If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, crunch, and a little bit of spice, you’ve got to try this Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. These prawn burgers are gloriously crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly balanced by the creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce. Whether it’s for a casual lunch or an impressive dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a celebration of textures and tastes that feel both indulgent and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. Each component plays a unique role, from the fresh prawns providing sweetness and succulence, to the panko breadcrumbs delivering that unbeatable crunch. The bang bang sauce brings the dish alive with creamy, sweet heat, making the whole experience absolutely unforgettable.
- Fresh or frozen raw peeled prawns (400g fresh or 500g frozen): The star ingredient, packed with natural flavor and perfect texture when cooked just right.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds depth and a lovely aromatic kick to the prawn mixture.
- Green onion (1/4 cup, finely sliced): Brightens up the patties with a fresh, mild bite and a splash of color.
- Cooking salt / kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning, it enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough spice to gently tease your palate without overpowering.
- Egg (1, lightly whisked): Helps bind the prawn mixture and keeps the patties tender.
- Plain flour (1/2 cup): Provides a base coating for the patties to hold the panko breadcrumbs perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/4 cups): The secret behind the crispy, golden crust that makes these burgers so irresistible.
- Olive oil or neutral-flavored oil (1/2 cup): For frying, giving the burgers their beautiful crunch and golden color.
- Brioche buns (4, 10-12cm wide): Soft and slightly sweet, they cradle the patties wonderfully and toast up to perfection.
- Shredded iceberg or cos lettuce (1 1/2 cups): Adds refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the prawns and sauce.
- Gherkins (finely sliced): Offer a tangy contrast that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The ultimate finishing touch, creamy with a zingy, spicy flavor that makes these burgers unforgettable.
How to Make Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Mixture
First things first, if you’re using frozen prawns, make sure they’re fully thawed and well-drained to avoid sogginess. Roughly chop the prawns to create a slightly coarse texture that will hold together well without becoming mushy. Toss the minced garlic, finely sliced green onions, salt, and pepper into the prawns. Give it a gentle mix, then stir in the lightly whisked egg to bind everything together perfectly. This mixture is where the magic begins, with fresh, bright flavors ready to be encased in a crunchy shell.
Step 2: Coat the Prawns
Now, prepare your coating station. Spread out the plain flour on one plate and the panko breadcrumbs on another. Shape the prawn mixture into evenly sized patties. Dredge each patty first in the flour — this helps the egg stick — and then coat generously in panko breadcrumbs to get that signature crispiness. The layers of coating are what deliver the satisfying crunch that makes this dish so fun to eat.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat the olive oil (or your preferred neutral oil) in a frying pan over medium heat. When shimmering, carefully place the prawn patties in the pan, making sure not to crowd them to maintain maximum crispness. Fry the patties for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of frying prawns and garlic is absolutely mouth-watering at this point, so try not to dive in just yet — the assembly is next!
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While your patties cool slightly, lightly toast the brioche buns to add color, warmth, and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling. Spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on the bottom bun, place the crispy prawn patty on top, then pile on shredded lettuce and sliced gherkins for extra texture and flavor. Cap it off with the top bun, and your delicious masterpiece is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these prawn burgers from great to memorable. Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped chives add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the bang bang sauce’s spice. A wedge of lime on the side is a brilliant idea too — a quick squeeze before the first bite wakes up all the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries or a zesty Asian slaw. The refreshing crunch of a cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the prawns and sauce beautifully. A light cucumber salad with a hint of chilli can also add a cooling contrast that keeps the meal feeling fresh and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, serve the prawn burgers open-faced with a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce and some pickled red onions on top. For a fun party platter, slice the burgers into smaller sliders, making them finger-friendly and perfect for sharing. Using lettuce leaves as buns is another low-carb, crunchy twist that adds a vibrant green pop to your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover prawn burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, store the patties separately from the buns and sauce. This way, you maintain the best texture before reheating and assembling your next delicious meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked prawn patties by placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the crispiest texture, reheat the cooked prawn burgers in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method refreshes the coating’s crunch without drying out the juicy prawn inside. Toast the buns fresh before assembling again, and you’re good as new.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in the Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp works just as well as prawns in this recipe and will deliver the same delightful flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can work, though panko is preferred for its extra crunch and lightness.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
The bang bang sauce has a gentle kick of spice balanced with sweetness and creaminess, making it flavorful without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the spice to your taste by varying the amount of chili sauce used.
Can these prawn burgers be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising taste.
How do I make bang bang sauce from scratch?
Bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or hot sauce for heat. Mixing these ingredients in your preferred proportions creates a homemade version that tastes just as fantastic as store-bought.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe that makes it worth every minute spent in the kitchen. From the crispy, golden patties to the creamy, zesty sauce, it’s a dish that brings joy with every bite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you, and it might just become your new favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.
Print
Crispy Prawn Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood, American
Description
These Crispy Prawn Burgers feature fresh or frozen raw peeled prawns combined with aromatic garlic and green onion, coated in panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fried to a golden crisp. Served on toasted brioche buns with shredded iceberg lettuce, gherkins, and a spicy Bang Bang Sauce, they make a deliciously crunchy and flavorful seafood sandwich perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Prawn Burger Patties
- 400g / 14oz fresh OR 500g / 1lb frozen raw peeled prawns (shrimp)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly whisked with a fork
- 1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
For Frying and Serving
- 1/2 cup olive oil, or any neutral flavored oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)
- 4 brioche buns (10-12cm / 4-5″ wide) or other soft white buns, lightly toasted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or cos lettuce (romaine)
- Gherkins, finely sliced
- Bang Bang Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the prawn mixture: If using frozen prawns, thaw completely and pat dry. Chop the prawns finely or pulse in a food processor until they have a coarse, ground texture. In a bowl, combine the chopped prawns with minced garlic, finely sliced green onion, cooking salt, black pepper, and the lightly whisked egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and coat the patties: Shape the prawn mixture into four equal-sized patties, about 10 cm (4 inches) wide. Dredge each patty evenly in plain flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat generously with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Pan-fry the patties: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the prawn patties and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the patties are cooked through and have a crunchy crust.
- Assemble the burgers: Lightly toast the brioche buns. Layer the bottom of each bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, carefully place the crispy prawn patties on top, add finely sliced gherkins, and drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce. Top with the bun lids and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh prawns is preferable for best flavor, but frozen prawns can be used after thawing thoroughly.
- Ensure the prawns are chopped finely or ground to create a cohesive patty that holds together well during frying.
- If you prefer, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, though panko gives a superior crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of Bang Bang Sauce according to your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
