Asian Twist on Shrimp Burgers

Step 1

For the tartar sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, then refrigerate

Step 2

For the patties, heat 3 to 4 inches of oil to 350°F in a medium deep pot

Step 3

Make 4 or 5 little incisions across the belly of a shrimp

Step 4

Flip the shrimp over and, using your fingertips, squeeze the sides while pressing down

Step 5

You should feel the shrimp slightly “snapping

Step 6

” Straighten the shrimp as much as possible; you want a very straight shrimp

Step 7

Repeat with 8 other shrimp, then set aside

Step 8

Remove the tails of the remaining shrimp and set aside

Step 9

In a food processor, process the onions and chilies until evenly chopped

Step 10

Place the mixture in a piece of cheese cloth, squeeze out the moisture and transfer to a large bowl

Step 11

Place the shrimp without the tails in the food processor and process until they are chopped finely enough to hold together, but still a bit chunky

Step 12

Transfer to the onion mixture, then add the cornstarch, fish sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper

Step 13

Mix well and form 3 even patties

Step 14

Take 1 patty and split it in half

Step 15

Take 1 half, flatten it into a round, then lay 3 of the whole shrimp on top as straight as possible with the tails hanging off the side

Step 16

Set the other half of the patty on top to form 1 large patty with the 3 whole shrimp in the middle

Step 17

Set on a plate and repeat with the remaining patties and whole shrimp

Step 18

Refrigerate for at least 3 minutes before battering and frying

Step 19

Dredge each patty first in the flour, then in the egg wash, then in the panko

Step 20

Make sure you pack on plenty of panko

Step 21

Deep fry the patties in batches until golden brown and the whole shrimp are cooked through, about 8 minutes

Step 22

Drain on paper towels and season with salt while hot

Step 23

To assemble, toast the brioche buns, slather the kimchi tartar sauce on both sides, then layer on a shrimp patty, butter lettuce, radicchio and tomatoes

Step 24

Enjoy right away!