Escape the ordinary with these incredible Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeño Remoulade, a vibrant and flavorful alternative to traditional beef patties that brings the spirit of New Orleans right to your plate. Bursting with fresh seafood flavor and perfectly complemented by a creamy, zesty, and subtly spicy homemade jalapeño remoulade, this recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or simply seeking to broaden your burger horizons, these shrimp burgers offer a delightful twist that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Paired with crispy sweet potato fries and a refreshing beverage, it’s a gourmet meal that feels like a celebration.
While a classic beef burger holds a special place in many hearts, there’s something truly exciting about venturing into new flavor territories. These Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeño Remoulade are more than just a substitute; they are a culinary destination in themselves, offering a lighter yet incredibly rich taste profile. My inspiration for this delightful dish came from a recent issue of Cuisine at Home magazine, where a tempting shrimp burger recipe immediately caught my eye. I instantly recognized its potential to be elevated by my signature “go-to” remoulade sauce, a beloved condiment I frequently prepare for clients enjoying various fish or seafood dishes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the tender, savory shrimp patty, the crisp fresh lettuce, and the star of the show – a bold, piquant remoulade. It’s a dish that embodies the lively and complex flavors characteristic of Gulf Coast cuisine, making it perfect for summer gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you desire something extraordinary.
What is Remoulade? Exploring a Classic French Sauce with a Spicy Twist
Originating in France, remoulade is a classic condiment revered for its versatility and rich flavor. Traditionally, it’s a mayonnaise or aioli-based sauce, often drawing comparisons to tartar sauce due to its creamy texture and tangy profile. However, remoulade distinguishes itself with a more complex blend of herbs and spices, typically including ingredients like mustard (often Dijon), capers, gherkins, herbs suchles parsley or chervil, and sometimes anchovies. It’s a foundational sauce in many European cuisines, particularly celebrated in French and Belgian culinary traditions, and has found a prominent place in American regional cuisines, especially in Louisiana, where it’s a staple for seafood.
The beauty of remoulade lies in its adaptability. While traditional versions are delightful, local adaptations have led to countless variations, each adding a unique regional character. In New Orleans, for instance, Creole remoulade often incorporates Creole mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, and sometimes finely chopped celery and bell pepper, giving it a distinctive reddish hue and a spicier kick. This evolution highlights how a classic sauce can be transformed to reflect local palates and available ingredients, enriching the culinary landscape.
Our pantry is never without a jar of pickled jalapeños, a testament to our love for vibrant, spicy flavors. So, when it came to crafting the perfect remoulade for these shrimp burgers, a spontaneous decision led to a revelation: why not swap the traditional pickled cucumbers or capers for our beloved pickled jalapeños? This simple exchange introduced a fantastic layer of heat and tanginess, transforming the classic remoulade into a dynamic companion for the delicate shrimp. The spicy result was an absolute hit, adding an exciting, unexpected zing that perfectly cuts through the richness of the shrimp, creating a truly memorable flavor combination.
This jalapeño remoulade is more than just a sauce; it’s a flavor enhancer that elevates the entire burger experience. Its creamy texture provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the diced jalapeños deliver bursts of zesty heat and a satisfying crunch. The balance of acidity from the lemon juice, the sharp notes of Dijon mustard, and the subtle warmth of horseradish truly makes this condiment a standout. It’s an essential component that binds all the flavors of the shrimp burger together, making each bite a symphony of taste.
Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Shrimp Burgers and Remoulade
Creating succulent shrimp burgers and a delicious remoulade doesn’t have to be complicated. A food processor is your best friend for this recipe, significantly speeding up the preparation of both components. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your shrimp burgers are a resounding success:
Crafting the Jalapeño Remoulade:
- Effortless Blending: Start by combining all the remoulade ingredients in your food processor. This method ensures a perfectly smooth and homogenous sauce with minimal effort. Process until your desired consistency is achieved – some prefer a completely smooth sauce, while others enjoy a slightly chunkier texture from the finely minced jalapeños and celery.
- Chilling for Flavor: Once blended, transfer the remoulade to a bowl and refrigerate it. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and pronounced taste. A minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge is recommended, but an hour or more will yield an even better result.
- Streamlined Process: By preparing the remoulade first, you don’t need to worry about cleaning the food processor between tasks. The residual flavors from the remoulade will only enhance the savory notes of the shrimp burger mixture, making your cooking process more efficient.
