Ingredients
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/4 lb. large shrimp, tails removed, peeled, and deveined, divided
Kosher salt
2 c. coleslaw mix
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (preferably kewpie)
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 large eggs
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. panko bread crumbs
2 c. vegetable oil
4 brioche buns, split
Tonkatsu sauce or ketchup, for drizzling
Preparation
Step 1In a food processor, pulse onion, cornstarch, two-thirds of shrimp, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a paste forms, about 30 seconds. Add remaining one-third of shrimp and pulse until chopped into bite-size pieces and evenly distributed, about 3 pulses. (Stop if mixture begins to form into a paste.)Step 2Using damp hands, form shrimp mixture into 4 (1/2"-thick) patties. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.Step 3In a medium bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, and lime juice; season with salt, if desired.Step 4In a shallow bowl, place flour. In another shallow bowl, beat eggs to blend. In a third shallow bowl, place panko. Working one at a time, dip patties into flour, shaking off excess, then into egg, letting excess drip off, and finally into panko, pressing into patties with your fingertips. Transfer patties to a plate.Step 5Into a large, heavy pot, pour oil to a depth of about 1/2" and heat over medium-heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook patties, turning once, until golden and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer patties to a paper towel-lined plate.Step 6Arrange patties on bottom buns. Top with a generous drizzle of tonkatsu sauce and a pile of coleslaw mixture. Close burgers with top bun and serve.
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.
