There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy shrimp katsu burger, where the crackling panko meets the tender, flavorful shrimp filling. I first discovered this delightful dish after a long week of mundane takeout, craving something that would truly awaken my taste buds. The idea of transforming classic comfort food into an easy weeknight meal felt refreshing and enticing!
Imagine pulling these burgers together in under 30 minutes, bringing a taste of Japan right to your dinner table. The vibrant slaw adds a burst of color and crispness, marrying perfectly with the rich flavors of the shrimp patty. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply in search of an exciting alternative to fast food, these shrimp katsu burgers are sure to become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises both ease and impressive flavor!
Why are Shrimp Katsu Burgers a must-try?
Crunchy exterior, the crispy panko coating gives you that satisfying crunch with every bite. Flavorful filling, the succulent shrimp is perfectly seasoned, creating a delightful taste sensation. Quick preparation, these burgers come together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights! Versatile options, the recipe allows for creative tweaks like adding your favorite spices or turning it into a colorful bowl. Family-friendly appeal, even the pickiest eaters will love this twist on classic comfort food. If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight meals, explore more options in our quick weeknight recipes!
Shrimp Katsu Burgers Ingredients
Get ready to create a delicious meal that will wow your family!
For the Shrimp Patty
- Chopped Onion – Adds flavor and moisture to the shrimp mixture; you can substitute with green onions or shallots.
- Cornstarch – Acts as a binder to help maintain the patties’ structure; flour can be used in a pinch.
- Large Shrimp (1 1/4 lb., tails removed, peeled, deveined) – The primary protein source, providing flavor and texture; frozen shrimp work if properly thawed.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; use less if substituting with table salt.
- Large Eggs (2) – Works as a binding agent for the patties; try flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup) – Helps bread the patties; gluten-free flour is a great substitute.
- Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup) – Provides the signature crispy coating; regular bread crumbs will be less crunchy.
For the Slaw
- Coleslaw Mix (2 cups) – Adds crunch and freshness to your meal; you can use shredded cabbage and carrots if preferred.
- Mayonnaise (2 Tbsp., preferably Kewpie) – Gives a creamy texture; Greek yogurt or avocado can lighten it up.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 Tbsp.) – Brightens the slaw and shrimp mixture; lemon juice is a suitable alternative.
For Assembly
- Brioche Buns (4, split) – Offers softness and sweetness that balances the crunch of the patty; try whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a change.
- Vegetable Oil (2 cups) – Essential for frying the patties and achieving that crispy texture; canola or peanut oil works as well.
- Tonkatsu Sauce or Ketchup (for drizzling) – Adds depth of flavor, but hoisin sauce or sriracha can spice things up!
Dive into this quick and flavorful Shrimp Katsu Burgers recipe to transform your weeknight meals into something special!
How to Make Shrimp Katsu Burgers
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Make Shrimp Mixture: Begin by placing half of the shrimp in a food processor. Pulse until it forms a paste, then mix in the chopped onion, cornstarch, and salt. Gently fold in the rest of the chopped shrimp for added texture.
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Form Patties: With damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the shrimp mixture into patties. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up.
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Prepare Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw with mayonnaise and lime juice. Stir well to ensure an even coating and adjust seasoning to taste, adding a pinch of salt if needed.
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Coat Patties: Take the chilled patties and dredge them in flour. Next, dip each patty in beaten eggs, then cover with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
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Fry Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the patties and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
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Assemble Burgers: Place the crispy patties on split brioche buns, drizzle generously with tonkatsu sauce or ketchup, and serve with the prepared coleslaw on top or on the side.
Optional: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp Katsu Burgers Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make the recipe your own and brighten your dinner table!
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the shrimp mixture for a flavorful kick. Friends and family will love the heat!
- Citrus Zing: Swap lime juice with fresh lemon juice for slaw. It gives a brighter, tangy taste that complements the shrimp nicely.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the shrimp mixture to amplify flavor and freshness. A little greenery goes a long way!
- Creamy Alternative: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy slaw. This swap not only reduces calories but also adds a delightful creaminess.
- Whole Grains: Use whole wheat buns instead of brioche for a heartier option, adding nutty flavor that pairs well with the shrimp.
- Crunchy Variation: Toss in chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews into your coleslaw mix for an added crunchy texture. It brings a delightful surprise in each bite!
- Bowl Option: Serve the shrimp patties over a bed of rice or quinoa instead of buns, topped with fresh veggies and sauce for a nourishing shrimp katsu bowl.
