Cilantro Shrimp Burgers are a super unique twist on a burger. Shrimp burger patties are topped with a delicious smoky guacamole recipe and they’re bursting with fresh flavors. Great for lunch, dinner, and outdoor summer parties. 
I’m going to be in full bragging mode and tell you that you absolutely must make this shrimp burger recipe!
There are so many ways to make and define a burger these days. Beef (of course), turkey, chicken, veggie, tofu, mushroom, and the list goes on. So why not shrimp?
Can you buy already peeled and deveined shrimp?
Yes, of course. Though if you have the time, it’s quite easy and saves you money, to peel and devein the shrimp yourself. Here’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step photographic guide to teach you how.
It’s just a question of if you have the time or inclination.
It’s sort of a zen-like activity, once you get into it. (For me, anyway.)
What’s in this shrimp burger?
- shrimp
- cilantro
- egg
- salt, cumin black pepper
You won’t believe how much flavor those few ingredients bring.
What do they taste like?
These shrimp burgers have a Mexican vibe from the cilantro and cumin.
It’s such a delicious combination of flavors and the subtle sweetness of the shrimp balances everything perfectly.
What’s in the Guacamole?
- avocado
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- lime juice
- red onion
- salt, pepper
The shrimp burger is out of control juicy and oozing with delicious flavors, and the smoky guacamole recipe is beyond belief. It’s smoky, spicy, fresh and creamy — all at once.
Oh, and the little bits of crunch from the red onion is so good!
Can I grill the Cilantro Shrimp Burger?
I don’t recommend it.
They’re a bit fragile on the grill, while they’re quite easy to manage in a sauté pan. Even though we sauté them, they’re still lovely to serve at an outdoor summer barbecue.
They’re ideally made in a thick-bottomed sauté pan. A cast iron skillet is perfect.
I serve these burgers in a bun with the guacamole, tomato, and lettuce, but the shrimp burger patties are equally as delicious on their own.
I’m telling you, this should be your dinner tonight!
What to Serve with Shrimp Burgers
Some ideas:
- Chopped Mexican Salad with Pepitas
- Fried Lemon Caesar Salad
- Grilled Romain Anchovy Salad
- chips and a super scrumptious salsa
Enjoy the shrimp burgers and the delectable smoky guacamole recipe whenever you decide to try them.
More delicious recipes with shrimp . . .
- Cajun Shrimp with Citurs Cucumber Salsa
- Tropical Quinoa Salad Bowl with Shrimp
- Tomatillo Shrimp Ceviche
This recipe is a unique twist on a burger. Topped with a delicious smoky guacamole, they're bursting with interesting, fresh flavors and are great for lunch, dinner, and outdoor summer parties.
*To save about 15 minutes, you can buy the shrimp already peeled and deveined. If you have the time though, it's easy to do yourself and you'll save some money. Here's How to Peel and Devein Shrimp.
- 1 medium-sized avocado should provide about 3/4 cup mashed
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1½ teaspoons chipotles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (Click here for How to Peel and Devein Shrimp)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup packed cilantro leaves, washed and dried
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- olive oil for the pan
- about 8 thin slices vine-ripened tomato
- 1 small handful baby lettuces
- 4 of your favorite burger buns, lightly toasted
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In a small mixing bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Add the onion, chipotles, lime juice, and salt -- stir to blend. Cover with plastic wrap and press it gently directly on top of the guacamole. Set aside.
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Add all but about ¾ cup of the shrimp to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Turn it on to pulse it just a bit. Then add the egg and cilantro and blend again until it's smooth, about 10 seconds. Add this to a mixing bowl and set aside.
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Roughly chop the remaining ¾ cup of shrimp into small pieces. Add them to the smooth portion in the mixing bowl, along with the salt, cumin and pepper. Mix just to blend and set aside.
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Coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with olive oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once it's very hot, use a ½ cup measure to scoop and shape the shrimp mixture into 4 burgers. They will be sticky, but will easily hold together when you place them in the pan. Sauté them just until they're cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should be golden brown.
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Now add about 1 tablespoon or so of the guacamole to each half of the toasted buns. Add a burger to each, followed by a couple of tomato slices and a bit of the lettuce. Close the burger and enjoy! (These are best when the burgers are still warm.)
