These easy shrimp cakes are loaded with veggies and herbs and pan seared to golden brown perfection. A simple and easy meal option that the whole family is sure to love!
Shrimp Cakes
Crab cakes are a classic dish that never goes out of style, but have you ever experienced shrimp cakes? They’re so easy to make and a great way to showcase fresh shrimp. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Other shrimp recipes that are hard to resist are our crunchy coconut shrimp and easy garlic butter shrimp boil.
The first step to making shrimp cakes is to finely chop raw shrimp meat. I find that a food processor works best for this part. Be sure not to over process your shrimp – you want small chunks, but you don’t want to grind it into a paste.
The shrimp is mixed with panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped red bell pepper, lemon zest, eggs and chives to form a batter. The batter will be on the wet side, but don’t let this deter you – the shrimp cakes will have the perfect texture when they’re cooked!
The final step is to cook the shrimp cakes. I use olive oil and I sear the shrimp cakes on both sides until they’re browned, crispy and cooked through.
I like to garnish my shrimp cakes with more fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream. They’re great served over rice with a green veggie on the side as a hearty yet elegant meal.
What I love about this recipe is it’s so versatile – you can change out the flavor combinations, or make different sized shrimp cakes to fit your needs. I like to make bite sized shrimp cakes for a fun and unique party appetizer, and sometimes I make my shrimp cakes on the larger side and put them between a bun to eat like a burger.
If you’re a shrimp fan, you’ll definitely need to give these tender and flavorful patties a try. You’ll also love these recipes for honey garlic shrimp and shrimp chow mein!
You might also love these Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters and these Cheesy Mashed Sweet Potato Cakes!
Shrimp Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup red bell pepper finely diced
- 3 tablespoons chives sliced, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped - do not grind into a paste.
- Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and add the panko breadcrumbs, red bell pepper, chives, salt, pepper, eggs, and lemon zest. Stir gently to combine.
- Form the shrimp mixture into 6 patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the shrimp patties in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional chives and sour cream if desired. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Allie M. says
Yummo! Can you add crab to the mixture ?
Ketki says
This is a really great party appetizer, but it can be a bit bland. I mixed in some red chilli powder to add a kick. But I think it might be good to also add in some italian herbs maybe.
Sara Byron says
I’ve made your recipe so many times and love it! Quick question though. Can I premix every thing and cook in a few hours? Will it become funky?
Patty says
I make my patties ahead of time. Place on a cookie sheet in the refrigerator. One hour before frying I place the patties in the freezer.
Sarah says
I thawed some frozen shrimp that had been sitting around for a while, just because they’d been sitting around for a while and I thought I should eat them before they got freezer burned. But I didn’t have a plan. Then I thought, shrimp cakes! So I came online and found your recipe, and I’m really glad I did. They hit the spot and were so easy! Thanks!
Vanessa says
Something must have gone wrong because mine never binded and turned into shrimp crumbles 🙁 It tastes yummy none the less
Karen Manetta says
Eggs are not listed in ingrediants but are in instructions. How many?
Karina says
2 eggs 😉
Emma says
I have made this twice now. It’s one of my boyfriend’s favourite meals that I make. Served it with sweet chilli noodles and vegetables. So easy to make. Thanks for the awesome recipe 🙂
damien says
We made your shrimp scampi and it was very good. We had broccoli and 3 cheese tortellini as sides and they and your shrimp scampi were excellent. Thank you
Karina says
Oh thank you! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!
Marcella says
So many yummy recipes that I hope to try soon.
Karina says
Yes, I hope you do! Let me know which ones are your favorite!
Leanne says
Thank you for a great recipe. I added half teaspoon chill flakes, an extra teaspoon of lemon zest and about a half teaspoon of fresh dill. Perfect spring lunch with salad in Australia! My guests loved them and want the recipe.
Super easy to pre prepare as well. I added the breadcrumbs and egg and made into patties an hour before cooking. The rest marinated in fridge for about 3 hours prior and flavours were spot on.
Will be making again very soon!
Marie Czarnecki says
Shrimp Cakes : Oh, I love this recipe and going to make this weekend.
Karina says
YAY! It is so good! You will love them!