Assembling the Shrimp Burgers:
- Ingredient Mincing: After the remoulade is done, use the same food processor to finely mince the vegetables for the shrimp burgers. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents large chunks that might compromise the patty’s structure. Then, add the shrimp and pulse briefly until coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture, not a paste.
- Binding for Success: Panko breadcrumbs and mayonnaise act as crucial binding agents, holding the shrimp patties together. The panko absorbs moisture and provides structure, while the mayonnaise adds richness and helps keep the burgers moist during cooking. Don’t skip these ingredients!
- The Power of Chilling: This is perhaps the most critical step for perfectly formed shrimp burgers. After shaping the patties, they must be chilled thoroughly before cooking. Place them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes for a quick firm-up, or in the refrigerator for at least 30-45 minutes. This chilling period firms up the patties, preventing them from falling apart when they hit the hot skillet.
- Versatile Serving: While designed as burgers, the mixture is incredibly versatile. Double the recipe and form smaller, mini cakes, then pan-fry or bake them. These bite-sized delights make fantastic appetizers for parties, especially when served with extra remoulade for dipping.
- Perfect Searing: When cooking, ensure your nonstick skillet is preheated with oil over medium-high heat before adding the burgers. Once they’re in, reduce the heat to medium to allow them to cook through evenly without burning the exterior. A golden-brown crust signals a perfectly seared patty.
Serve these delectable shrimp burgers on lightly toasted hamburger buns with crisp lettuce leaves, a generous dollop of your homemade Jalapeño Remoulade, and a side of oven-baked French fries seasoned with your favorite Cajun blend. A cold, crisp brew or a refreshing iced tea makes for the perfect accompaniment. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Discover More Incredible Shrimp Recipes!
Shrimp is an incredibly versatile ingredient, lending itself to a vast array of culinary creations, from light appetizers to hearty main courses. If you enjoyed the flavors and ease of these shrimp burgers, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic shrimp recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and expand your seafood repertoire:
- Shrimp Scampi with Shallots and Artichokes: A classic Italian-American dish reimagined with added depth and flavor.
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: A refreshing and zesty appetizer perfect for a warm day.
- Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese: A comforting Southern classic with a cheesy, spicy kick.
- Smothered Shrimp with Andouille Sausage and Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Grits: A rich and hearty dish packed with bold Louisiana flavors.
- Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon: A creamy, savory, and sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Authentic Shrimp Creole: Experience the vibrant, aromatic spices of this iconic New Orleans stew.
- Spicy Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese: A simple yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish, perfect for a light meal.
Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeño Remoulade
Equipment
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Wusthof Chef Knife
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Cutting Board
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Food Processor
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Nonstick Skillet
Ingredients
Remoulade
- 1/2 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
- 2 scallions, white and light green part only, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish, or to taste
- 1 heaping tablespoon coarsely chopped pickled jalapeño peppers
- 1 teaspoon Hungarian or sweet paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Burgers
- 1/2 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
- 4 scallions, white and light green part only, coarsely chopped
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 8 ounces large shrimp, (8 ounces after 16-20 count), peeled, deveined and tails removed, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup panko
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
- 2 hamburger buns, halved, brushed with melted butter and lightly toasted
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Remoulade
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Combine all remoulade ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth or to your desired consistency; transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Burgers
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In the same food processor (no need to wash), combine celery, scallions, and lemon zest. Pulse until finely minced.
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Add the coarsely chopped shrimp to the food processor and pulse a few times until the shrimp is minced but still has some texture. Do not over-process. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl.
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To the shrimp mixture, add the panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and Tabasco sauce. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Divide the mixture into two equal portions and form each into a patty, approximately 3/4-inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate and chill them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or in the refrigerator for at least 30-45 minutes. This step is crucial for firm patties that won’t fall apart during cooking.
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Heat olive or canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the chilled shrimp burgers. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until the burgers are golden brown, firm to the touch, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 155 degrees F (68 degrees C).
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Serve the cooked shrimp burgers immediately on toasted hamburger buns, topped with crisp lettuce leaves and a generous spread of the prepared Jalapeño Remoulade. Enjoy your New Orleans-inspired feast!
Notes
MAKE AHEAD:
- The shrimp burger patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
- Alternatively, you can sear the burgers as directed, then remove them to a plate to cool. Cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven until warmed through and cooked to temperature.
FREEZER-FRIENDLY:
- Cooked shrimp burgers freeze exceptionally well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw them first. If you prefer to thaw, do so in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat frozen or thawed burgers in a 350-degree F (175 degrees C) oven until heated through, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. This method helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
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