Whip up these flavorful Shrimp Cakes for a quick and easy seafood dish everyone will love! Packed with juicy shrimp and simple seasonings, they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for serving as a main dish. Dinner just got a whole lot tastier with this easy shrimp cakes recipe.
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These shrimp cakes are a great high protein snack and pair nicely with baked spinach ricotta or a bowl of balsamic grilled vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
- Family-Friendly Favorite: A seafood dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress everyone at the table!
- Quick and Versatile: These shrimp patties come together fast and can be served as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Packed with Flavor: Juicy shrimp and perfectly seasoned patties deliver a crispy, tender bite every time.
🥘 Ingredients
- Shrimp: Wild caught shrimp provides protein and a rich seafood flavor, forming the hearty base of the patties.
- Red Pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal.
- Red Onion: Lends a sharp, pungent flavor, adding depth and balance to the patties.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Offer a light, crispy texture, ensuring the patties hold together beautifully.
- Green Onions: Infuse freshness and a mild onion flavor, lifting the overall taste of the patties.
- Parsley: Adds herbal notes and a pop of green, complementing the seafood flavors.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together seamlessly.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and moisture, enriching the texture of the patties.
- Hot Jalapeno Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat, adding a spicy kick to the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking, it adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Hot Sauce: Adds a fiery element, intensifying the spice level of the patties.
- Lemon Juice: Offers brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic depth, complementing the savory flavors of the patties.
- Black Pepper: Provides a pinch of subtle heat, rounding out the flavors with a mild spice.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Shrimp + Crab = Pure Seafood Bliss—mix ‘em together and suddenly, your weeknight meal feels like a fancy seafood feast.
- Cheese makes everything better—toss in some shredded goodness and watch those shrimp cakes go from tasty to OMG, I need another one.
- Asian-inspired magic—ginger, lemon zest, soy sauce, and sesame oil give these cakes a bold, zesty kick that’ll have you coming back for more!
🔪 How To Make Shrimp Cakes
Step One: Grind the raw shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped.
Step Two: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the red pepper until softened.
Step Three: In a bowl, combine the shrimp mixture, fried red pepper, red onion, green onions, parsley, egg, mayonnaise, hot jalapeño pepper, garlic, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Step Four: Shape the mixture into patties, place them on parchment paper, and sprinkle each with panko bread crumbs.
Step Five: Bake the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step Six: Serve the shrimp patties warm with your choice of vegetables, lime or lemon wedges.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the patties a better flavor and texture than frozen or pre-cooked shrimp.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent the patties from becoming too dense.
- Shape Uniformly: Form equal-sized patties to ensure even cooking in the oven.
💭 FAQs
Eggs are the most common binder for shrimp cakes, helping hold everything together. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko for added structure.
Absolutely! Shrimp cakes can be pan-fried for a crispy, golden crust. Just heat a little oil in a skillet and cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. It’s a quick and delicious alternative to baking.
The best dipping sauces for shrimp patties offer a variety of flavors to suit any taste. A simple yet delicious option is Sour Cream and Dill Sauce, which adds a creamy and tangy touch. For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness and spice, Sweet Chili Sauce is always a favorite.
If you’re craving something rich and garlicky, Garlic Aioli is a perfect choice, while Spicy Sriracha Mayo delivers a zesty kick. Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic Tartar Sauce, a timeless pairing for seafood. These versatile dips elevate shrimp patties to the next level!
Store cooked shrimp patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp cakes with the following side dishes:
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, carrots, or zucchini for a wholesome side.
- Red Cabbage Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw balances the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp patties.
- Easy Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the seafood taste while adding substance to the meal.
- Korean Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing with a hint of dill or lemon.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet fries pair well with the spiciness of the patties.
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed corn provides a sweet and buttery side dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a satisfying, hearty addition.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Shrimp Patties
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Shrimp
- 1 ½ Cups Red Pepper Chopped
- 1 Cup Red Onion Finely Chopped
- 2 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 tbsp. Green Onions
- 3 tbsp. Parsley
- 1 Egg
- 4 tbsp. Mayonnaise
- ½ tsp. Hot Jalapeno Pepper
- Pinch Salt
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tsp. Hot Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 1 Garlic Head Chopped
- Pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
- Grind the shrimp in a blender until finely chopped.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the red pepper until softened.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, fried red pepper, red onion, green onions, parsley, egg, mayonnaise, hot jalapeño pepper, garlic, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into patties, place them on parchment paper, and sprinkle each with panko bread crumbs.
- Bake the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve shrimp patties warm with your choice of vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
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