, simply swap out the Korean-style breadcrumbs or Japanese panko for a gluten-free alternative. Many health stores offer crunchy gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers that work beautifully.

What size shrimp works best for this burger?

Medium-sized shrimp around 41-50 count per pound are ideal, as they break down well into juicy patties while still providing texture. Too small shrimp can turn mushy, and very large shrimp might not bind as well.

Can I add spice to the shrimp patties?

Definitely! You can mix in a bit of finely chopped chili, chili flakes, or even a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the patty mixture for a vibrant spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Making the Crispy Korean Shrimp Burger with Creamy Sauce Recipe is like inviting a burst of flavor and texture happiness into your kitchen. It’s approachable yet exciting—a perfect way to elevate your usual burger routine with something that feels special and totally satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a new staple for seafood lovers and burger fans alike!

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