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Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought says
I have made ground shrimp kabobs before but never a burger. I think I like your idea much better as it looks delicious. I can’t wait to try this.
valentina says
Thanks, Cathy. The kebabs sound interesting — and delicious, also. 🙂
Brasserie Louis says
Hi Valentina, Delicious!!! I love cilantro so this caught my eye. I mixed up homemade bbq sauce made of brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar and worchestershire sauce. My maid chopped up garlic and cilantro and accidentally added to the sauce. It came out amazing!!! Yes they are a little crumbly and you have to be careful but so worth the effort! I reserved extra sauce to put on the bun also. Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe. 🙂
valentina says
Thanks so much — so happy you enjoyed it, and your sauce sounds fabulous! 🙂
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
Wow! This looks AMAZING! The shrimp patties were crispy on the outside and juicy in the inside. I love the sound of the smokey guac too! Shared!
valentina says
Thanks so much!!! 😀
David says
I am so excited to make these, Valentina! I can easily see using my spicy ginger-sesame mayo on them, too, along with the guacamole. I will report back! xo – and have a lovely long weekend!
valentina says
That mayo sounds perfect for these! I’d like that with French fries, too. Enjoy and thank you! 🙂
Chris Smith says
Maybe I missed it…do I start out with raw shrimp or cooked shrimp?
valentina says
Yes, you start with raw shrimp. It cooks in the sauté pan. 🙂 I clarified it in the ingredient list. Thank you!
Tammy says
Made this tonight with my daughter. We loved it! So easy to make. We love anything with avocado. Even my husband enjoyed it. This is a keeper. Thank you!
valentina says
Hi Tammy, Thank you — you made my day! So happy the family enjoyed this recipe. It’s one of my favorites. 😀
Jessica says
Can you use already cooked shrimp, or does it absolutely have to be raw shrimp? We have a lot of shrimp right now, but already cooked.
valentina says
For this it really should be raw — hard to get all the flavors in and form them into burgers, if not. Your cooked shrimp would be delicious dipped in the chipotle-lime guacamole, though. 🙂
Kelli says
I wonder if I could freeze the raw mixture before cooking or if it’s better to cook all at once and reheat?
valentina says
Great question. I haven’t tried freezing the raw mixture, but I think it would work great. I’d shape them, wrap individually in plastic wrap, freeze, and then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Hope you enjoy!
anne says
hi. I have made these twice and they are yummy. I have an idea. These would make delicious shrimp cake hors deouvres. How about taking a small cookie scoop of these, put them on cookie sheet sprayed with pam and squash them down. Then try baking in the oven. Serve with asian sweet chili sauce. What do you think? any suggestions?
valentina says
Hi Anne, I think that’s a fantastic idea! If you could swing it in a big sauté pan, they will be crispier than if you bake them. It would also be fun to serve your tiny shrimp “cake” on a wonton chip — it keeps with the Asian vibe you’ll have with your sweet chili sauce, will make it easier to pick up, and the combination of textures will be lovely. Here’s a link to recipe that’ll show you how to make the chips, if you’re interested. Thank you for sharing your idea. LOVE IT!
anne says
Hi We love these. I have learned to only use fresh shrimp, as frozen shrimp has made mine salty. We usually eat these without buns and dip in thai chili sauce. I have an idea I want to try. I want to make the burger and add italian seasoning instead of cumin. Then I want to put tomato sauce and mozarella on top and turn it into shrimp parmesan. What do you think? I will let you know how it turns out.
valentina says
Thanks so much for sharing, Anne. You made my day! I’m so happy these have become a “go-to” recipe in your house. Your idea sounds like it would be fun to try. The Italian seasoning and tomato sauce, for sure. I might try a few with the Mozarella and a few without, to see which one you prefer. Oh, and I might also swap out the cilantro for parsley. Let me what how it goes. I’d love to hear. ~Valentina
anne says
OMG. I didn’t read my previous comment. I forgot I had made that suggestion for apps. And I love the wonton idea. Now you see how many times I actually make these. It’s so funny I keep making suggestions on how to use this recipe many ways. Love them. Have I said that? Ha Ha.
valentina says
I love it! The more suggestions the better. Really, I always appreciate hearing new ideas from my readers, and interacting. Keep them coming!~Valentina
Stacy says
Any suggestions for replacing the egg?
valentina says
Hi Stacy, I haven’t tried this in this recipe, a great way to substitute egg is a combination of flax meal (ground flax seeds) and water. The ratio is generally 1 tablespoon of flax meal to 3 tablespoons water to replace one egg. I hope this helps! 🙂
Eha says
Love the recipe minus the bun and chips (fries) . . . add a salad . . . perchance use a wholegrain flatbread instead. Always buy my prawns raw and in shell . . . unless one is catering for a huge party the shelling and deveining take but delicious minutes . . .
valentina says
My husband wraps every burger of every sort in a crisp lettuce leaf. I’m not quite as disciplined as he is. 🙂 Using a flatbread would be lovely. When time permits I do find shelling and deveining the shrimp sort of meditative. Know what I mean? Enjoy and thank you for visiting, Eha. 🙂
Gary says
Outstanding made this evening so good will definitely make theses again
valentina says
You made my day, Gary. Thank you for the message and for trying the recipe. So happy you loved them — they’re a favorite in my house. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kelly says
These were amazing! My whole family loved them, even the kids. Definitely a keeper. Thanks for the great recipe.
valentina says
Thanks so much, Kelly. So appreciate you writing in and I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe. We love it over here, too. 🙂 ~Valentina