Meet your new favorite sandwich: the Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich. It’s bold, buttery, and full of unexpected flavor. Think juicy shrimp seasoned with smoky paprika, layered over caramelized onions, crisp cabbage, and slathered in rich tikka masala sauce—all tucked into a warm, toasted brioche bun. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes lunchtime feel like a culinary escape.

A Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich with coleslaw on a sesame bun sits on a blue plate. A bowl of coleslaw and a cup of sauce are nearby.

Before You Get Started

Use fresh, deveined shrimp and pat them dry to help them sear better in the pan. Look for a high-quality jarred tikka masala sauce, or use homemade if you have some on hand. Don’t skip caramelizing the onions—it adds a sweet, savory depth that ties everything together. And be sure to broil the brioche buns right before assembling to keep them warm and crisp.

What You Need To Make Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich

Top-down view of ingredients on a tiled surface for a Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich: shrimp, sliced onions, coleslaw mix, sesame burger buns, mustard, seasoning powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a bowl of dressing.

You’ll find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card, but here’s what you’ll need:

Raw shrimp
Tikka masala sauce
Cabbage slaw mix
Brioche buns
Yellow onion
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Unsalted butter
Olive oil

How To Make Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich

Wash and pat dry the shrimp.

Raw shrimp, seasoned with aromatic spices reminiscent of Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich, sizzle in a black skillet on a white tiled surface. Some shrimp are just beginning to turn pink as they cook.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.

Sliced onions cooking in a black skillet, beginning to soften and turn golden brown, on a light-colored tiled surface—a delicious base for preparing a flavorful Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon butter and olive oil. Add sliced onion and caramelize until golden and soft.

Three halves of toasted burger buns and one untoasted sesame seed top bun sit on a worn baking sheet, ready to be filled with flavorful shrimp tikka masala for a unique Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich.

While the onions cook, butter the brioche buns and toast under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until golden.

An open-faced Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich with melted cheese on a blue plate, served alongside a bowl of coleslaw and a cup of sauce on the table.

To assemble, spread tikka masala sauce on each bun. Add caramelized onions, a handful of cabbage mix, and cooked shrimp.

An open-faced Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich topped with grilled shrimp, slaw, and sauce sits on a blue plate. A bowl of slaw, a bun, and a mug are nearby on a white surface.

Close it up and enjoy while warm.

A Shrimp Tikka Masala Sandwich with slaw and crispy fried onions on a sesame bun sits on a blue plate. There is a bowl of fresh slaw and a mug nearby on a light background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and just warm them through with the seasoning.

What’s a good slaw mix?

Any shredded cabbage blend works—try one with carrots or red cabbage for added crunch and color.

Can I use naan instead of brioche buns?

Absolutely. Naan gives it a more traditional twist and holds the flavors beautifully.