When the sun starts to set and the craving for something crispy and exciting hits, I turn to my go-to recipe: the Shrimp Tempura Burger. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly toasted bun, with golden shrimp encased in a light, airy batter that crackles with each bite. The cool crunch of an Asian slaw paired with a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayonnaise adds a burst of flavor that dances on your palate. It’s hard to believe that a dish this delightful can be whipped up in just 30 minutes!
I stumbled upon this gem during one of those busy weeks when takeout seemed like the only option. Why settle for fast food when you can create this impressive meal right in your kitchen? This burger isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a showstopper that can easily be scaled down into sliders for your next gathering. With the perfect blend of textures and fresh flavors, it’s no wonder this has become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to bring this Asian-inspired delight to your dinner table!
Why is this Shrimp Tempura Burger irresistible?
Crispy, light batter: The tempura coating provides an unforgettable crunch that elevates your burger experience.
Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Bold flavors: The combination of spicy sriracha mayo and fresh Asian slaw creates a deliciously dynamic taste.
Versatile serving: Enjoy it as a traditional burger or transform it into sliders for your next party.
Family-friendly: Kids love the crispy shrimp, making it a hit for the entire family!
Why not explore our collection of Asian-inspired recipes to complement your meal?
Shrimp Tempura Burger Ingredients
• Get ready to enjoy an exciting culinary experience!
For the Tempura Batter
- Shrimp – Use uncooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a delicious protein base.
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for forming a crisp coating; gluten-free flour works as a substitute.
- Cornstarch – Key for enhancing crunchiness in the batter; no direct substitute needed.
- Baking Powder – Ensures an airy texture; check freshness for best results.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning elements; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds savory depth; avoid fresh versions in this recipe.
- Ground Ginger – Offers a hint of spice; fresh ginger can be used but adjust the amount.
- Scallion – Contributes freshness; can be omitted if desired.
- Ice Cold Water – Hydrates the batter; warm water will not yield the same light texture.
For the Burger Assembly
- Hamburger Buns – The perfect vehicle for your shrimp and slaw; slider rolls are great for appetizers.
- Neutral Oil – Ideal for shallow frying; opt for canola or vegetable oil due to their high smoke point.
For the Asian Slaw
- Shredded Cabbage – Provides crunch; substitute with a pre-packaged coleslaw mix if convenient.
- Carrot – Adds sweetness and vibrant color; substitute with shredded kale or omit for simplicity.
- Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, and Fish Sauce – Balances flavors in the slaw; honey can replace sugar for a sweeter profile.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens the slaw; lemon juice is a suitable alternative.
- Cilantro – Infuses freshness; substitute with parsley for a different twist.
For the Spicy Mayo
- Mayonnaise – Base for the spicy mayo; adjust sriracha for desired heat levels or use plain mayo for a milder option.
- Sriracha – This adds a kick; feel free to modify to your heat preference.
This Shrimp Tempura Burger is not only delicious but also versatile, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next meal!
How to Make Shrimp Tempura Burger
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Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and chopped scallion. Gradually whisk in ice-cold water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Heat the oil: Pour neutral oil into a pan and place it over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F, making it ideal for frying and achieving that crispy texture.
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Fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, ensuring it’s well coated. Carefully place them in the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels.
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Make the Asian slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sugar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Assemble the burgers: Toast your hamburger buns lightly, then place a few pieces of the crispy tempura shrimp on the bottom half. Top with a generous scoop of the Asian slaw. Drizzle with sriracha mayo to bring in that spicy kick.
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Serve immediately: Enjoy your Shrimp Tempura Burger while it’s hot and crisp for the best flavor and texture.
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp Tempura Burger Variations
Let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful dish with fun twists and healthier swaps!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar crispy texture.
- Different Seafood: Try using sliced cod or tilapia instead of shrimp for a delicious variation on the theme! Each fish offers a slightly different flavor profile that makes it its own.
- Veggie Option: Swap shrimp for sliced eggplant or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian alternative that still packs a crunch. These veggies can absorb the flavor beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra heat boost in every bite. Spice up your meal and awaken your taste buds with that perfect kick!
- Yogurt Sauce: Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, zesty sauce that still delivers creamy goodness to your burger. It adds a tangy twist that pairs well with the shrimp!
