Name: Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound raw shrimp; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 avocado, mashed; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional); Salt, to taste; Lime juice, to taste; Burger buns; Lettuce and tomato

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Looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on your usual burger night? These Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole are exactly what your weeknight dinner—or weekend cookout—needs. They’re juicy, vibrant, and packed with layers of texture and bold flavor. Made with coarsely chopped shrimp, fresh herbs, spices, and a punchy lime kick, these burgers are light yet satisfying. Topped with creamy guacamole, they’re a total crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something different, this recipe comes together fast and delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, bold flavor – The combination of cilantro, garlic, cumin, and lime in the shrimp patties creates a bright, savory bite.
Fast and easy – Only 25 minutes from prep to plate. Perfect for a quick dinner or weekend grilling session.
Lighter than beef – These shrimp burgers are a leaner, protein-rich option, ideal for warm-weather meals or lighter fare.
Customizable – Easily adapt the toppings or seasoning to suit your heat level, dietary needs, or preferred flavor profile.
Guacamole on top – Enough said.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Patties
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Guacamole
1 avocado, mashed
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
Salt, to taste
Lime juice, to taste

To Serve
Burger buns (your choice)
Lettuce and tomato (optional)

Directions

Prep the shrimp
Pulse shrimp in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl.
Mix the burger ingredients
Add breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
Form the patties
Shape the mixture into equal-sized patties about 1 inch thick.
Cook the burgers
Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
Make the guacamole
While the patties cook, mash the avocado and stir in red onion, jalapeño (if using), salt, and lime juice. Adjust to taste.
Assemble the burgers
Toast your buns if desired. Place a patty on the bottom bun, top with guacamole, lettuce, and tomato.
Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Variations

Swap cilantro for parsley if preferred
Add chipotle mayo or sriracha for extra heat
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make it gluten-free
Add a fried egg on top for brunch-style burgers
Stir diced mango or pineapple into the guac for a tropical twist

Heating and Storage

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked patties—separate them with parchment and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Medium to large shrimp work best, fresh or thawed from frozen.

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Raw shrimp is best, as it binds better and cooks evenly. Cooked shrimp may result in dry or rubbery patties.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Be sure your mixture isn’t too wet. Chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking for extra hold.

Can I grill these?

Absolutely. Just be sure your patties are firm and your grill is well-oiled. Use a fish spatula to flip.

Is there a substitute for breadcrumbs?

You can use almond flour or crushed crackers as an alternative. For gluten-free, use certified GF breadcrumbs.

Can I bake the patties?

Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until cooked through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

The base recipe is already dairy-free—just double-check your buns and toppings.

What toppings go best with shrimp burgers?

Aside from guacamole, try sliced avocado, slaw, chipotle mayo, or pickled onions.

Can I make these spicy?

Yes! Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce into the shrimp mixture or guac.

Do I need a food processor?

It helps with texture, but you can also finely chop the shrimp with a sharp knife.

Conclusion

Shrimp Burgers with Cilantro and Guacamole are everything you want in a fresh, flavor-packed meal: light, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re grilling for guests or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this burger checks every box—flavorful, satisfying, and totally unforgettable.

Chef sara