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Quick Crispy Shrimp Cakes

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A quick and easy shrimp cakes recipe that delivers a crispy golden crust with a tender, flavorful shrimp interior. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Roughly chop 1 pound (450 g) of raw shrimp into small pieces, aiming for a texture similar to coarse ground meat.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro. Season with about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
  3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties, each about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and roughly ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. If the mixture feels too sticky, add a tablespoon more panko.
  4. Warm 3 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
  5. Carefully place the patties in the pan, leaving space between each. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them until edges turn golden and crispy. Flip gently and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and cakes feel firm but not dry.
  6. Transfer cooked cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let rest for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, lightly coat patties with additional panko before frying. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Let patties rest before cooking to hold shape. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cakes, quick shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp cakes, easy dinner, family meal, seafood patties