Shrimp burgers have become a popular menu item at many restaurants, especially coastal seafood eateries. A shrimp burger is made of ground shrimp formed into a patty and typically served on a bun with various toppings and condiments. But where exactly did this savory seafood sandwich originate from? Let’s take a closer look at the history and evolution of the shrimp burger.
Early Origins
The exact origins of the shrimp burger are unknown, but it likely emerged sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this time period, sandwiches were becoming increasingly popular in the United States and chefs began experimenting with different fillings between bread slices. Given the abundance of shrimp along the coasts, it was natural for cooks to try grinding up the seafood into patties to make unique sandwiches.
Some of the earliest references to shrimp burgers come from regions known for shrimping like New Orleans, the Carolinas, and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Local restaurants and home cooks molded the chopped shrimp into burger shapes and served them on buns with condiments like tartar sauce and hot sauce. These early shrimp burgers were more patty shaped than round discs like hamburger patties.
Growth in Popularity
While shrimp burgers likely originated along the U.S. coasts, they gradually spread to more inland areas and grew in popularity in the mid-late 20th century. Regional seafood cookbooks began including recipes for shrimp burgers. The burgers also started appearing on more menus, especially at restaurants focused on surf cuisine.
Several factors contributed to the growing fame of the shrimp burger:
- Improved access to fresh and frozen shrimp nationwide due to advances in storage, shipping, and distribution.
- An increasing appreciation for regional American cuisine.
- Chefs across the country putting their unique spins on shrimp burgers.
- More casual dining experiences that welcomed creativity and fusion.
The shrimp burger was also boosted by an overall greater interest in seafood and more health-conscious eating. As a lean protein option without red meat, it appealed to various diners.
Regional Variations Emerge
As shrimp burgers spread across the U.S., subtle regional differences emerged in recipes and preparations:
New England
New England shrimp burgers tend to use native pink shrimp or Canadian shrimp. They have a delicate, sweet flavor complemented by additions like lemon, parsley, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise. The shrimp patties are usually softer and less compact.
Mid-Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic states like Maryland and Virginia favor iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab in their shrimp burgers. The crab meat provides texture and a distinctive sweetness. Old Bay seasoning is also common.
Gulf Coast
Gulf shrimp are the star of burgers across the Southern coastline. Creole and Cajun seasonings like cayenne, paprika, thyme, and garlic punch up the flavor. Rolled oats or ground saltine crackers might be used as binders.
Florida
Florida is influenced by both Southern charm from the Gulf and subtropical flavors of the Caribbean. Their shrimp burgers can involve additions like mango, lime, chili peppers, and even shredded coconut. The patties are sometimes deep fried.
West Coast
Pacific shrimp and Dungeness crab are popular in West Coast shrimp burgers. Avocado, chili sauce, pepper jack cheese, salsa, or pico de gallo toppings reflect the region’s Mexican influences. Veggie-packed slaws top many of the burgers.
Hawaii
Hawaii puts its signature tropical twist on shrimp burgers with ingredients like pineapple, teriyaki sauce, water chestnuts, macadamia nuts, and rice vinegar. The Island flare makes these burgers unique.
Modern Variations
While traditional shrimp burgers are still beloved, chefs have gotten very creative with techniques and flavors in recent decades. Some current twists include:
- Using fillers beyond breadcrumbs like quinoa, couscous, or shredded vegetables.
- Mixing in crab, scallops, lobster, or other seafood for a surf and turf effect.
- Blanketing the shrimp patty in panko breadcrumbs before frying for extra crunch.
- Topping shrimp burgers with unconventional ingredients like pineapple relish, kimchi, and curry aioli.
- Serving shrimp burgers on pretzel buns, Hawaiian rolls, or waffles instead of plain buns.
Foodies today can find trendy shrimp burgers on food trucks, at new wave cafes, as appetizers, and in sliders. Thebasic concept remains similar of shrimp patties on a bun, but the toppings and sides have expanded widely.
Growth of Frozen Shrimp Burgers
Beyond restaurants, pre-made and pre-cooked shrimp burgers are now available in the freezer sections of most major grocery stores. Brands like SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co., Aqua Star, and Rawesome Foods offer convenient frozen shrimp burgers.
Freezing technology has allowed the accessibility of shrimp burgers to grow significantly. Now home cooks can simply heat up a frozen patty when they want a quick and easy shrimp burger meal.
Some statistics on the market growth of frozen shrimp burgers:
| Year | Estimated Sales (millions) |
|---|---|
| 2012 | $38 |
| 2016 | $65 |
| 2020 | $107 |
The rise of air fryers, meal prep kits featuring shrimp burgers, and consumer interest in easy seafood dishes has fueled this expanding market. Shrimp burgers appeal to time-strapped home cooks as an easy weeknight choice.
The Future of Shrimp Burgers
The beloved shrimp burger has come a long way from its early humble coastal origins. It has transformed over the decades into a ubiquitous menu item prepared in endless ways.
So what does the future hold for the shrimp burger? Some possible trends and innovations include:
- Vegetable-based shrimp substitutes gaining popularity for plant-based diets.
- More creative international flavor fusions drawing from Latin, Asian, and African cuisines.
- High-end and gourmet preparations at acclaimed restaurants.
- Increasing popularity of shrimp burgers on brunch menus.
Regardless of how shrimp burgers evolve, they will likely remain a cherished staple of coastal cuisine and a tasty option for seafood lovers everywhere. Their versatility and wide appeal ensures their prominence on American menus for years to come.
Conclusion
The origins of the iconic shrimp burger may never be definitively known, but this history shows the fascinating path it has taken over the past century. It morphed from a humble seaside snack to a beloved nation-wide menu item prepared in limitless ways. Shrimp burgers reflect American regional cuisine and innovations in seafood. Their journey reveals how dishes can transform based on culinary influences and food trends. This savory sandwich’s flexibility ensures it stays relevant in the ever-changing world of food.