The Shrimp Tempura Burger is the ultimate seafood delight, featuring golden-fried tempura shrimp sandwiched between two toasted buns with a crunchy Asian slaw and creamy Sriracha mayo. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a unique burger alternative, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight meal, a backyard cookout, or a fun twist on a classic burger night. Plus, you can easily transform these into party sliders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer! Serve them with fries, chips, or extra slaw for a complete and delicious meal.
Full Recipe:
For the Shrimp Tempura:
- 9 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp (or 12 ounces frozen)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped scallion
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
- Neutral oil for shallow frying
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
For the Slaw:
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 small carrot, shaved into thin strips
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
For the Sriracha Mayo:
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and sugar. Add shredded cabbage, shaved carrot, and cilantro. Toss to coat and set aside.
Make the Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Shrimp Tempura:
- If using large shrimp, chop into 1.5-inch pieces.
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger. Add ice-cold water and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in chopped scallions and shrimp, mixing just until combined.
Fry the Shrimp Patties:
- Using a slotted spoon or large fork, scoop batter into the hot oil, shaping into flat, round patties (about 3.5 inches wide).
- Fry for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast hamburger buns and spread Sriracha mayo on both sides.
- Place a crispy shrimp tempura patty on the bottom bun, top with Asian slaw, and cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately with fries or chips.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6
Crispy Shrimp Tempura Burger with Asian Slaw & Sriracha Mayo
The Shrimp Tempura Burger is a delicious fusion of crispy tempura shrimp, crunchy Asian slaw, and creamy Sriracha mayo, all stacked between a toasted hamburger bun. This dish combines the best elements of tempura-style frying with the satisfying comfort of a burger, making it an irresistible meal for seafood lovers. With a balance of textures and flavors, this burger is crispy, juicy, tangy, and spicy all at once.
Unlike traditional beef burgers, this recipe offers a lighter yet equally indulgent option. The shrimp tempura provides a delicate crunch, while the slaw adds freshness and acidity to cut through the richness. The Sriracha mayo brings a creamy, spicy kick that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for an exciting new dinner idea or a fun way to enjoy shrimp, this burger is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appeal, this burger comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The tempura batter creates a light and airy crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the bun and the crispness of the slaw.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy—this burger has it all! The coleslaw and Sriracha mayo enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding layers of complexity.
- Great for Entertaining: Shrimp tempura burgers can easily be turned into sliders for a fun appetizer or party snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, use different types of slaw, or swap out the mayo for an alternative sauce to fit your personal preference.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese dish known for its incredibly light, crispy texture. It’s often served with dipping sauces, rice, or noodles. This recipe takes that concept and transforms it into an easy-to-eat burger. The combination of seafood and slaw is inspired by Asian flavors, while the use of a toasted bun gives it a familiar Western appeal.
The idea of making a shrimp tempura burger was born out of the desire to create something that felt indulgent yet fresh. Since shrimp cooks quickly and tempura batter is easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for home cooks who want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Achieve the Perfect Tempura Shrimp Patty
One of the most important elements of this burger is the tempura shrimp patty. Unlike a whole fried shrimp, which can be challenging to sandwich between buns, these patties are shaped by combining chopped shrimp with a light, airy batter.
To get that classic tempura texture, it’s crucial to use ice-cold water in the batter. The temperature contrast between the cold batter and hot oil creates the signature crispiness that tempura is known for. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a delicate structure—lumps are perfectly fine and actually help achieve that crisp coating.
Shallow frying is the best method for this recipe. You only need about 1/4 inch of neutral oil in a skillet, making it less messy than deep frying. Cooking the patties for just a couple of minutes per side ensures they remain juicy while developing a beautiful golden-brown crust.
The Role of the Asian Slaw
A great burger isn’t just about the protein—it’s also about the toppings! The Asian slaw in this recipe plays a vital role in balancing the flavors and textures. Made with shredded cabbage, shaved carrot, fresh cilantro, and a tangy dressing, this slaw provides a crunchy contrast to the crispy shrimp tempura.
The dressing is a simple mix of lime juice, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and sugar, which creates a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. This light, refreshing slaw enhances the burger’s overall taste without overpowering the delicate shrimp. Plus, it adds a pop of color that makes the burger visually appealing.
Sriracha Mayo: The Ultimate Finishing Touch
Every great burger needs a delicious sauce, and for this one, Sriracha mayo is the perfect choice. This creamy, slightly spicy sauce adds a rich, velvety texture that ties all the components together.
Sriracha, a well-loved chili sauce with a garlicky kick, blends beautifully with mayonnaise and a touch of honey to create a well-rounded flavor. The mayo helps mellow out the heat, making it enjoyable for those who prefer a milder spice level. You can easily adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your preference, or swap it for another spicy sauce like gochujang or chipotle mayo.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Tempura Burger is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A crispy side that complements the burger’s texture.
- Extra Coleslaw: Make a larger batch of the slaw and serve it as a side dish for extra crunch.
- Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing option that balances the richness of the tempura.
- Steamed Edamame with Sea Salt: A simple and healthy addition to your meal.
- Tempura Vegetables: If you love tempura, why not make a side of lightly fried vegetables to go with your burger?
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Although this burger is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers and reheat them for later. Here are some tips:
- Shrimp Tempura Patties: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If stacking, separate with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Coleslaw: Can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in a sealed container.
- Sriracha Mayo: Keeps well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
Since tempura is at its crispiest when fresh, reheating properly is key:
- Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F and bake the shrimp tempura patties for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Skillet Method: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the patties for about 2 minutes per side until crisp.
Avoid using the microwave, as it will soften the batter and make the patties less crispy.
Conclusion
The Shrimp Tempura Burger is an exciting fusion dish that brings together crispy tempura shrimp, tangy Asian slaw, and spicy Sriracha mayo for a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a unique alternative to traditional burgers or simply want to enjoy an elevated seafood sandwich, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
With its perfect balance of crunch, spice, and freshness, this burger is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s easy to customize—adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or turn them into sliders for a fun party appetizer.
Give this Shrimp Tempura Burger a try for your next meal, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy seafood, zesty slaw, and creamy heat in every bite!