The Thai Tom Yum Shrimp Burger is a culinary creation that fuses the bold, aromatic essence of Thai cuisine with the universally loved format of a burger. This dish is inspired by Tom Yum, the quintessential Thai soup known for its vibrant and tangy flavors that strike a perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. By taking the beloved ingredients and flavor profiles of Tom Yum and transforming them into a burger, this recipe offers a fresh twist for adventurous food lovers, merging Eastern and Western culinary traditions into a delicious and satisfying bite.
At its core, the shrimp patty is the star of the dish, packed with a dynamic combination of proteins and spices. Peeled and roughly chopped shrimp form the base, while panko breadcrumbs contribute to a light and crispy texture. The addition of tom yum paste—often made with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chili—infuses the patty with the distinctive, citrusy punch of classic Thai cuisine. Fish sauce, fresh cilantro, grated ginger, and minced garlic bring depth and complexity, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. The patties are carefully shaped and then refrigerated to firm up, which helps them maintain their structure during the cooking process.
The supporting ingredients and assembly of the burger complete this cross-cultural experience. Brioche buns, known for their soft, buttery texture, create a fitting vehicle for the vibrant flavors of the shrimp patty. The lime mayo adds a tangy and creamy element, tying back to the zesty essence of Tom Yum. Thinly sliced cucumber pairs with red onion and fresh mint leaves to provide cool, crisp, and herbal notes, creating a well-rounded contrast to the shrimp’s richness. Together, these components form a harmony of flavors and textures that elevate the humble burger into something extraordinary.
This recipe also speaks to the adaptability and universality of food. Thai cuisine, celebrated for its intricate balance of flavors and natural ingredients, meets the universally appealing format of a handheld burger in a way that respects both traditions while innovating new possibilities. By using widely available ingredients such as store-bought tom yum paste and fresh herbs, this dish is both accessible for home cooks and impressive for food enthusiasts.
Not only does the Thai Tom Yum Shrimp Burger capture the comforting familiarity of a burger, but it also acts as an edible passport to Southeast Asia, bringing bold, tropical flavors straight to your table. It’s a dish that caters to those who love to explore unique flavor combinations and expand their culinary repertoire, all while sticking to a relatively quick preparation and cook time of just 45 minutes.
Whether served with sweet potato fries, a fresh Thai salad, or enjoyed on its own, this fusion dish is a celebration of creativity and flavor. Try it once, and you’ll discover an exciting way to experience the iconic tastes of Thailand in the form of an irresistible burger.
Thai Tom Yum Shrimp Burger
Ingredients
Shrimp Patty Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for a light, crisp texture
- 1 tablespoon tom yum paste store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce adds depth of flavor
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Burger Assembly
- 4 pieces brioche buns lightly toasted
- ½ cup cucumber thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves loosely packed
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise mixed with lime juice and zest
Lime Mayo
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lime zest finely grated
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, tom yum paste, fish sauce, cilantro, ginger, and garlic. Mix until well-combined.
- Form the mixture into four equal patties. Refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and fully cooked.
- Toast the brioche buns using a toaster or an oven griller to a warm, crispy finish.
- Spread the lime mayo on both top and bottom halves of the buns. Assemble the burgers by layering the shrimp patty, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and mint leaves.