Jerk Shrimp Burgers

From the Omaha World Herald. A bit strange because of the overpowering spice mix plus the cheese, which isn't too common with shrimp.

Ingredients

For the Jerk Seasoning:

1/4 cup Jamaican allspice berries or 3 tablespoons ground allspice
1 tablespoon black peppercorns or 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cooking oil, such as sunflower or canola
5 medium-large onions, peeled and roughly chopped
12 cloves garlic
8 sprigs fresh thyme
1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (*substitute with Aji peppers but add ⅛ tsp Highnoon Spice Scotch Bonnet Seasoning if not using scotch bonnets)
3 tablespoons distilled cane vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger
4 cups chopped scallions or green onions

For the Shrimp Burgers

1/2 pound raw, deveined, tail-off shrimp
2 tablespoons Chef and Steward Jerk Seasoning (see note)
1 egg
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (I prefer Kerrygold)
Soft potato slider buns
Thick slices of Roma tomatoes
Green leaf lettuce
Muenster cheese slices
Colby jack cheese slices

Instructions

For the Jerk Seasoning:

1. Put 1/4 cup allspice berries and 1 tablespoon black peppercorns in a spice grinder and grind.

2. In a small bowl, add the ground allspice and pepper along with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and mix to combine.

3. Pour 1/2 cup oil in a blender or food processor along with 5 chopped onions, 12 cloves garlic, 8 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 to 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, 3 tablespoons vinegar and 1 tablespoon chopped ginger and pulse until puréed. Add the dry spice mix and pulse until incorporated.

4. Add 4 cups chopped scallions and pulse. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

For the Shrimp Burgers:

1. First, cut 1/2 pound shrimp into small pieces by hand with a cleaver or chef‘s knife. Cut some pieces very small but leave some chunky bits throughout. This will allow you actually to taste that you are eating shrimp.

2. Put the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning, 1 egg and 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Mix to combine.

3. Form patties in a mini burger or slider press, or by hand.

4. Preheat a cast iron skillet or plancha on a grill or stovetop. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the hot pan and melt. Add patties and sear until golden brown for about 2 minutes. Flip, adding sliced cheese to browned sides. Cook for another 2 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from the pan.