This flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp Burger is inspired by Red Fish on Hilton Head Island. It's tender, tasty and so easy to make - the perfect addition to a barbecue or summer meal. Everyone will want seconds of these healthy shrimp burgers!
Good morning friends!
I have an incredible foodie find for you today... my Cajun Shrimp Burger recipe!
The inspiration behind the shrimp burger...
But first I want to share a little of the inspiration behind the meal...
You guys know how much I love to travel. Exploring new places is one of the great joys of my life and I often pick travel over new things. I've put several new pins on my world map this year: Antigua, Brazil, Argentina, and Hope Town Bahamas.
And while I've enjoyed so much about each of the trips, some of my best memories involve food.
Eating fresh-caught fish sitting on the sand in Antigua.
Indulging in homemade acai and granola sitting on Copacabana Beach in Rio... followed by enjoying the most delicious shrimp plate you've ever seen in Paraty.
Munching on veggie stuffed empanadas standing in front of the iconic Iguazu Falls.
Savoring conch chowder and Caribbean lobster watching the sun fall into the sea on a tiny, quiet island in the Bahamas.
It's safe to say I like to eat my way through a country.
One of the reasons I get such great food on trips is I do research and planning ahead of time! You know my Type A personality is not rolling into a new city without a plan and some reservations! I always explore my options before a trip on TripAdvisor. With more than 250 million reviews and opinions from travelers around the world, I know I can find and plan to eat at the best places in town. I can even make reservations directly from TripAdvisor's site!
I often look for and trust TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice award-winning restaurants for my picks. The awards are given to the absolute best restaurants in any city and I've learned to trust the symbol. This year's choices have just been released.
So.... back to that Cajun Shrimp Burger recipe...
This tender, sweet shrimp burger is actually inspired by one of my favorite places to vacation. I love exploring exotic, new places, but I also find comfort in visiting old favorites like Hilton Head Island.
The wide expansive beaches are gorgeous and I try to get there at least once a summer, even if it's just for a weekend. Because it is familiar already, it's an excuse to actually use my beach chair and relax.
One-stop I always make is Redfish restaurant. They are actually a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner. I found out about them many years ago with a simple TripAdvisor search.
They are famous for their Cajun Lobster and Shrimp Burger. It jumps off the plate and into my mouth, amazing. You might remember this picture from earlier this summer...
So in honor of finding such amazing restaurants on TripAdvisor, I set out to create my own version of this healthy shrimp burger!
Why you’ll love my Cajun Shrimp Burger recipe…
- To make it easier and more economical, I decided to make my version with just shrimp (instead of including lobster).
- They are flavored with old bay seasoning, lemon, and smoked paprika.
- These burgers are so simple. They are held together with minced shrimp and they use very little binder.
- The serving sauce is a healthified cajun greek yogurt sauce. It is to die for.
Cajun Shrimp Burger Ingredients
- Raw shrimp: Use raw shrimp for the burgers.
- Panko: Panko makes the shrimp go farther so you are able to make burgers.
- Lemon: Adds a little extra flavor.
- Minced garlic: Garlic helps to keep things interesting.
- Shallot: Shallots have a natural richness that enhances the burgers.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet flavor and nice texture.
- Old bay seasoning: A unique blend of spices that perfectly compliments seafood dishes, like these shrimp burgers.
- Paprika: Adds nice color and flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Helps brighten and balance the flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Brings out the flavors in the food.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the burgers from falling apart.
How do you make Cajun Shrimp Burgers?
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For the burgers, pulse half the shrimp in a food chopper or processor. Cut the other half of the shrimp in half or thirds.
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Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
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Form four burger patties with clean hands.
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Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Over medium heat cook the shrimp burgers.
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Serve with buns, greens, sliced tomato, sliced purple pepper, and a dollop of Greek yogurt Cajun sauce.
The finished product has me dreaming of beaches, sunsets, and endless vacation food.
I encourage you to share your meals when you travel with the hashtag, #TraveltoTaste!
