These golden Shrimp Cakes are crispy, tender, and brimming with the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, and the sea. Paired with a creamy, zesty lemon aioli, they make the ultimate seafood appetizer or light dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend entertaining, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just want to try something new and flavorful, these shrimp cakes are sure to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Cakes:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 egg
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1 green onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons lemon zest
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Aioli:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 garlic clove, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Salt, to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Form the mixture into small patties (about 8-10) and place them on a plate. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
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Meanwhile, make the aioli by combining mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add shrimp cakes and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve hot with a generous spoonful of lemon aioli on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and tangy flavors. These seafood patties are pan-fried until golden on the outside while remaining tender and succulent inside, thanks to the juicy texture of finely chopped shrimp. They’re paired with a bright, zesty lemon aioli that cuts through the richness with refreshing citrusy notes, creating a well-balanced and unforgettable dish. This recipe is elegant enough for entertaining guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a wonderful example of how a few fresh ingredients can transform into something truly delightful.
Shrimp cakes are beloved across various cuisines and have been adapted into many different styles around the world—from Thai fish cakes to Caribbean fritters. This version embraces simple American-style seafood cooking while adding layers of flavor with ingredients like lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Paired with the luscious aioli, it’s an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and refined.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Cakes
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. For one, it’s incredibly quick to make, requiring only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The shrimp cakes are lightly crispy on the outside, giving them the satisfying texture of a fried treat, while the inside remains moist and flavorful. They’re perfect as a main course, appetizer, or part of a seafood platter.
The lemon aioli elevates the dish with its creamy and tangy contrast. It’s a refreshing addition that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The lemon zest used in both the cakes and the aioli helps tie the dish together and enhances the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.
This dish is also easily customizable. You can spice it up with a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika, add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or dill, or even switch the aioli for a chipotle mayo or herbed yogurt dip, depending on your preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a fancy dinner or a quick meal, these shrimp cakes adapt beautifully.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Lemon Aioli
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it an excellent option for health-conscious eaters. It is low in calories and fat but high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and iodine. Additionally, shrimp contains antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which can support brain and heart health.
Using fresh lemon juice and zest in the aioli introduces vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system and enhances skin health. Garlic also plays a role in heart health and immune support, while olive oil used in both frying and the aioli contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Even though this recipe involves frying, the use of olive oil and portion control ensures you still get a health-conscious dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Plus, you can always opt to bake or air fry the cakes for an even lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli are incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation and pairing. Here are some ideas to serve them:
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Appetizer Platter: Make smaller, bite-sized cakes and serve with a bowl of lemon aioli for dipping. Add a few lemon wedges and some fresh herbs for garnish.
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Seafood Entrée: Serve the shrimp cakes alongside a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed vegetables. Add a wedge of lemon and a drizzle of aioli over the top.
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Sandwich Style: Place the shrimp cake in a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a generous smear of lemon aioli for a gourmet shrimp burger.
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Taco Night: Use soft corn tortillas, slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lemon aioli to create flavorful seafood tacos.
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Grain Bowl Topping: Serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of aioli for a nutrient-rich lunch.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Cakes
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Use fresh or thawed raw shrimp: Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can result in a rubbery texture. Finely chop the shrimp instead of blending it completely to maintain a chunky, pleasant bite.
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Chill the mixture before frying: Letting the cakes rest in the fridge helps them hold their shape better while cooking and allows the flavors to meld.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain even browning and consistent texture.
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Test one cake first: Fry one shrimp cake first and taste it to check the seasoning. You can adjust the salt, spice, or lemon as needed before frying the rest.
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Make ahead: These cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also freeze them uncooked and thaw before frying.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover shrimp cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. While microwaving is an option, it may affect the crispness of the outer layer.
The lemon aioli can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to stir it before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Variations to Try
This recipe serves as a wonderful base for experimentation:
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Spicy Shrimp Cakes: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture.
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Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil, chopped scallions, and a splash of soy sauce in the mixture. Pair with a wasabi or ginger aioli.
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Herbed Version: Add a mix of finely chopped dill, parsley, and chives for a garden-fresh flavor.
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Cheesy Shrimp Cakes: Fold in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan into the mixture for a richer, cheesier version.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly variation.
Origin and Popularity
Shrimp cakes have roots in several coastal cuisines, from the crab cakes of the Chesapeake Bay to shrimp fritters found in Caribbean cooking. Their popularity stems from their deliciousness and ease of preparation. They use simple ingredients, cook quickly, and adapt to various flavor profiles. In American cuisine, they’re a comforting seafood staple often featured at seaside restaurants and homes alike. Pairing them with aioli—a Mediterranean-style garlic mayonnaise—adds a gourmet twist that’s both refined and satisfying.
Conclusion
Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli are the perfect fusion of simple cooking and gourmet flavor. They deliver everything you want in a meal: crispy texture, succulent seafood flavor, and a zesty, creamy dip that ties it all together. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just cooking a weeknight meal, these shrimp cakes promise to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
What makes them even more special is their adaptability. With just a few tweaks, you can customize the flavor profile to suit your mood, your pantry, or your audience. Serve them as a starter, main, or even in tacos or sandwiches—the possibilities are endless.
So the next time you want a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant kitchen but is made with your own hands, reach for this shrimp cake recipe. It’s a dish that never fails to please, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.