Ingredients
For the Shrimp Patties
- 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, lightly toasted
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
For the Coconut-Lime Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Pineapple Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Extra toasted coconut for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Place the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Place about three-quarters of the shrimp into a food processor.
Pulse several times until finely chopped but not completely pureed.
Roughly chop the remaining shrimp by hand to create texture.
Transfer all shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Burger Patties
Add to the shrimp:
- Toasted coconut
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Lime zest
- Lime juice
- Egg
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Mix gently until combined.
Do not overmix, as this can make the patties dense.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
Shape into burger patties approximately ¾-inch thick.
Place on a tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Prepare the Pineapple Slaw
In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded cabbage
- Pineapple
- Carrots
- Cilantro
In a small bowl whisk together:
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Salt
Pour over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate until serving.
Step 5: Make the Coconut-Lime Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Coconut cream
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp Burgers
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the shrimp patties into the skillet.
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until:
- Golden brown
- Crispy on the outside
- Fully cooked through
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns.
Toast in a skillet or on a grill until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 8: Assemble the Burgers
Spread a generous layer of coconut-lime sauce on the bottom bun.
Add:
- Lettuce leaves
- Shrimp patty
- Pineapple slaw
- Tomato slices
- Avocado slices (optional)
Sprinkle with extra toasted coconut for added crunch.
Finish with the top bun.
Tropical Variations
Mango Coconut Shrimp Burgers
Add:
- Diced fresh mango to the slaw
For extra sweetness and tropical flavor.
Spicy Island Shrimp Burgers
Mix into the patties:
- 1 finely chopped jalapeño
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For a spicy kick.
Hawaiian Style
Top with:
- Grilled pineapple rings
- Teriyaki glaze
For a sweet and savory burger.
Air Fryer Method
Cook patties at:
- 375°F (190°C)
- 8–10 minutes
Flip halfway through cooking.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp
Fresh shrimp provide the best flavor and texture.
Chill Before Cooking
Refrigerating the patties helps them hold together during cooking.
Toast the Coconut
Toasting enhances the coconut flavor and adds extra crunch.
Don’t Overprocess
Leave some shrimp pieces chunky for a juicy, meaty texture.
Serve Immediately
These burgers are at their best when served hot and freshly assembled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coconut Shrimp Burgers with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coconut rice
- Grilled corn
- Tropical fruit salad
- Coleslaw
- Mango salsa
- Crispy potato wedges
Perfect for:
- Summer cookouts
- Beach-themed parties
- Family dinners
- Weekend lunches
- Backyard barbecues
Storage
Refrigerator
Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
Nutrition Information (Per Burger)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 690mg
