Get ready to meet your new favorite summer bite: Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole! Imagine tender, juicy shrimp patties full of zesty Mexican flavor, stacked on a toasted bun with a scoop of guacamole that packs a smoldering, chipotle kick. These burgers are outrageously delicious, a little fancy, and just right for lunch, dinner, or your next backyard shindig. There’s nothing quite like the combination of plump shrimp and creamy, smoky guac to make any meal feel like a celebration.

Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole has a distinct and important role, from adding layers of flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and colorful presentation. It’s a surprisingly simple lineup, using mainly fresh staples you may already have in your kitchen!

Avocado: The foundation of our guacamole, adding creaminess and rich, buttery flavor.
Red onion: Finely diced for a punch of savory, slightly sweet crunch in the guacamole.
Lime juice: Brings brightness and balances the richness of the avocado.
Chipotles in adobo sauce: The smoky secret! These provide deep, spicy complexity to the guac.
Salt: Used in both the guacamole and burger mixture to amplify all the other flavors.
Raw shrimp: The star ingredient—fresh, peeled, and deveined for best results.
Egg: Acts as the essential binding agent to hold those shrimp burgers together.
Cilantro leaves: Fresh, fragrant, and unmistakably bright, infused right into the patties.
Ground cumin: Warms up the profile with classic earthy, toasty notes.
Freshly ground black pepper: Offers subtle heat and aroma, enhancing each bite.
Olive oil: For crisping the outside of the burgers to golden-brown perfection.
Vine-ripened tomatoes: Juicy, sweet slices that add another fresh layer to each burger.
Baby lettuces: For a burst of greenery and crunch that elevates the whole creation.
Burger buns: Choose your favorite soft, lightly toasted roll to hold everything together.

How to Make Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole

Step 1: Mix Up the Smoky Guacamole

Start by mashing the avocado in a small bowl until it’s creamy but still a little chunky. Stir in the finely diced onion, fresh lime juice, chipotles in adobo, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good mix so you have a harmonious, smoky, and tangy guacamole. Press plastic wrap right onto the surface to keep it from browning while you work on the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

If you picked up whole shrimp, peel and devein them now (a little extra work, but it’s worth it for the freshest flavor). Once prepped, separate out about 3/4 cup of shrimp—these will get chopped up for texture while the rest will be pureed for the patties.

Step 3: Make the Shrimp Patty Mixture

In your food processor, add all but that reserved portion of shrimp. Pulse gently just to break them down a little, then toss in the egg, cilantro, salt, cumin, and pepper. Blend again until smooth and sticky, which takes about 10 seconds. Transfer this mixture to a bowl.

Step 4: Add Texture

Roughly chop the saved shrimp into small pieces and fold them into the bowl of pureed shrimp. This step makes sure each burger is not only juicy but packed with big bites of real shrimp. Stir until well blended, but don’t overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Cook the Patties

Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering hot. Using a 1/2 cup measure, shape the shrimp mixture into four patties. They’ll feel sticky but don’t worry—they hold together perfectly in the pan. Sauté the burgers about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Build Your Burgers

Lightly toast the burger buns (pro tip: this prevents sogginess and adds irresistible crunch). Smear a spoonful of your smoky guacamole on both the top and bottom bun halves. Place a shrimp burger on each, then layer on juicy tomato slices and a handful of baby lettuces. Cap it with the top bun and dig in while the burgers are still warm and the flavors at their peak!

How to Serve Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole

Garnishes

Dress up each Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole with a sprinkle of extra cilantro leaves or a thin ring of raw red onion for a little bite. A wedge of lime on the side is a must—you’ll love that fresh squeeze right before you take your first bite. For a little added heat, try a few dashes of hot sauce over the guacamole.

Side Dishes

These burgers are fabulous with crispy sweet potato fries, char-grilled corn on the cob, or a vibrant slaw. If you’re going for a lighter touch, pair with a citrusy salad or a skillet of sautéed peppers and onions to keep the meal fresh and zingy.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole into sliders for party appetizers, or serve open-faced on toasted sourdough for a coastal brunch. These patties are also fantastic wrapped in lettuce for a gluten-free option, or tucked into a soft taco shell for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover burgers or guacamole, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will keep well for up to 2 days, while the guacamole is best enjoyed within a day so it stays fresh and green.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked shrimp patties by laying them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the guacamole separately in an airtight container, knowing its texture may change slightly once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp burgers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout—this keeps them crisp on the outside and juicy inside. If microwaving, do so in short bursts and check frequently to avoid overcooking. Add fresh guacamole and toppings after reheating for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole?

Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before using. Frozen shrimp are a fantastic, budget-friendly option and still deliver great flavor and texture in the patties.

Is there a way to make these burgers spicier?

You bet—just increase the amount of chipotles in adobo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture. You can also top the burgers with your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.

What buns work best for Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole?

Soft brioche buns, potato rolls, or even pretzel buns all make wonderful choices. Just be sure to toast them lightly for structure and extra flavor. For a low-carb version, try serving on lettuce wraps.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Definitely! You can form the raw patties a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated on a tray, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Cook just before assembling the burgers for the freshest taste and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The patties and guacamole themselves are naturally gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free buns or wrap the burgers in lettuce to keep the whole meal gluten-free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

You now have all the tips and tricks to master a Shrimp Burger Recipe with Smoky Guacamole that’s sure to steal the show. Whether you serve it up at your next backyard hangout or treat yourself to a fun weeknight dinner, these burgers are bold, fresh, and guaranteed to bring big smiles. Give them a try—you’ll be craving them all summer long!