Every summer, my family and I have a tradition of visiting our favorite seaside spot—the kind of charming beach where the salty air makes your hair a little wild and the sound of the waves crashing is a constant background music. Those days are filled with sun and laughter, and of course, mouthwatering seafood. It’s hard to forget the first time I tried a seafood burger right there on the pier. Juicy, fresh, and bursting with flavor, it was everything I didn’t know I needed in a burger!
Now, every time I make these Delicious Seafood Burgers at home, I’m transported back to those sunny days and the warm, inviting flavors of the ocean. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, you’ve found it! These burgers are perfect for casual weekend meals, and trust me, they’re going to be your new summer staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Light yet filling, so you don’t have to compromise on flavors.
- Budget-friendly, as you can use a variety of seafood based on what’s on sale!
- Customizable! You can tweak spices and toppings to suit your taste.
- Kid-approved and perfect for family gatherings!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, and a handy tip for each ingredient:
- 1 pound of ground shrimp (or other seafood like crab or salmon) – fresh is always best!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – these help bind everything together while adding a lovely texture!
- 1 large egg – this acts as a binder, so don’t skip it!
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – adds creaminess and richness
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – for a nice tang
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – this brightens the flavor beautifully
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a hint of smokiness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Buns for serving – toasted brioche or whole grain works wonders!
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, or sriracha for a kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these burgers is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow along:
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine ground shrimp, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until everything is incorporated. Tip: Don’t overmix—this keeps the texture tender and juicy.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. They don’t have to be perfect, just make sure they’re all about the same thickness for even cooking. Watch out: If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs!
- Cook the burgers: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Tip: Keep the heat moderate; high heat can make the outside brown too quickly while leaving the inside raw.
- Build your burger: Toast your buns if you like, then layer on your toppings. I love a bit of lettuce, slices of creamy avocado, and a spread of tartar sauce! Yum!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you have your basic seafood burger down, here’s where the fun begins!
- Spice it up: Want a bit of heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the mixture.
- Go fusion: Try incorporating Asian flavors by adding soy sauce and ginger, and serve with wasabi mayonnaise on a steamed bao bun!
- Diet swaps: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or swap the egg for a flax egg for a vegan option. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Make it a meal: Pair the burgers with side salads or sweet potato fries for a complete dinner.

Serving Suggestions
Picture this: you’ve just finished frying up those gorgeous seafood burgers, the kitchen smells amazing, and you can’t wait to dive in. Serve these burgers on toasted brioche or whole-grain buns, topped with crispy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. You could even add a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy punch!
To make it feel extra special, lay out a spread of condiments—tartar sauce, homemade dill aioli, or even a tangy lemon vinaigrette. I love to pair these with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing summer salad—just imagine the colors and textures on your plate! Don’t forget a chilled drink, perhaps a nice iced tea or a chilly craft beer, to sip while you enjoy your meal.

Storage Tips
If by some miracle you have leftovers (highly unlikely!), here’s how to keep those seafood burgers fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up!
- Freeze: To freeze uncooked patties, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: To reheat, you can pop them back on the skillet over low heat until warmed through, or throw them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for these burgers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry so you don’t end up with excess moisture in your mixture.
What other seafood can I use for these burgers?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Ground crab, salmon, or a mix of your favorite seafood will work just wonderfully!
Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes! If you want a healthier option, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown.
How do I know when the burgers are done cooking?
The best way to check is to use a food thermometer. Seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure they’re golden brown on the outside and opaque throughout!
Conclusion
And there you have it! A flavorful, easy-to-make seafood burger that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. They’re perfect for sunny cookouts, cozy dinners, or just a little bit of ocean nostalgia while you’re cooking in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do! If you try them out, I’d love to hear how they turned out, so don’t forget to drop a comment below or share your own delicious twists. Happy cooking, my friend!





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