Name: Crispy Prawn Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb raw prawns, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped; 1 egg; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus more for coating, optional); 1 tsp lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; Mayonnaise or aioli, for serving; Cabbage slaw or lettuce; 4 burger buns, toasted; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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Crispy prawn burgers are a deliciously fresh and crunchy alternative to the usual beef or chicken patties. Juicy prawns are chopped and seasoned, then pan-fried to golden perfection and tucked into a soft burger bun with a zesty slaw or creamy sauce. I love how these burgers feel fancy but are actually so easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always turn to this recipe when I want something light, crispy, and packed with flavor. The texture of the prawn patty is incredible—tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside—and it holds together beautifully without being heavy. It’s also a great option when I’m looking to impress with something a little different. Plus, it cooks fast and works wonderfully with different toppings and sauces.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Raw prawns (peeled and deveined)
Garlic
Green onions
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Egg
Panko breadcrumbs
Lemon zest
Salt and pepper
Mayonnaise or aioli (for serving)
Cabbage slaw or lettuce
Burger buns
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Directions

I start by roughly chopping the prawns, leaving some chunky pieces for texture.
In a bowl, I mix the prawns with minced garlic, chopped green onions, herbs, egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
I stir in enough panko breadcrumbs to bind the mixture without making it dry.
I shape the mixture into patties—usually 4, depending on the size.
I chill the patties for about 15 minutes to help them hold together while cooking.
I heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
To assemble, I toast the burger buns, add a spoonful of mayo or aioli, place the crispy prawn patty on top, and layer with slaw or lettuce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. That includes 10 minutes of prep, 5 minutes chilling time, and around 15 minutes for cooking and assembling.

Variations

Sometimes I add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the patty mix for a spicy kick.
For extra crunch, I coat the patties in more panko before frying.
I occasionally swap the herbs for Thai basil or dill depending on the flavor profile I’m after.
I love making a spicy mayo with sriracha and lime juice for a bold topping.
If I’m cutting carbs, I skip the bun and serve the prawn patty over salad greens or in lettuce wraps.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness or pop them into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving them, as it softens the coating. These patties can also be frozen—just wrap them well before storing and fry from frozen or thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, I often use frozen prawns—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before chopping.

Do I need a food processor?

No, I prefer chopping the prawns by hand. It gives the burgers better texture and prevents them from turning mushy.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes, though they won’t be quite as crispy. I bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sauces go best with these prawn burgers?

I like using garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even a tangy tartar sauce. A squeeze of lemon always adds a fresh finish.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare and shape the patties, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Conclusion

These crispy prawn burgers are everything I want in a quick, satisfying meal—crunchy, flavorful, and surprisingly light. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual get-together when I want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Once I tried them, they instantly earned a spot in my regular recipe rotation.