Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp cakes are a delightful seafood dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with a crispy exterior and tender interior. These flavorful cakes are perfect as an appetizer or main dish and can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces.

With their appealing texture and rich taste, shrimp cakes are a great way to highlight fresh seafood while providing a satisfying and gourmet experience at the dining table.

This recipe will guide you through the process of making shrimp cakes from scratch, ensuring a delicious result that’s sure to impress.

Introduction

Originating from coastal cuisines, shrimp cakes are often inspired by the classic crab cake but with a twist. They incorporate fresh shrimp, herbs, and seasonings, mixed with breadcrumbs to create a cohesive yet textured patty.

The versatility of shrimp cakes means they can be served in various ways, whether on their own, as part of a salad, or in a sandwich. They are also a fantastic way to use up leftover shrimp or seafood, making them a practical choice for any seafood lover.

This recipe will help you create crispy, golden shrimp cakes that burst with flavor and make for a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cakes:

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (more or less to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Shrimp Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Finely chop the shrimp using a knife or pulse in a food processor until roughly chopped but not pureed. You want a mixture that retains some texture.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, green onions, red bell pepper, Dijon mustard, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Form the Cakes

Gently fold in the beaten egg to the shrimp mixture until well combined. This will help bind the ingredients together.

Using your hands, form the mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You should be able to make about 8-10 cakes depending on size. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Cakes

In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Carefully add the shrimp cakes to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the shrimp cakes warm, with the dipping sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Chef’s Note

For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cayenne pepper or fresh herbs like cilantro or dill into the shrimp cake mixture.

If you want a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp cakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

To ensure that your cakes hold together well, make sure to chill them in the refrigerator before frying. This step helps them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking.

If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before chopping.

Nutritional Information (per shrimp cake, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 200mg

Shrimp cakes are a versatile and delectable option for any seafood lover. Their combination of flavors and textures, along with the easy preparation, makes them a fantastic dish for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior and the tender, flavorful shrimp inside, paired with a zesty dipping sauce that perfectly complements the dish. This shrimp cake recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, delighting family and friends with every bite!

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