- Topping Options: Experiment with toppings like sliced avocado or pickles for a creamy or tangy contrast. Each addition can really elevate your burger experience!
- Asian Slaw Twist: Incorporate other crunchy veggies like radishes or bell peppers into your slaw for added texture and vibrant color. The more colors, the more fun on your plate!
- Bun Variety: Use lettuce wraps in place of buns for a low-carb, grain-free alternative that still holds all the flavor. Enjoy the fresh crispness that melts in your mouth!
By exploring these variations, you’re sure to create a Shrimp Tempura Burger that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Shrimp Tempura Burger?
Creating the perfect meal means finding delightful accompaniments that enhance your dining experience.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispy exterior of these fries create a wonderful contrast to the savory shrimp.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: This light, refreshing salad adds crunch and vibrant flavors that beautifully balance the richness of the burger.
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Spicy Edamame: These protein-packed snacks offer a dash of heat and a satisfying bite, perfect for nibbling alongside your burgers.
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Chilled Soba Noodles: Dressed in a sesame-soy sauce, these cool noodles provide a delightful textural change and Asian flair to your meal.
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Mango Pineapple Salsa: Bright and tropical, this salsa brings a fruity freshness that beautifully complements the spicy sriracha mayo.
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Cold Sapporo Beer: This crisp, refreshing beer pairs well, cutting through the dish’s richness while enhancing the flavors of the shrimp.
Expert Tips for Shrimp Tempura Burger
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Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) to achieve that signature crispy texture without over-soaking the shrimp.
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Batter Consistency: Aim for a smooth batter; too thick will result in heavy coating, while too thin might not adhere properly to the shrimp.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature for an even cook and avoid steaming instead of frying.
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Serve Fresh: For the best texture, assemble the Shrimp Tempura Burger and serve immediately to enjoy the delicious crunch of the shrimp and slaw.
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Storing Leftovers: Keep cooked shrimp and slaw separate when storing to prevent sogginess, maintaining the burger’s delightful contrast.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Tempura Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the tempura batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, ensuring an easy assembly when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, the Asian slaw can be made up to 3 days in advance; just be sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain crispness. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the shrimp in the prepped batter for that fresh crunch and assemble the burgers with the slaw and sriracha mayo. This approach saves you precious time on busy weeknights, while still delivering delicious, restaurant-quality results that your family will love!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Tempura Burger
Room Temperature: Store leftover shrimp tempura at room temperature for no more than 1 hour to avoid bacterial growth.
Fridge: Place cooked shrimp patties in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the Asian slaw refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze individual shrimp tempura patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen shrimp tempura at 375°F until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes, perfect for reviving your Shrimp Tempura Burger experience.
Shrimp Tempura Burger Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use uncooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp. This ensures that your shrimp maintains its texture when cooked, giving you that perfect crunch with every bite!
How should I store leftover shrimp tempura and slaw?
You’ll want to keep your leftovers separate to maintain their individual textures. Store cooked shrimp patties in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Asian slaw can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you can’t finish it right away, eat it as soon as possible for the best flavor!
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Can I freeze shrimp tempura?
Absolutely! To freeze shrimp tempura for longer storage, place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp into an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them at 375°F until they’re heated through and crispy—about 10-15 minutes!
What can I do if my tempura batter is too thick?
If your batter feels too thick, don’t worry! Start by whisking in a little more ice-cold water, adding it gradually until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. This light and airy batter is key to that delightful crunch, so aim for a thickness that lightly coats your shrimp without overwhelming it.
Is this shrimp tempura burger suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, indeed! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the tempura batter. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the fish sauce and mayonnaise, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious Shrimp Tempura Burger!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover tempura burgers?
To really bring back that crispy texture, reheat leftover shrimp tempura by baking it. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then spread the shrimp out evenly on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Enjoy the delightful crunch you fell in love with!
Delicious Shrimp Tempura Burger: A Crunchy Flavor Adventure
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and chopped scallion. Gradually whisk in ice-cold water until smooth.
- Heat the oil: Pour neutral oil into a pan and heat over medium-high to about 350°F.
- Fry the shrimp: Dip shrimp in the batter, fry in hot oil for about 2 minutes each side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Make the Asian slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sugar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Toss together.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast hamburger buns, place cooked shrimp on the bottom half, top with Asian slaw and drizzle with sriracha mayo.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.