Delectable Surf and Turf Burgers

Name: Delectable Surf and Turf Burgers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp paprika; 4 burger buns; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Pickles; Your favorite sauce (like tartar or aioli)

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Surf and Turf Burgers because they combine the best of both worlds—juicy beef patties coupled with succulent seafood. The flavors meld perfectly, and each bite is a delightful explosion of taste. I've experimented with various seasonings and toppings, but I've found that a simple approach really lets the ingredients shine. Creating burgers that impress both the palate and the eye is easier than I ever expected, and I'm excited to share this winning recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:06:27.963Z

When I first made Surf and Turf Burgers, I was surprised by how quickly they came together. The combination of ground beef and shrimp is what truly sets this burger apart. I knew I had to keep it simple to capture the essence of each ingredient. Each component plays a crucial role, especially the seasoning, which brings everything together beautifully.

One particular tip I discovered was to lightly grill the shrimp before mixing them into the beef, as this enhances their flavor and texture. The smokiness from the grill melds perfectly with the rich beef, creating a truly delightful burger that will have everyone asking for seconds.

        Why You'll Love These Burgers
        Perfect balance of earthy beef and sweet shrimp flavors
Juicy texture that makes each bite incredibly satisfying
Impressive for gatherings while easy enough for a family dinner

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of ground beef is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in these burgers. Opt for a blend with around 80% lean meat to ensure juiciness, which contributes to a rich mouthfeel when cooked. If you're aiming for a lighter alternative, ground turkey can work, but remember to adjust the seasoning, as it has a milder flavor profile.

Shrimp adds an unexpected sweetness and a lovely texture, enhancing the overall taste of your surf and turf burgers. Use fresh shrimp if available, but frozen works well too; just ensure it's thawed properly. Additionally, consider flavoring the shrimp before mixing by marinating them in a bit of lemon juice, which can brighten the overall flavor.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Grilling is a fantastic way to cook these burgers, imparting a smoky flavor that complements both the beef and shrimp. Ensure your grill is adequately preheated to medium heat, which helps to achieve a nice sear on the patties. Not only does this enhance flavor through caramelization, but it also helps to keep the juices locked inside the patties.

To ensure your burgers cook evenly, avoid pressing down on them while on the grill. This common mistake can squeeze out the flavorful juices, leading to dry burgers. Instead, let them cook undisturbed, flipping only once to achieve that perfect crust.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving these burgers with fresh toppings elevates the meal. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomato provide texture, while pickles contribute a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the beef and shrimp. You can also experiment with different sauces: try a homemade lemon aioli for a zesty twist or a spicy remoulade for a kick.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider scaling this recipe up effortless by increasing the quantities proportionally. Additionally, you can turn these patties into sliders for a fun appetizer option. Just reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes per side for smaller patties, allowing for easy snacking while mingling.

Ingredients

For the Burgers

1 lb ground beef
8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

For Assembly

4 burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Pickles
Your favorite sauce (like tartar or aioli)

Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste!

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Skewer the shrimp and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through. Remove and chop them finely.

Make the Burger Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.

Form the Patties

Shape the mixture into 4 equally sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent bulging during cooking.

Cook the Burgers

On the same grill, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

Assemble and Serve

Toast the burger buns lightly, then stack the patties with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your preferred sauce. Serve immediately!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Surf and Turf Burgers!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different toppings like avocado or jalapeños for added flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These burgers can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. You can mix the beef and shrimp mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to form the patties on the cooking day for the best texture and moisture retention.

For leftovers, cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, ensuring you don’t lose that delicious juiciness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your patties are falling apart during cooking, it could be due to not enough binding agents—breadcrumbs and egg are key here. If your mixture feels too wet, adding another tablespoon of breadcrumbs can help absorb excess moisture and aid in holding the patties together.

In case you accidentally overcook your burgers, resulting in dryness, a splash of sauce or a dollop of aioli can help restore some moisture and flavor. Alternatively, consider making a juicy burger sauce to drizzle over—mixing mayonnaise and ketchup with some spice to revive the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed before grilling and chopping.

→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers or oats if you prefer.

→ How do I know when the burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

→ Can I prepare the burger mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.