Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole

Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole are a fresh, vibrant alternative to the classic beef burger. These burgers are packed with juicy shrimp, fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, and a little heat—all balanced with a creamy layer of guacamole. Whether I’m grilling outdoors or pan-searing in the kitchen, these burgers feel like summer on a bun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how light and flavorful these shrimp burgers are compared to traditional burgers. They’re juicy, herbaceous, and filled with texture. The guacamole adds creaminess and tang, while the cilantro brightens everything up. These burgers also come together quickly and feel a little more special than the usual weeknight meal. I often serve them at cookouts or when I’m craving something coastal and fresh.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Green onion or red onion, finely chopped

• Lime juice

• Egg (to bind)

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil (for cooking)

• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)

• Burger buns

• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, jalapeños

Directions

1. I start by roughly chopping the shrimp—about half of it I pulse in a food processor until chunky-paste-like, and the rest I leave in small pieces for texture.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the processed shrimp, chopped shrimp pieces, cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice, egg, and breadcrumbs.

3. I season with salt and pepper, then gently mix everything until it holds together.

4. I form the mixture into patties and chill them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.

5. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (or preheat the grill) and cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

6. While the burgers cook, I prepare or scoop out the guacamole and toast the buns if I like them crispy.

7. To assemble, I spread guacamole on the bottom bun, place the shrimp burger on top, and add any extra toppings I like before capping it with the top bun.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers and takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 10 minutes to cook. Total time is roughly 25–30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes mix in chopped jalapeños or chipotle for a spicy version. If I want a tropical twist, I top the burger with a pineapple slice or mango salsa. I’ve also served the patties bunless over salad greens with guacamole on the side for a lighter, low-carb version. And when I need a dairy boost, a slice of pepper jack or cotija cheese melts beautifully on top.

storage/reheating

Uncooked shrimp patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day, tightly covered. Cooked patties keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. I avoid microwaving to keep the texture firm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I use frozen shrimp often—I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before chopping or processing.

How do I keep the shrimp burgers from falling apart?

I chill the patties before cooking and make sure not to overmix the ingredients. The egg and breadcrumbs help bind everything together.

Can I cook these on the grill?

Definitely. I grill them over medium heat using a well-oiled grill grate or a grill pan to keep them from sticking or falling apart.

What kind of guacamole works best?

I usually go with a classic guacamole—mashed avocado with lime juice, salt, and a little garlic—but feel free to mix in tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños if I want more flavor.

Are these burgers spicy?

Not unless I add heat. The base recipe is mild, but it’s easy to turn up the spice with chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy guacamole.

Conclusion

Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole are a bold and refreshing take on the classic burger. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for warm weather meals or anytime I want to shake things up. Whether I serve them with fries, a side salad, or just a cold drink, they always bring a little taste of coastal sunshine to my table.

Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole

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Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole are a light, juicy, and flavor-packed twist on the classic burger. Made with chopped shrimp, fresh herbs, and zesty lime, these patties are pan-seared or grilled to perfection, then topped with creamy guacamole and optional fixings. Perfect for a warm-weather meal or coastal-themed cookout.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Searing or Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp green onion or red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
• 1/2 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Roughly chop half of the shrimp and pulse the other half in a food processor until chunky-paste-like.
2. In a large bowl, combine both shrimp textures with cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mix until the mixture holds together.
4. Form into 4 patties and chill for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat grill. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Toast buns if desired. Spread guacamole on the bottom bun, place the shrimp patty on top, and add toppings as preferred.
7. Serve immediately with a side of your choice.

Notes

• Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together better.
• Use well-drained, patted-dry shrimp if starting from frozen.
• Customize with spicy add-ins like jalapeños or chipotle for extra heat.
• Serve bunless over salad for a low-carb option.
• Store uncooked patties up to 1 day ahead, and cooked patties for 2–3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 145mg