This Shrimp Tempura Burger combines the best of crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a creamy, tangy wasabi mayo sauce. The toasted sesame seed buns add a light crunch, while the fresh veggies like lettuce and tomato bring a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Each bite is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a delicious treat that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a relaxed meal at home, this shrimp tempura burger is sure to impress. It’s quick to make yet delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience. The fusion of crispy shrimp with a kick of wasabi is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their burger game.
Full Recipe:
- 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tempura batter mix
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water
- 2 sesame seed burger buns
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon wasabi paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tempura batter mix and cold sparkling water to form a batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip the shrimp into the tempura batter, coating them evenly, and fry them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and wasabi paste to make the wasabi mayo sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the sesame seed buns lightly in the skillet or oven.
- Spread a layer of wasabi mayo sauce on the bottom bun. Place shredded lettuce and tomato slices on top.
- Add the crispy shrimp on top of the veggies and finish with the top bun.
- Serve the shrimp tempura burger immediately with your favorite side dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Shrimp Tempura Burger: A Delicious Fusion of Asian and American Flavors
The Shrimp Tempura Burger is a delightful fusion of Japanese and American flavors that combines crispy, light shrimp tempura with a savory Asian-inspired coleslaw and creamy sriracha mayo, all sandwiched between toasted burger buns. This unique burger elevates the traditional shrimp tempura to new heights, transforming it into an exciting and mouthwatering meal that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun party appetizer. Whether served as a full-sized burger or transformed into mini sliders, the Shrimp Tempura Burger is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Birth of the Shrimp Tempura Burger
The idea for the Shrimp Tempura Burger came from the desire to merge the crispy goodness of shrimp tempura with the structure of a classic burger. The result is a light and refreshing burger with contrasting textures: the crispy shrimp tempura, crunchy and vibrant Asian slaw, and soft, toasted sesame buns. This burger not only satisfies your taste buds with its complex flavors but also impresses with its presentation. What’s more, it is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best things about the Shrimp Tempura Burger is how simple it is to make, even though it feels like a gourmet dish. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. For convenience, you can use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, and store-bought shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix. If you’re looking to add more depth to the slaw, consider incorporating freshly shaved carrots for added sweetness and color. These small tweaks elevate the flavor while still keeping the meal quick and accessible.
The Crispy Shrimp Tempura
At the heart of this burger is the shrimp tempura, which is prepared using a simple yet effective batter made from flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. The key to achieving the perfect tempura is ensuring the batter is light and crispy, and using ice-cold water to create the desired texture. The shrimp are dipped into the batter and shallow fried in hot oil, which gives them that crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. The frying process is quick, typically less than 2 minutes per side, which helps keep the shrimp moist and flavorful.
The choice of shrimp size plays an important role in the burger’s overall texture. Small or medium-sized shrimp (such as 51/60 or 41/50 count) work best for forming patties that hold together nicely. If you prefer larger shrimp, chopping them into smaller chunks allows them to fit more easily into the burger and maintain the crispy texture.
The Asian-Inspired Slaw
The Asian coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich tempura shrimp. This slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a zesty dressing that includes lime juice, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. The coleslaw is tossed together just before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to retain its crunch. This adds a light, tangy element to the burger, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
For an extra burst of freshness, you can add more herbs such as mint or basil, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a hint of nuttiness. The beauty of the slaw lies in its versatility, allowing you to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences.
The Spicy Sriracha Mayo
No shrimp tempura burger would be complete without a flavorful sauce, and the sriracha mayo delivers just the right amount of heat and creaminess. This sauce is a simple combination of mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and a touch of honey to bring everything together. The sweetness from the honey balances the spice from the sriracha, creating a creamy, spicy dressing that enhances the flavors of the shrimp tempura and slaw.
Sriracha mayo is also incredibly versatile, as it can be used for other dishes like tacos, fries, or grilled chicken. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level to suit your taste. For those who prefer a milder version, using a little less sriracha or substituting it with a milder hot sauce can be just as effective.
The Burger Assembly
Once all the components are prepared, assembling the Shrimp Tempura Burger is a simple process. Start by toasting the burger buns to give them a light crispiness. Spread a generous layer of the sriracha mayo on both the top and bottom buns, then layer the crispy shrimp tempura, followed by the vibrant Asian coleslaw. The combination of warm, crunchy, creamy, and tangy elements creates a burger that is packed with flavor and texture.
For a fun twist, you can also turn this burger into sliders by reducing the size of the shrimp patties and serving them on smaller dinner rolls. This makes them perfect for party platters, where guests can enjoy a delicious bite-sized version of this unique dish.
Serving Suggestions
While the Shrimp Tempura Burger is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a fresh salad. If you’re serving this burger for a larger gathering or as a party appetizer, you can easily scale the recipe and turn it into sliders. The smaller size makes them perfect for parties, and they’ll be sure to disappear in no time. Whether you’re making a hearty meal or small bites for a crowd, this shrimp tempura burger is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
How to Store and Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers, storing the shrimp tempura patties, slaw, and sriracha mayo is easy. The shrimp tempura should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to reheat them in the oven or skillet to retain their crispiness. The coleslaw can also be stored in an airtight container and will stay fresh for up to four days, while the sriracha mayo can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Fusion to Enjoy Anytime
The Shrimp Tempura Burger is a perfect example of how two different culinary worlds can come together to create something unique and delicious. The combination of crispy shrimp, refreshing coleslaw, and creamy sriracha mayo on a toasted bun makes for a flavorful, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this burger will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
This dish also highlights the ease of fusion cooking—combining elements from different cuisines to create a fresh take on a classic. The crispy tempura shrimp, the tangy coleslaw, and the spicy mayo make for a combination that will delight your taste buds with every bite.