Want more shrimp burgers? Try my Shrimp Burgers with Mango Avocado Salsa!
Serve these sides with your shrimp burger!
- Healthy Potato Salad with Greek Yogurt
- Cucumber Watermelon Strawberry Salad
- Tomato Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Dill
- Healthy Kale Caesar Salad
- Smoky and Sweet Vegetarian Crock Pot Baked Beans
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Cajun Shrimp Burger
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 pound raw shrimp, small or medium, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 shallot, minced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Greek Yogurt Cajun Sauce
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, less if you don't like spice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix together all the ingredients for the sauce. Put it in fridge and allow the flavors to blend. This can be made ahead of time.
- For the burgers, put half the shrimp in a food chopper or processor. Blend until pulvized. Cut the other half of the shrimp in half or third, depending on whether you have the small or medium ones.
- Put all the ingredients for the shrimp burgers, except for the olive oil, in a bowl and mix well.
- Form four burger patties with clean hands.
- Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Over medium heat cook the shrimp burgers 3-5 minutes each side, just until they firm up and turn pink. Do not overcook!
- Serve with the buns, greens, sliced tomato, sliced purple pepper and dollop of the Greek yogurt Cajun sauce.
Nutrition
This post is sponsored by TripAdvisor. As always all opinions are my own and I only write about things I use and enjoy. I appreciate your support of Running in a Skirt!
Like this recipe? Pin it for later!
Rebekah says
Could these be prepared ahead of time and then frozen before cooking to use later?
JulieWunder says
Yes! That would work. You could also cook them and freeze the patties.
Leslie says
This recipe is SUCH a great idea! I never would have thought to put together a recipe lie this! Even better when you've created a recipe to take you back to your favorite foods!
Ruth Malick says
I made these last night and they were a hit with my husband and I. I didn’t put them on a roll but served them on the plate like a crab cake...only better! I put some fresh veggies on the side-carrots, celery cucumber and cherry tomatoes which were also good in the dip. Thanks for this awesome idea!
JulieWunder says
Hi Ruth! Yay- I'm so glad you liked them! They are a family favorite of ours too. Thanks for coming back and leaving a review.
Martina says
Can these be put on the grill?
JulieWunder says
Yes! I'd cook them over medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side. Since grill temps can vary, I'd check to make sure they are done. The shrimp in the middle will turn pink when cooked.
Deborah Brooks says
I am sure that my boys would love this idea. A great way to mix up the BBQ meals this summer
Farrah says
I haven't had a burger in a good while, so I've been craving em'! This looks really good!
Chef Devaux says
This shrimp burger is heavenly. What a great idea. And the flavours are so delicious.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Chef! It's a good one! I know you'll like it!
Toughcookiemommy says
These shrimp burgers look so good. I love shrimp and burgers so this is a match made in heaven for me.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! These are one of my favorite things I've made lately! I hope you give them a shot!
Annmarie says
YUMMY! I bet these taste as tropical as they look!!! Thanks so much for linking up 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yes! They feel like vacation!
Onica (MommyFactor) says
This looks like a taaty recipe. Id have to try it with something else since I cant have shrimp.
JulieWunder says
Aw bummer! The flavors in the greek yogurt sauce would work great with anything!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
these look so good! I love the take on shrimp burgers, over salmon and tuna (mainly because i think shrimp is DA BEST). and yes i alwaysss research restaurants before i go and decide ahead of time what im going to get (and then end up waiting for everyone else to decide which is a pain hahah)
JulieWunder says
haha! I totally know what you mean! Sometimes I pretend to look again-- but I already know 🙂 My hubby sits down and asked what we are getting... because he is often sweet enough to let me pick my two favorites and share 🙂
You'll love these shrimp burgers!
Jess @hellotofit says
Oh, this looks FANTASTIC! I've never had shrimp burgers, but love any kind of seafood patty 🙂 thanks for linkin up!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jess! It's a good one!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I love shrimp burgers. I make them a lot in the summer! That yogurt sauce looks like a great addition. Definitely pinning!
