Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something truly spectacular in your own kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that promises just that: a truly crispy Vegan Shrimp Burger with a kick of zesty Old Bay aioli that will have everyone asking for more. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors, proving that plant-based meals can be utterly satisfying and bursting with character.
I remember childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every sizzle and aroma told a story. She taught me the magic of patience and the reward of homemade goodness. This recipe, much like those cherished memories, began with a little experimentation, a few happy accidents, and a whole lot of love to perfect a vegan patty that mimics the briny flavor and satisfying bite of traditional shrimp.
This wonderful recipe is not only incredibly approachable for any home cook, regardless of experience, but it’s also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with a creative and flavorful meal. My top tip? Don’t be shy with the seasonings – that’s where the magic truly happens!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful vegan shrimp burgers involves a clever blend of king oyster mushrooms for that perfect “shrimp” texture, chickpeas for binding, and the undeniable kick of Old Bay seasoning for that authentic, savory-oceanic flavor. I always say, the magic is in understanding how each ingredient contributes to the final delicious bite. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below!
How to Make Vegan Shrimp Burger
Making these incredible vegan shrimp burgers is a journey of simple, joyful steps, much like baking a cherished family recipe. First, you’ll prepare your “shrimp” base, then combine it with your binders and seasonings. Next comes the fun part of forming those perfect patties, followed by a quick pan-fry or air-fry to achieve that irresistible crispness. Finally, assemble your masterpiece and get ready to savor every bite!
Spicy Old Bay Vegan Shrimp Burgers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roughly chop the king oyster mushroom stems. In a food processor, pulse the chopped mushrooms until they have a flaky, ‘shredded’ texture similar to cooked shrimp. Be careful not to over-process into a paste. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor and pulse a few times until roughly mashed but still chunky. Add the pulsed chickpeas to the bowl with the mushrooms.
- To the bowl, add the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, vegan mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, crumbled nori, and sriracha (if using). Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and sticky enough to form patties. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm, approximately 3/4-inch thick burger patty. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For best results, chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray each patty with cooking oil. Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Lightly toast the vegan burger buns if desired. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and a generous dollop of vegan tartar sauce or remoulade. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Vegan Shrimp Burger
Creating a truly memorable Vegan Shrimp Burger is all about those little touches that elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. Here are a few secrets I’ve picked up over the years:
My Secret Trick: I always press out as much moisture as possible from the cooked king oyster mushrooms before mixing them in. This ensures your patties hold their shape beautifully and develop that incredibly crispy exterior we all adore!
When forming the patties, don’t make them too thick. Thinner patties cook more evenly and crisp up better, giving you that satisfying bite. I always aim for about 3/4-inch thickness.
For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust, consider pan-frying your patties in a cast-iron skillet. The even heat distribution makes all the difference!
Don’t rush the chill time. Letting the formed patties rest in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them firm up, preventing them from falling apart during cooking. This is a game-changer!
Fun Variations for Vegan Shrimp Burger
Part of the joy of cooking, for me, is the freedom to play and adapt! This Vegan Shrimp Burger recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to infuse your own personality. My sister always asks me to add a touch more heat, while a friend loves when I sneak in some fresh herbs.
Herbaceous Twist
Try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or parsley to the patty mixture. These herbs will brighten the flavor and add another layer of freshness, complementing the Old Bay beautifully. It’s a simple swap that makes a lovely difference.
Spicy Kick Upgrade
If you’re like my friend who loves a little extra fire, increase the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the patty mixture. For even more heat, you could finely mince a jalapeño and mix it in. Remember to taste as you go!
Gluten-Free Friendly
For those avoiding gluten, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free. This ensures everyone can enjoy your delicious vegan shrimp burger experience!
What to Serve With Vegan Shrimp Burger
When I whip up a batch of these glorious Vegan Shrimp Burger patties, I love thinking about what sides will truly complete the meal, making it feel like a cherished gathering around the table. It’s all about creating those perfect pairings!
I absolutely adore serving these burgers with a simple, refreshing coleslaw. The crispness and tang of the slaw cut through the richness of the burger beautifully. My mom always had a creamy homemade coleslaw recipe that’s still my go-to!
Another fantastic option is a side of crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch are a wonderful complement to the savory, zesty flavors of the burger.
For a lighter touch, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It adds a touch of brightness and makes the meal feel complete without being too heavy, especially on a warm evening.
How to Store Vegan Shrimp Burger
After all the love that goes into making these incredible vegan shrimp burgers, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay just as delicious! Proper storage is key to preserving their wonderful texture and flavor.
Fridge Storage
Once cooled, place leftover vegan shrimp burger patties in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a small piece of parchment paper between the patties if I’m stacking them to prevent sticking.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these! Once the patties are completely cooled, you can flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. My personal tip for reheating frozen patties is to let them thaw in the fridge first, then crisp them up in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This satisfying vegan shrimp burger, crafted with king oyster mushrooms and chickpeas, offers a lovely blend of plant-based goodness. You’ll find a good source of fiber from the chickpeas, and mushrooms contribute important vitamins and minerals, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s my way of showing that indulgence can indeed be wholesome!
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and form these vegan shrimp burger patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes meal prep a breeze!
Faq 2
What’s the best way to cook these vegan shrimp burgers?
You have options! Pan-frying with a little olive oil yields a beautiful golden crust, or for an oil-free option, air frying them until crispy also works wonderfully. Both methods ensure a delicious outcome for your vegan shrimp burger.
Faq 3
Can I substitute the king oyster mushrooms?
While king oyster mushrooms are ideal for their texture, you could try lion’s mane mushrooms for a similar effect, or even finely chopped artichoke hearts if you’re looking for a different briny flavor profile. Experiment and enjoy!
Faq 4
How spicy are these burgers?
The spiciness of this vegan shrimp burger recipe can be easily adjusted to your preference. The Old Bay and a touch of sriracha provide a mild, zesty warmth, but you can always add more hot sauce for an extra kick!
Conclusion
And there you have it, dear friends — a crispy, flavorful Vegan Shrimp Burger that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This recipe truly embodies the joy of homemade cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a magical meal that brings people together. I hope you feel inspired to gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create wonderful memories around this delightful dish. Happy cooking!