Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with shrimp cakes! It all started on a warm summer evening at a beachside café, where I first tasted these golden delights, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The moment I dipped my fork into the tangy lemon aioli, I knew I had found something special. The bright flavors of the lemon paired with the savory shrimp created a taste explosion that I just couldn’t forget! Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. Trust me, these shrimp cakes with lemon aioli are not just a dish—they’re a celebration! You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! First, grab your pound of shrimp and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. You want to make sure they’re not too big, so every bite has that lovely shrimp flavor. You can use a sharp knife or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pulse them a few times in a food processor—just be careful not to turn them into mush!
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped shrimp with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Oh, the smell of those fresh onions is divine! Then, add in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together.
Now it’s time to form the patties! With your hands, scoop out some of that delicious mixture and shape it into round patties, about 2-3 inches wide. You should get around 8-10 patties, depending on how generous you are. I like to place them on a plate and pop them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before cooking, making it easier to flip them later.
While those patties chill, heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good!), carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Wow, the aroma will be irresistible!
Making the Lemon Aioli
Now, let’s whip up that tangy lemon aioli to serve alongside your shrimp cakes! In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth and creamy. If you want to jazz it up a bit, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or even some finely chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an extra flavor kick. This aioli is the perfect complement to those crispy shrimp cakes—trust me, you won’t want to skip it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Deliciously flavorful with the perfect balance of shrimp and zesty lemon.
- Made with healthy ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a delightful appetizer.
- Customizable—add your favorite spices or herbs for a personal touch.
- Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a cozy night in.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to make sure your shrimp cakes turn out absolutely perfect every time! First, don’t be shy with the seasonings—adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you love a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a kick!
When it comes to cooking, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties. If it’s not sizzling, they may turn out soggy instead of crispy. And don’t overcrowd the pan; give each cake enough space to fry up beautifully!
For a healthier twist, you can bake the shrimp cakes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finally, serve these delicious cakes with a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each shrimp cake, so you can keep track of what you’re enjoying! Each serving packs about 250 calories, with 12g of fat (2g saturated), and 15g of protein. You’ll also get 20g of carbohydrates, including 1g of sugar and 1g of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy your delicious meal with confidence!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before chopping. This helps avoid excess moisture in your shrimp cakes.
What can I serve with shrimp cakes?
These shrimp cakes pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad, some crispy fries, or even a light coleslaw. The tangy lemon aioli also makes a great dip for veggies!
Can I make shrimp cakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time, just cover them and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, simply cook them from chilled. They’ll be just as delicious!
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a bit of prepared horseradish for a different flavor profile. It’ll still taste fantastic!
How can I make these shrimp cakes gluten-free?
For gluten-free shrimp cakes, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. They’ll still be crispy and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious shrimp cakes with lemon aioli ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! I love pairing these little beauties with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette—it really balances the flavors. You could also go for some golden, crispy fries or a batch of sweet potato wedges for a delightful crunch. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, a zesty coleslaw or a fruit salad with berries and citrus would be absolutely perfect! And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to complete your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli: 5 Flavorful Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious shrimp cakes served with a tangy lemon aioli.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the shrimp into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- For the lemon aioli, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and serve alongside the shrimp cakes.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- You can bake the shrimp cakes for a healthier option.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Shrimp Cakes, Lemon Aioli, Seafood, Appetizer