JulieWunder says
The sauce really amps them up! I'm a big fan! Might make them again this weekend.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This is going to be a hit in our home! I've heard of portobello mushroom burgers before, but this is the first time I've come across a shrimp burger. Thank you for sharing!
JulieWunder says
It's soooo tasty! Thanks Annemarie!
Mykidsguide says
The shrimp burger looks so tasty! I love shrimp burgers, but I've never tried making it on my own. I am saving your recipe for later.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! It's really pretty easy-- just a few extra steps. I hope you enjoy!
Liz Mays says
Oh I'm loving this idea. They seem to have the perfect amount of spice. I know my daughter would be pretty pumped to try them out.
JulieWunder says
yes-- they have a little kick- but are not hot! Great to see you today!
Jeanine says
Yum. I'm not a seafood fan, but this? Looks AMAZING. My husband would be super thrilled if I made these!
JulieWunder says
My hubby adores them!!!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Shrimp burgers! What an awesome idea! And I love eating my way through a country too. I really think that the best way to learn about the culture, history and "feel" for a place is through its cuisine!
JulieWunder says
Me too! And it makes my belly happy :-)))
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
This sounds so tasty. I never made a shrimp burger. However, there is alot of ingredients in It. I bet that sauce is a great compliment to the burger. Yum!
JulieWunder says
It is a few ingredients-- but it is worth it-- I promise!!! The sauce is amazing and it's all stuff I had in my pantry... so I imagine you'd have a lot of it too.
Carole from Carole's Chatter says
Julie, this is a great burger. I hope you'll add it to the Food on Friday collection over at Carole's Chatter
JulieWunder says
Hi Carole! I'll do that right now!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I am so jealous of all your traveling adventures this year! We haven't done too much since Matilda was born and I miss it! These shrimp burgers look delicious!
JulieWunder says
You'll be back at it one day! And then you get to see Disney though the eyes of a kid 🙂
Runaway Bridal Planner says
These look pretty good. I hate to admit it, I am not a seafood lover.
But I will say, the picture of the beach has me wishing I could take a vacation to the sand and waves right now:)
JulieWunder says
Me too! Take me to the beach 365!
Susanna @zealousmom.com says
Oh my! These look so very scrumptious. I even think my husband would eat them. Stunning photos by the way!
JulieWunder says
Thank you!!! I worked hard on them, so I appreciate that!
Mary Jean Henson says
Love Redfish! We try to dine there whenever we are at Hilton Head.
Can't wait to try this recipe. It sounds yummy!
JulieWunder says
It's such a nice place! I'm a big fan!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I have never heard of a shrimp burger before. Hubby loves shrimp, I bet he'd be interested in this!
JulieWunder says
Totally! It's a little out of the box-- but tastes amazing!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
How about you just make a nice little arc and pick me up on your way to the Bahamas again?
JulieWunder says
We'd have soooo much fun 🙂
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
What a treat for seafood lovers. I bet anyone who likes shrimp would love those.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Robin!! It is! Great to see you today!
Libby Haire says
Good morning.
I will admit that I have never eaten a Shrimp burger. I have had salmon ones though.
This looks good. I hope to be able to try it out soon.
Happy Thursday!
-Libby Haire.
JulieWunder says
You should try it!!! It's a couple of extra steps... but soooo tasty!!!!!
Blane Sherer says
I know I have made this comment before but one of the things that I think
is neat about eating meals that you had when you were on a trip
is that it really reminds you of the trip. I would think that if anyone could
appreciate that it would be you ( smile ).
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! I always enjoy recreating the fun!
Dan says
Good morning Julie 🙂 that shrimp burger looks great , I'll have 3 of those , please. 🙂 btw , if you're ever out toward Robinsville , NC , you should check out 'Lynn's Place' , a restaurant on main street. go hungry , 'cause you'll want to just eat and eat , it's really good homecooking..
JulieWunder says
Haha! They are pretty awesome! The hubs has already asked me to make them again 🙂 If I'm in Robinsville, I'll look that up- yummy!