Cajun Shrimp Burgers with Spicy Sauce

The spectrum of seasonings and flavors found in Slap Ya Mama Cajun Gumbo Dinner Mix lends itself to a multitude of applications, but I thought it was best suited for seafood, particularly shrimp. What better way to celebrate the bonanza of gumbo than in a shrimp burger? The flavors are perfect here - just the right amount of Cajun spice to grab your attention; the purity of the ingredients lets every bit of shrimpy goodness shine through. If you have time, chop your shrimp by hand; it makes for a much more interesting burger!


Cajun Shrimp Burgers with Spicy Sauce
by Gary

Serves/Makes 4

Spicy Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Creole mustard
1 Tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon capers, drained, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 1/2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama White Pepper Blend Cajun Seasoning
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

Cajun Shrimp Burgers
1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, coarsely chopped (you may use a processor, but do not overwork)
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon celery, coarsely chopped
1 Tablespoon green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 Tablespoon red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 Tablespoon orange bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 Tablespoon yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
1 Tablespoon green onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Cajun Gumbo Dinner Mix
1/2 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama White Pepper Blend Cajun Seasoning
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
4 challah, pretzel, or other buns, split
Green leaf, butter, or iceberg lettuce

Make the Spicy Sauce: Whisk together all ingredients in a nonreactive bowl. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Stir before serving.

For the burgers: In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine shrimp, egg, breadcrumbs, celery, peppers, parsley, onion, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, Slap Ya Mama Cajun Gumbo Dinner Mix, and Slap Ya Mama White Pepper Blend Cajun Seasoning. Mix well, and shape into patties of equal size. Cover and refrigerate for two hours, and up to eight hours.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook burgers approximately three to four minutes per side, until firm and cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.

Toast buns if desired, and spread with Spicy Sauce. Place lettuce on bottom bun and top with burger. Add more Spicy Sauce if desired and close with top bun. Eat with abandon.