Description These golden shrimp cakes pair crunchy exteriors with tender, savory interiors and a bright lemony aioli, perfect for weeknight dinners or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for the cake mixture)
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the lemon aioli:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper to taste
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Instructions
Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels and finely chop until the texture is coarse mince.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg and stir in the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir in parsley and diced red bell pepper.
Fold in the chopped shrimp and breadcrumbs. Mix until cohesive but not overly wet.
Form the mixture into small patties, approximately 2.5–3 inches across.
Cover and refrigerate the patties for about 10 minutes to help them hold together while frying.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Fry the chilled shrimp cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer cooked cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
While cakes are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt and pepper for the aioli.
Serve warm with a dollop of lemon aioli and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Notes
For a lighter cake, use panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.