Simple & Zesty Shrimp Cakes Recipe Everyone Will Love

Ocean breezes and zesty shrimp cakes whisper culinary magic from coastal kitchens.

Crisp seafood patties celebrate fresh ingredients with bold Caribbean flair.

Delicate herbs and succulent shellfish merge into compact, golden treasures.

Skilled cooks understand these delectable morsels demand careful preparation and precise seasoning.

Texture matters when crafting these delightful appetizers that sparkle with maritime charm.

Perfectly balanced flavors invite you to savor each delicate bite.

Why Shrimp Cakes Belong On Your Weeknight Menu

• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Whip up these shrimp cakes in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Packed with green onions, smoked paprika, and optional sriracha, these shrimp cakes deliver a punch of flavor that will excite taste buds and break through boring meal routines.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Using basic skillet cooking and minimal ingredients, even novice home cooks can confidently create restaurant-quality seafood patties with crispy golden exteriors and tender interiors.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, serving with different sauces, or pairing with salads and sides to suit various dietary preferences and family member tastes.

Shrimp Cake Flavor and Texture Blend

• Shrimp: Fresh and sweet protein, preferably peeled and deveined for easy preparation.

• Eggs: Helps hold the shrimp cakes together, provides richness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy texture, helps bind ingredients.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to the shrimp cakes.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth to the mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying, creates golden crispy exterior.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for spicy mayo.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy kick to the mayo sauce.

• Extra Green Onions: Fresh topping for serving.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus to squeeze over shrimp cakes.

Steps To Fry Shrimp Cakes Properly

Step 1: Whisk Egg Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs and add a splash of sriracha for an extra kick.

The mixture should be smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Chopped green onions
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon zest
• Smoked paprika

Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Incorporate Shrimp

Finely chop fresh shrimp and gently fold into the mixture.

Use your hands to knead the ingredients, ensuring the shrimp is perfectly integrated.

Shape the mixture into four hearty patties with care.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place shrimp cakes into the pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms.

Maintain steady medium heat to prevent burning.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise and sriracha.

Stir until the sauce becomes a smooth, vibrant orange-red color.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer crispy shrimp cakes to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve alongside the spicy mayo and bright lemon wedges for squeezing.

Shrimp Cake Tips That Keep It Crispy

• Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform, small pieces for even texture and consistent cooking throughout the cakes.
• Maintain medium heat when pan-frying to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate shrimp mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and to help hold the shrimp cakes together during cooking.
• Adjust sriracha amount in both the cake mixture and mayo to match your personal heat preference and tolerance.
• Shape shrimp cakes in advance and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold together better during cooking.

Shrimp Cakes Reheat Light and Crispy

• Store leftover shrimp cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Warm cakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to maintain crispiness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F and bake refrigerated shrimp cakes for 10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even heating.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes shrimp cakes soggy and ruins their crispy texture.

What Pairs Well With Shrimp Cakes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the shrimp cakes, highlighting their delicate seafood flavor with bright, citrusy notes.
• Create Refreshing Citrus Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of honey to complement the smoky paprika and provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the crispy shrimp cakes.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Dipping Sauce: Develop a zesty sauce blending soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil to enhance the shrimp cakes' subtle heat and provide an extra layer of umami flavor.
• Serve Alongside Cucumber Salad: Craft a light, refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, fresh dill, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to balance the richness of the shrimp cakes and add a cool, crisp element to the meal.

Crispy and Savory Shrimp Cake Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the shrimp cakes.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb mayo for the spicy sauce, maintaining the rich shrimp flavor while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute shrimp with finely chopped hearts of palm or artichoke hearts, keeping the same seasoning profile and cooking method for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt content by using herbs like dill or parsley for flavor, and opt for low-sodium mayonnaise to create a heart-healthy rendition of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry with paper towels, and chop them finely before mixing into the cake mixture.

• How finely should I chop the shrimp?

Chop the shrimp into small, roughly ¼-inch pieces. This helps the shrimp cakes hold together better and ensures even distribution of shrimp throughout the patty.

• What can I do if my shrimp cakes are falling apart?

Make sure to knead the mixture well with your hands and form compact patties. If they still seem loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together.

• Can I make these shrimp cakes ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp cake mixture and form the patties in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can actually help the flavors meld and the patties set more firmly.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Cape Cod-style shrimp cakes blend coastal New England charm with zesty seaside flavors. Crisp golden exteriors and delicate interiors invite seafood enthusiasts to enjoy a perfect blend of fresh herbs, succulent shrimp, and delightful coastal memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, cleaned and finely chopped

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking and Seasoning:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha
• Lemon wedges (for garnishing)

Spicy Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs and optional sriracha in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth, uniform base for the shrimp cakes.
2. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs, finely sliced green onions, seasoning, lemon zest, and smoked paprika into the egg mixture, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Delicately fold finely chopped shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, using hands to ensure even distribution and gentle integration of seafood throughout the blend.
4. Carefully shape the mixture into four generously sized patties, ensuring compact and uniform construction that will hold together during cooking.
5. Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over moderate heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the delicate seafood cakes.
6. Gently place prepared patties into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden, crisp exterior through careful cooking of approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. While cakes are cooking, rapidly whisk mayonnaise and sriracha in a separate small bowl, creating a zesty complementary sauce.
8. Once shrimp cakes achieve a perfect golden-brown finish and are thoroughly heated, transfer to serving plates.
9. Garnish with additional chopped green onions, accompanying the cakes with spicy mayo and fresh lemon wedges to enhance the dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp is finely chopped to create a uniform texture and help the cakes hold together perfectly.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most flavorful and tender shrimp cakes.
• Keep the heat at medium and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in both the cake mixture and mayo sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg