Quick & Flavorful Shrimp Cakes With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Shrimp cakes burst with oceanic flavors and zesty potential, upgradeing humble seafood into a culinary delight.

Delicate maritime proteins blend seamlessly with crisp, golden breading that promises a satisfying crunch.

Herbs and spices dance through each carefully crafted morsel, creating complex layers of taste and texture.

Home cooks can easily elevate weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleasing seafood creation that feels simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Light, crisp exteriors give way to tender, succulent interiors that capture the essence of fresh coastal cuisine.

These delectable rounds represent a perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet sophistication.

Rich, vibrant cilantro lime sauce provides the ideal complementary companion, adding brightness and tang to every bite.

Creative Sauce and Spice Combinations to Try

• Spicy Southwest Shrimp Cakes: Add diced jalapeños and replace Old Bay Seasoning with chipotle powder for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Cakes: Incorporate chopped fresh dill, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese into the mixture, then serve with a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce for a Greek-style seafood experience.
• Coconut Crunch Shrimp Cakes: Coat the shrimp patties in shredded coconut before frying to create a crispy exterior, and pair with a sweet chili dipping sauce for a tropical-inspired meal that adds textural complexity.
• Cajun Remoulade Shrimp Cakes: Mix Cajun seasoning into the shrimp cake batter and create a tangy remoulade sauce with chopped pickles, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard for a New Orleans-style culinary adventure.

Shrimp Cakes with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

• Quick and Crispy Seafood Delight: These shrimp cakes offer a perfect golden-brown crunch that transforms simple shrimp into an irresistible appetizer, creating a delightful texture contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior.
• Flavor-Packed Coastal Sensation: The combination of Old Bay Seasoning, garlic, and chives infuses the shrimp cakes with a robust maritime flavor, while the zesty cilantro lime sauce adds a bright, tangy punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With just 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time, these shrimp cakes are incredibly easy to make, perfect for home cooks looking to create restaurant-quality appetizers without complex techniques or extensive culinary skills.
• Versatile Party Crowd-Pleaser: These shrimp cakes work brilliantly as a starter, game day snack, or light meal, making them an adaptable dish that impresses guests and satisfies diverse palate preferences with minimal effort.

Ingredients That Make These Shrimp Cakes Extra Special

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet seafood that forms the core of the dish, preferably medium-sized and deveined.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the shrimp cakes together and adds richness.
• Corn Starch: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the shrimp cakes from falling apart.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that add depth and savory notes to the shrimp mixture.
• Chives: Mild onion-like herb that provides a subtle, fresh flavor and green color.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning with a blend of herbs and spices that complements shrimp.

• Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and balances the rich sauce.
• Mayo: Creamy base that provides smooth texture for both shrimp cakes and sauce.
• Cilantro: Herb with distinctive flavor that brings a zesty, aromatic touch to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Chili Sauce: Adds a hint of heat and complexity to the cilantro lime sauce.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for frying shrimp cakes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil from the cooked shrimp cakes.

How to Pan-Fry Shrimp Cakes with Crisp Edges

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Mixture

• Minced shrimp
• Eggs
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Mayonnaise
• Corn starch
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Old Bay Seasoning

Stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and form a cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Shape Shrimp Patties

Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop and shape the shrimp mixture into small, compact patties. Ensure each patty is evenly formed and holds together well.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp Cakes

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the shrimp patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown color and crispy edges. Flip the cakes gently to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the cooked shrimp cakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps the cakes crispy.

Step 5: Whip Up Cilantro Lime Sauce

• Fresh lime juice
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Chili sauce
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm shrimp cakes and serve them alongside the vibrant cilantro lime sauce. Use the sauce as a dipping accompaniment to enhance the flavors of the crispy shrimp cakes.

Tips to Mix and Form Flavorful Shrimp Patties

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the shrimp cake mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better during cooking.
• Precise Chopping: Mince shrimp finely and evenly to ensure a consistent texture and smooth binding of the cakes.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate shrimp cakes.
• Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the shrimp cakes light and preventing sogginess.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop cilantro and chives right before mixing to maximize their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities in the recipe.

Reheating Shrimp Cakes Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigerate: Place shrimp cakes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread shrimp cakes on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture.
• Freeze Option: Wrap individual shrimp cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Matches for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Cakes

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Grab a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp cakes' delicate seafood flavor and cut through the richness of the cilantro lime sauce.
• Match with Refreshing Citrus Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with orange segments, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the savory shrimp cakes and enhance the citrus notes from the lime sauce.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Prepare fragrant coconut rice as a side dish to absorb the delicious cilantro lime sauce and provide a creamy, tropical counterpoint to the crispy shrimp cakes.
• Enjoy with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a light wheat beer or a crisp lager that will refresh the palate and complement the Old Bay seasoning's subtle spice in the shrimp cakes.

Shrimp Cakes With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp cakes blend Caribbean and Mexican flavors with zesty cilantro lime sauce. Crispy golden exterior and tender interior promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw shrimp, deveined, peeled, and minced

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Aromatics and Herbs:

• ½ yellow onion, finely minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon chives or green onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons oil for frying

Cilantro Lime Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ½ teaspoon hot chili sauce (Sriracha or Tabasco)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously chop the shrimp into fine pieces, ensuring uniform texture for optimal cake formation.
2. Whisk together eggs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, corn starch, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients harmonize completely.
3. Gently fold the minced shrimp into the seasoned mixture, creating a cohesive blend without overmixing.
4. Prepare a skillet with a light layer of oil, heating over medium flame until surface shimmers with readiness.
5. Carefully shape the shrimp mixture into compact patties using a 1/4 cup measure, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
6. Delicately place the formed cakes into the heated skillet, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, watching for crispy edges and a rich amber color as indicators of perfect doneness.
8. Transfer the cooked shrimp cakes onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
9. For the accompanying sauce, whisk lime juice, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, chili sauce, and finely chopped cilantro in a small bowl.
10. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
11. Plate the shrimp cakes immediately, accompanied by the vibrant cilantro lime sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Perfectly blend shrimp mixture by mixing ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and binding agents.
• Create uniform shrimp cakes using a 1/4 cup measure for consistent size and even cooking, which helps achieve golden-brown exterior.
• Medium heat is crucial for developing a crispy crust without burning the delicate shrimp cake, allowing interior to cook evenly.
• Paper towel draining removes excess oil, maintaining the crispy texture and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Quick preparation of cilantro lime sauce enhances the dish with bright, zesty complementary flavors that cut through the richness of the shrimp cakes.
• Serve immediately while shrimp cakes are warm to enjoy maximum crispiness and optimal taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 790 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg