📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's prep those shrimp. Peel and devein about 1 pound of shrimp. I usually buy pre-peeled, but hey, whatever works for you! Then, roughly chop them. Don't get too fancy; we want some texture here.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine those chopped shrimp with 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion (I love the bite!), a clove of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. It's up to you whether you use panko or regular – both are yummy.
3. Now for the flavor explosion! Add a generous teaspoon of your favorite chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper (for extra heat – I’m a bit of a spice fiend!), a half-teaspoon of cumin, a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Really season it well; it's the soul of the burger.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together a large egg with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and a tablespoon of lime juice. This will add moisture and help to bind everything together – plus, it makes it super flavorful.
5. Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. We don’t want to overmix and make the shrimp mushy. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to form the patty at this stage.
6. Shape the mixture into four patties. Make 'em about half an inch thick; you want a good sear on those babies. I find the best way to do this is using a small ice-cream scoop to form perfectly sized shrimp patties.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up – don’t burn the oil!
8. Carefully place the shrimp patties in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you want to be sure, use a thermometer to test.
9. While the shrimp are cooking, lightly toast your burger buns. You don't want to burn them, just get a light golden color.
10. Once the shrimp patties are cooked, assemble your Spicy Shrimp Burgers! Place a patty on each bun, top with your favorite fixings (I like lettuce, tomato, and onion), and dig in. Mmm, mouthwatering goodness.
11. If you're feeling adventurous, add some avocado slices or a sriracha mayo for an extra kick. Some people like to add cheese, too. It's your burger – personalize it and enjoy!