Easy Shrimp Cakes Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp cakes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh seafood with minimal effort. These golden, crispy patties are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 red pepper (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons green onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gently pulse the shrimp in a food processor until coarsely chopped but not pureed, or finely chop them by hand.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, red pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, whisked eggs, lemon zest, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix everything well.
3. Step 3: Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 portions, depending on your preferred size, and shape each portion into a patty.
4. Step 4: Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Cook in batches if needed. If they brown too fast, lower the heat to cook evenly.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with lemon wedges, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lime zest instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
• For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs before adding them.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild spicy kick.
• Serve with a homemade tartar sauce or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as it is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Can I bake the shrimp cakes instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the patties on a greased baking sheet for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Easy Shrimp Cakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

These Easy Shrimp Cakes are a quick and delicious seafood appetizer or main dish, featuring coarsely chopped shrimp combined with flavorful ingredients and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, these shrimp cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served best with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 shrimp cakes 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 red pepper (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons green onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp: Gently pulse the raw shrimp in a food processor until coarsely chopped but not pureed, or alternatively finely chop by hand for texture.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the coarsely chopped shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped red pepper and green onion, mayonnaise, whisked eggs, lemon zest, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Use a fork to thoroughly mix all ingredients until evenly combined.
3. Form Patties: Divide the shrimp mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions, depending on desired patty size, and shape each portion into a firm patty using your hands.
4. Pan-Fry Shrimp Cakes: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the shrimp patties in the pan, cooking each side for approximately 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the patties start browning too quickly on the outside, reduce the heat to ensure even cooking inside. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Serve: Remove shrimp cakes from the pan and drain on paper towels if needed. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce such as sour cream or aioli for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Using panko breadcrumbs adds a light, crispy texture to the shrimp cakes.
• Make sure not to over-process the shrimp; a coarse chop preserves nice texture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste—additional herbs or spices can be added as desired.
• These shrimp cakes can be reheated in a skillet or oven and taste great cold as well.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.

Keywords: shrimp cakes, seafood patties, easy shrimp recipe, pan-fried shrimp, appetizer seafood