If you’re a fan of shrimp recipes, these shrimp cakes are a must-try! They’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. These delicious shrimp fritters vanish quickly! And don’t forget the chili-lime sauce – it’s a must-have!
Easy Shrimp Cakes Recipe
Crab cakes are a timeless favorite, but have you tried shrimp cakes? They’re easy to make and a delicious way to enjoy fresh shrimp. Once you taste them, you’ll love them!
These shrimp cakes have a crispy exterior, and inside, the shrimp is succulent, and juicy. We hate overcooked rubbery seafood, but these were just right, taking about 4-5 minutes per side.
Ingredient notes
- Raw Shrimp Meat: Use fresh, raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for this recipe.
- Garlic: Finely mince the garlic for enhanced flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Dice the red bell pepper finely for added color and taste.
- Cilantro and chives: Freshly chopped cilantro leaves, stems, and sliced chives add a burst of freshness.
- Dijon mustard: Use Dijon mustard to give a tangy kick to the cakes.
- Eggs: Large eggs are used as a binding agent to hold the cakes together.
- Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce: This sauce adds a subtle spicy flavor to the cakes.
- Lemon zest: Grated lemon zest provides a bright citrus note to the mixture.
How to Make This Shrimp Cake Recipe
Place the shrimp in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the shrimp is coarsely chopped, about 15-20 seconds.
Add the chopped shrimp to a bowl with breadcrumbs, garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, chives, mustard, eggs, green Tabasco, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 6 patties. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Serve immediately, and if you like, top with extra chives and chili-lime mayo. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes
Arrange the shrimp cakes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly coat them with cooking oil spray. Air fry at 350°F for 13-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
Baked Shrimp Cakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the shrimp cakes on a quarter sheet baking pan and bake for 15-16 minutes until they turn golden brown, making sure to flip the patties halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
How to Serve
For a delicious dipping sauce, you can try a zesty chili-lime mayo. Mix mayonnaise with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of chili flakes for a tangy and spicy kick. Alternatively, a creamy garlic lemon aioli or a sweet and savory soy-ginger dipping sauce can also complement the shrimp cakes beautifully.
Storage
- To store, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensuring the shrimp patties are cooled before storing will prevent them from becoming soggy.
- To freeze, first, let them cool completely. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
For the best taste, reheat the shrimp cakes in an air fryer, oven, or stovetop. Avoid microwaving. Heat them at 375°F in the oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are hot and ready to enjoy again!
How to Make Ahead of Time
To make shrimp cakes ahead of time, follow these steps:
- Prepare the shrimp mixture as per the recipe instructions.
- Shape the mixture into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- When ready to cook, follow the cooking instructions from the recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the shrimp mixture for a delicious Asian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
- Coconut Shrimp Patties: Dip the shrimp cakes in coconut milk and coat them with shredded coconut before cooking.
- Thai Curry: Add red curry paste, cilantro, and fresh lemon juice for a zesty Thai-inspired taste.
- Avocado Lime Sauce: Serve with a creamy avocado lime sauce for a refreshing and tangy accompaniment.
- Chipotle Mayo: Pair with a smoky and creamy chipotle mayo for a delightful dip.
- Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli: The tangy and creamy aioli adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp cakes. Simply whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the delightful Lemon Aioli.
What Kind of Wine Pairs Well with Shrimp Cakes?
When pairing wine with shrimp fritters, you’ll want to choose a wine that complements the delicate and flavorful seafood. A few wine options that pair well with shrimp cakes include:
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp and refreshing flavors of Sauvignon Blanc complement the lightness of shrimp cakes and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Chardonnay: A buttery and oaked Chardonnay can be a good match, especially if the shrimp cakes have rich or creamy accompaniments.
- Pinot Grigio: This light and crisp white wine with its citrusy notes can balance the flavors of the shrimp cakes.
- Chenin Blanc: The fruity and floral flavors of Chenin Blanc can harmonize with the shrimp cakes’ taste and texture.
- Rosé: A dry rosé wine can provide a lovely contrast to the flavors of the shrimp cakes and add a touch of elegance to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them before chopping.
Yes, you can! However, we recommend using raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Yes, you can try using crab or salmon instead of shrimp.
To make them gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
- Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe-Sweet, crispy, and utterly delicious.
- Shrimp And Corn Soup-Warm up with a comforting bowl of Shrimp and Corn Soup! A delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Shrimp Boil-Perfect for a seafood feast with family and friends.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta– An easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.
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Shrimp Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves and stems, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons sliced chives, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Chili-Lime Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Add the shrimp to the food processor bowl. Pulse until coarsely chopped, avoiding grinding into a paste.
- Transfer the shrimp to a big bowl and mix in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic, red bell pepper, cilantro, chives, Dijon mustard, eggs, Tabasco sauce, lemon zest and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Shape the shrimp mixture into 6 patties.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp patties in a single layer for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra chives and chili-lime mayo. Add lemon wedges for garnish if preferred.
- Enjoy!
Chili-Lime Mayo
- In a medium bowl mix together the mayonnaise, chili flakes and juice of 1 lime.
Video
Notes
Storage
- To store, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensuring the shrimp patties are cooled before storing will prevent them from becoming soggy. Enjoy them later as a tasty and convenient leftover treat!
- To freeze, first, let them cool completely. Then, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I am definitely going to try this recipe
That’s great to hear! I’m sure you’ll love it. Let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy! 😊
These look great. Could they be smaller into appetizers. Would you reheat in the oven or refry them.
Jean, absolutely, you can definitely make these shrimp cakes smaller to serve as appetizers! For reheating, using an air fryer is a fantastic option to keep them crispy. Just place them in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F until they’re warm throughout. Thanks for the great question!