Crispy and tender, fried fish sandwiches have nothing on these crispy shrimp katsu burgers. Inspired by a popular sandwich at a Japanese chain called Lotteria, you may have even spied these (also known as ebi katsu) at several McDonald’s internationally or in restaurants across the US. The patty is made with chopped shrimp and is coated in panko bread crumbs that give the burger a deliciously crunchy coating. Serve them with French fries and follow with an ice-cold milkshake.
For the perfect shrimp burger, you’ll first pulse some of the shrimp to a paste in the food processor, which helps hold the patty together. Then you’ll fold in the remaining shrimp to give the burger texture and bite. The shrimp mixture can be a bit sticky, so dampen your hands to prevent it from sticking and form the best patties, then—if you have time—refrigerate them for a bit before breading, which also helps prevent them from breaking apart.
While the patties chill, work on the slaw for the shrimp or get ahead on cleaning so you can enjoy your delicious burger with a gloriously clean kitchen.