- Vegan Delight: For a vegan version, substitute shrimp with mashed chickpeas or your choice of plant-based protein, adjusting seasonings to ensure flavor takes center stage.
These variations will help you cater to your cravings and dietary needs while keeping those weekend taste buds thrilled! Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Shrimp Katsu Burgers?
Elevate your shrimp katsu burger experience with these delightful sides that perfectly complement the crispy, savory goodness!
- Crispy French Fries: The crunch of golden fries pairs wonderfully with the texture of the shrimp patties, adding a classic comfort food element.
- Zesty Coleslaw: A refreshing version with extra lime juice and cilantro brightens the palate and complements the burger’s flavor beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Their natural sweetness and soft texture provide a lovely contrast to the crispy burgers, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a healthy, protein-packed bite that balances the richness of the katsu burgers.
- Miso Soup: Warm, savory miso soup can cleanse your palate and introduce an authentic Japanese flair to your meal.
- Sesame Garlic Broccoli: This vibrant side dish, tossed in sesame oil and garlic, adds a burst of color and a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with seafood.
- Iced Matcha Latte: For a refreshing drink, consider this creamy beverage; its earthiness complements the savory shrimp while offering a trendy twist!
- Mango Sticky Rice: Finish off the meal with this traditional Thai dessert; the sweet, sticky rice and rich coconut milk create a delightful contrast to the savory burgers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Katsu Burgers
- Damp Hands: Keep your hands damp while shaping the patties to prevent sticking and maintain their form during cooking.
- Chill for Success: Always refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better.
- Heat the Oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties. Test with a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle upon contact.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches if needed—in overcrowded pans, the temperature drops, leading to soggy shrimp katsu burgers.
- Customize Your Slaw: Adjust the sweetness of the slaw to your taste by adding a touch of sugar or apple cider vinegar for a balanced flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Katsu Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp mixture and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance—simply shape the patties and refrigerate them to help firm their texture. Additionally, you can mix the coleslaw and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just make sure to mix well before serving to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your burgers, simply dredge the chilled patties in flour, coat them with egg and panko, and fry them directly from the fridge for crispy perfection. You’ll have a mouthwatering dinner with little effort, making your busy weeknights much easier!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Katsu Burgers
Fridge: Store cooked shrimp katsu burgers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties before frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag; they’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating: For frozen patties, fry directly from frozen but increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes per side to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.
Storage Tip: When stacking burgers in the fridge, place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Enjoy your shrimp katsu burgers whenever the craving strikes!
Shrimp Katsu Burgers Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the Shrimp Katsu Burgers?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using large shrimp, about 1 1/4 lb., with the tails removed, peeled, and deveined. You can also use frozen shrimp as long as you properly thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for quicker thawing.
How should I store leftover shrimp katsu burgers?
To keep your shrimp katsu burgers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes for that delightful crispiness to return.
Can I freeze shrimp katsu burgers?
Yes, you can! To freeze uncooked patties, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once set, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing excess air. They will stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
What should I do if my patties fall apart while frying?
If your patties are falling apart, it could be due to the mixture being too wet or not enough binding agents. To troubleshoot, try refrigerating the mixture for a little longer before forming the patties or adding a bit more cornstarch. Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying, as cooler oil can cause the patties to break apart.
Can I make these shrimp katsu burgers gluten-free?
Very! To make gluten-free shrimp katsu burgers, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There’s a great selection available that works wonderfully, just be sure to check the labels when shopping!
Is there anything I should avoid if I have seafood allergies?
Definitely! If you or someone in your household has seafood allergies, avoid this shrimp katsu burger recipe altogether and consider using a plant-based alternative such as chickpeas or black beans, adjusting the spices for flavor. Always read packaging labels carefully to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.
Enjoy making your delicious shrimp katsu burgers with these handy tips!
Crispy Shrimp Katsu Burgers for an Epic Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make Shrimp Mixture: Place half of the shrimp in a food processor. Pulse until it forms a paste, then mix in the chopped onion, cornstarch, and salt. Gently fold in the rest of the chopped shrimp.
- Form Patties: Shape the shrimp mixture into patties with damp hands and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare Slaw: Combine coleslaw, mayonnaise, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Stir well.
- Coat Patties: Dredge chilled patties in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then cover with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry patties until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Assemble Burgers: Place crispy patties on brioche buns, drizzle with tonkatsu sauce or ketchup, and serve with slaw.