If you’re on the hunt for a flavor-packed, fresh twist on classic hamburgers, the Shrimp Burgers with Togarashi Mayo Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These shrimp patties bring a delightful mix of juicy seafood goodness enhanced by a touch of ginger, lime, and jalapeño heat. The real showstopper, though, is the smoky, spicy togarashi mayo that elevates every bite and adds a vibrant kick you won’t forget. Light yet indulgent, these shrimp burgers balance textures and bold flavors beautifully, making them perfect for a weekend cookout or a fun dinner that feels special with almost no fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A sesame seed bun sandwich with three main layers. The bottom layer is a white toasted bun spread with a light creamy sauce mixed with small green herbs, topped with fresh green lettuce. The middle layer has a thick, grilled chicken patty that is light brown with fine grill marks. Above the patty, there are bright yellow pickle slices and more of the same creamy sauce with visible herbs. The sandwich is placed on a plain white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. In the background, another similar sandwich is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, contributing layers of brightness, heat, or creaminess. These simple, fresh components come together to create a burger that feels gourmet but is effortlessly achievable at home.

Shrimp (2 pounds, peeled, deveined, tail-off): The star ingredient, providing a tender and succulent seafood base for your patties.
Minced garlic cloves (2 teaspoons): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle savory punch to the shrimp mixture and mayo.
Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens up the flavors and adds a slight tang that complements seafood perfectly.
Ginger paste (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle warmth and zesty freshness that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle umami boost, rounding out the seasonings with a touch of saltiness.
Jalapeño peppers (1 large or 2 medium, seeded and chopped): Delivers just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
Sliced green onion (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon): Brings crunchy freshness and a mild oniony bite both in the patty and the mayo.
Chopped parsley (3 tablespoons): Adds a fragrant herbaceous note and vibrant color.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A little spice to balance the flavors and add subtle heat.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Used for cooking, it ensures a nice sear and adds richness.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Serves as the creamy base for the togarashi mayo, providing cooling contrast to the heat.
Togarashi (2 teaspoons): This Japanese chili powder blend spices the mayo with smokiness and heat, making it the real flavor kicker.
Finely chopped romaine lettuce (1¼ cups): Adds crispness and freshness to balance the richness of the burger.
Brioche hamburger buns (6): Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold everything together perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
Banana pepper rings (½ cup, mild or hot): Adds a delightful tang and gentle heat that complements the togarashi mayo perfectly.

How to Make Shrimp Burgers with Togarashi Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

Start by lining a baking pan with parchment paper to keep things neat. Using a food processor, blend about half the shrimp with half the garlic, one tablespoon of lime juice, the ginger paste, and soy sauce until almost smooth. Then add the remaining shrimp along with jalapeño, parsley, green onions, and black pepper. Pulse gently until everything’s combined but some shrimp chunks remain, giving your burger a satisfying texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

With wet hands to avoid sticking, shape the shrimp mixture into six patties, each roughly 4 inches wide and half an inch thick. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely into your buns without falling apart.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp patties carefully and press down slightly to keep them flat. Cook for about 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through so both sides get beautifully browned. Once flipped, turn down the heat to medium and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F inside. If your pan is small, cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

After wiping the skillet clean, place your brioche buns face down in the pan over medium-high heat. Toast them for about 3 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy. This step gives a wonderful texture contrast and helps keep your buns from becoming soggy once the burgers and mayo are added.

Step 5: Make the Togarashi Mayo

In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, togarashi, remaining garlic, lime juice, parsley, and green onion. This spicy, creamy sauce is where the burger really shines with its bold, tangy kick.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Spread a generous layer of togarashi mayo on each toasted bun half. Place the cooked shrimp patty on the bottom bun, then top it with banana pepper rings and finely chopped romaine lettuce. Finish it off with the top bun, and you have a vibrant, zesty burger that’s ready to delight.

How to Serve Shrimp Burgers with Togarashi Mayo Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich placed on a white plate with a soft bun on top sprinkled with sesame seeds as the first layer. Underneath the top bun, there is a creamy orange sauce with green herb bits visible, followed by a layer of yellow pickles. Below the pickles is a thick, light-colored cooked patty with a slightly rough texture. Under the patty, there is a layer of fresh green lettuce and more of the same creamy sauce covering the bottom of the soft bun. In the background, there is another similar sandwich blurred out, with the entire scene set on a white marbled surface and a white tiled wall. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add even more character and texture, try garnishing with extra slices of jalapeño for heat, fresh cilantro leaves for brightness, or a squeeze of lime for an added citrus punch. Each garnish can bring a little twist and elevate the shrimp burger experience.

Side Dishes

These shrimp burgers pair superbly with light and fresh sides like a crunchy cucumber salad, grilled corn on the cob, or crispy sweet potato fries. If you want something more indulgent, garlic parmesan fries or a creamy coleslaw also complement the spicy notes of the togarashi mayo perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, consider serving the shrimp burgers as mini sliders with cocktail toothpicks, or turn them into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Another idea is to create a build-your-own burger bar where guests add toppings and sauces to their liking, making each burger a personalized masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any shrimp burgers left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and save the togarashi mayo in a small jar or container to keep it fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked shrimp patties by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the cooked patties gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Toast the buns again if needed, and add fresh mayo and toppings before serving to keep the flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before processing to avoid excess moisture in the patties.

Is togarashi easy to find in stores?

Many grocery stores with an international aisle carry togarashi, but you can also find it online or in specialty Asian markets. It’s worth stocking up because it packs a unique smoky heat perfect for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure your soy sauce is gluten-free and choose gluten-free buns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit the jalapeño and use mild banana peppers or skip them entirely. The togarashi mayo brings heat too, so you might want to adjust the amount of togarashi to suit your taste.

How do I know when the shrimp burgers are cooked?

The best way is to check with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F. The patties should be firm and opaque throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Burgers with Togarashi Mayo Recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves bold flavors and fresh ingredients combined into one spectacular meal. It’s approachable, fun to make, and perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself to something a little special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite burger!