Cajun Shrimp Burger

Jump to Recipe

Discover how to make the perfect seafood burger with this Cajun-spiced shrimp patty recipe, complete with homemade remoulade, purple cabbage slaw, and caramelized onions. This easy yet impressive shrimp burger brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.

Why This Cajun Shrimp Burger Recipe Stands Out

Looking for a seafood burger that delivers bold flavor in every bite? This Cajun Shrimp Burger transforms fresh shrimp into a juicy, flavorful patty that rivals any traditional burger. Unlike typical seafood recipes that can be bland or difficult to execute, this shrimp burger combines straightforward techniques with a perfect balance of spices for a memorable meal that feels both casual and elevated.

What makes this the best shrimp burger recipe is the thoughtful layering of complementary flavors and textures: spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp patties, sweet caramelized onions, tangy-crunchy purple cabbage slaw, and a smoky remoulade that ties everything together. Every component works in harmony while still allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through.

How to Make Perfect Shrimp Patties That Hold Together

The foundation of any great seafood burger is a patty that maintains its shape while remaining juicy and flavorful. This recipe uses a brilliant technique to achieve the perfect texture:

1. Process half the shrimp into a binding paste
2. Roughly chop the remaining shrimp for texture and bite
3. Combine with colorful bell peppers and green onions for flavor and visual appeal
4. Add just enough breadcrumbs and egg to bind without making the patty dense

This two-texture method ensures your shrimp burgers will have substantial bite while holding together perfectly on the grill or in the pan. The result is far superior to store-bought seafood patties that often lack the fresh flavor and satisfying texture of this homemade version.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: The Secret to Authentic Flavor

What transforms this from a simple shrimp patty recipe to a true Cajun seafood experience is the perfectly balanced homemade spice blend:

• Smoked paprika provides earthy depth and beautiful color
• Cayenne pepper adds customizable heat
• Garlic and onion powders create savory foundation notes
• Dried thyme and oregano contribute traditional Louisiana herbaceous qualities
• Black pepper and salt enhance and balance all other flavors

This custom blend elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp while providing the characteristic warmth and complexity that defines authentic Cajun cuisine. Making your own seasoning allows you to adjust the heat level and ensure maximum freshness compared to pre-made blends.

Creating the Ultimate Burger: Building Layers of Flavor

What takes this shrimp burger recipe beyond ordinary is the careful construction of complementary components:

Sweet Caramelized Onions

Slowly cooking thinly sliced onions in a mixture of butter and olive oil until golden and jammy creates a sweet counterpoint to the spicy shrimp patty. The caramelization process develops deep flavor that balances the zesty Cajun spices perfectly.

Crunchy Purple Cabbage Slaw

The vibrant slaw adds essential textural contrast and brightness to the burger. The simple dressing of olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey creates a tangy-sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the other components. The stunning purple color makes this burger as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Smoky Remoulade Sauce

No Louisiana-style seafood dish would be complete without a proper remoulade. This version combines:

• Creamy mayonnaise base
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Bright lemon juice
• Briny capers for depth
• Additional Cajun seasoning for cohesive flavor
• Hot sauce for customizable heat

This rich, tangy sauce is the perfect finishing touch that brings all elements together in harmonious flavor.

The Perfect Bun and Assembly Tips

The ideal seafood burger deserves the perfect foundation. A brioche bun provides:

• Subtle sweetness that complements the savory shrimp
• Soft texture that doesn’t compete with the tender patty
• Sturdy structure that holds up to the saucy components
• Beautiful golden appearance that enhances presentation

For perfect assembly, lightly toast the bun and spread remoulade on both halves. Place the shrimp patty on the bottom bun, followed by caramelized onions and a generous portion of slaw. The top bun completes this masterpiece of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Complete your Cajun seafood burger experience with these perfect companions:

• Hand-cut seasoned steak fries for a classic pairing
• Crisp dill pickles for additional tangy crunch
• Cold craft beer or a citrusy white wine
• Grilled corn on the cob with Cajun butter

For a complete Louisiana-themed meal, serve alongside a small cup of gumbo or seafood chowder as a starter.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Entertaining

This impressive shrimp burger can be partially prepared in advance:

• Mix and form patties up to 8 hours ahead (keep refrigerated)
• Prepare the remoulade up to 3 days in advance
• Caramelize onions a day before and reheat gently
• Make the slaw dressing ahead, but toss with cabbage just before serving

With these components ready, final assembly takes just minutes, making this perfect for casual entertaining or weeknight dinners when you want something special without hours of preparation.

This Cajun Shrimp Burger brings together the best elements of coastal and Louisiana cuisine in one unforgettable package. The combination of fresh seafood, bold spices, and thoughtfully prepared components creates a burger experience that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger

Switch up your burger game. After your Cajun Shrimp Burger, try this Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger packed with fresh herbs, creamy tahini, and bright, bold flavor in every bite.