Colossal Shrimp Burgers

Shrimp burgers are some of our favorites. They recall summertime, even in the dead of winter, and will brighten up any dinner hour.

In this recipe I used colossal shrimp (about 21 per pound), but you can use just about any size shrimp or substitute any very firm white fish (halibut, tuna, cod, catfish, etc).

I start by rinsing, peeling, deveining, de-tailing, and rinsing the shrimp again.

I divide the shrimp in half; one half I dice very fine, the other I cut into about 1/2" pieces. I hand chop my shrimp, but a food processor works just as well (and is probabyl faster).

Mix in remaining ingredients and shape into patties (about 5 or 6).

Place the patties onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and pop into the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a touch of cooking spray. Normally, we would grill these on the BBQ, but we were out of charcoal. They taste exceptional on the grill!

Be sure not to over-cook! And be careful flipping the burgers so they don't fall apart! 

Spread some of the Spicy Tartar Sauce on both buns. We used sandwich thins to try and keep the calories down, but a poppy seed bun is perfect with this! Grill or toast the buns first for extra crunch. Skip the crappy iceberg lettuce, and opt for a bed of peppery arugula. 

We ate ours with a Broccoli Salad with Yogurt Dressing. To make: place in a bowl chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, diced red onion, diced celery, halved grapes, raisins, and pine nuts (or pumpkin or sunflower seeds). In a separate bowl mix together 1/2 C plain yogurt, 1 Tbsp vinegar (any flavor), pinch of salt, pinch of sugar. Season with pepper, if preferred. Add dressing to veggies, mix together, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Now take a bite! YUM!

We prefer to have big chunks of shrimp in our patties, but it is all a matter of preference. 

Sad-faced Pickle and his licked-clean plate, hoping for more!

Burgers:

1 - 1 1/2 pounds unpeeled, medium-size raw shrimp (firm fish works, too)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon mayonnaise or plain yogurt (or Vegannaise)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch or two cayenne pepper

1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or try Cajun mix, etc)
1-2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1-2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 C crushed crackers (we use low-sodium Ritz)

 Kaiser rolls with poppy seeds, r your bun or roll of choice
Arugula (dressed with a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of olive oil, S&P)

Spicy Tartar sauce

1. Peel shrimp; devein and rinse. Divide in half. Finely chop one half; rough chop second half.
2. Line a cookie sheet or flat pan with waxed paper.
3. Whisk together egg, mayo, lemon juice salt, pepper, and Old Bay; stir in celery, green onion, and parsley. Fold in shrimp and cracker crumbs. Mixture should be thick, and hold its shape. Form into patties. Place patties on prepared pan. Transfer to freezer, and freeze at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill burgers, covered with grill lid, 4 to 5 minutes or until burgers lift easily. Flip burgers, and grill 4 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and burgers are cooked through and lightly crisp. 

OR

Heat a pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray (or a spritz from your Misto). Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side, or until they lift easily from the pan. Cook another 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Grill or toast buns/rolls. Serve burgers on buns with Spicy Tartar sauce and dressed arugula. Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired (grilled lemons are super yummy!).

Spicy Tartar Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt or Vegannaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chili sauce (Siracha)

Dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco
2 tablespoons chopped gherkins or pickles or pickled jalapeno peppers (or a combination)
1 pinch salt (only if needed)

Whisk all together. Check seasoning, and adjust as necessary. PLAY WITH IT! Find out what you like (no Siracha, more horseradish, etc)!