Shrimp Cakes
Andrea Potischman | Mar 27, 2024
When it comes to whipping up a delicious, hassle-free meal, shrimp cakes are the way to go. So if you’re hosting a casual summer gathering or simply looking for a quick and satisfying weekday dinner option, these flavorful shrimp cakes are sure to impress just about anyone.
Shrimp cakes offer a stress-free culinary adventure for your taste buds. In just a few simple steps, you can transform fresh shrimp into a lovely and satisfying meal. Pan-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crisp exterior and a tender, juicy center. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or the main course, shrimp cakes are versatile and effortless to whip up.
Fresh vs. Frozen
When making shrimp cakes, using fresh shrimp is preferable and can make a remarkable difference in both flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp possess a sweet and delicate taste, yielding a succulent bite compared to their frozen counterparts. That said, depending on your location, fresh shrimp may not always be readily accessible. In such cases, frozen shrimp can provide a reliable alternative, allowing you to enjoy shrimp cakes regardless of the season or location without losing too much flavor-wise. When using frozen shrimp, it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal texture. Follow the instructions on the packaging for thawing methods, or place them in a bowl of cold water for a quick thaw.
Tips for Buying Fresh Shrimp
When purchasing fresh shrimp, look for shrimp with firm, translucent flesh and a mild, slightly salty, oceanic aroma. Avoid any shrimp with a strong, ammonia-like smell. The shrimp flesh should not have any black spots or discoloration. Fresh shrimp should be stored properly in a cold environment and used within a day or two for the best taste and quality.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
Apart from their mouthwatering taste, shrimp also pack a nutritious punch. They are an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating shrimp into your diet can contribute to heart health, boost brain function, and support overall well-being.
As the summer heat rolls in, shrimp cakes are an excellent choice for a light non-fussy meal for the family or when entertaining. Both shrimp cakes and cod cakes are two extremely popular dishes in my home year-round.
Shrimp Cakes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons (or to taste) jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons sliced chives plus more for garnish
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- lemon wedges, for garnish
Directions:
- To a large stock pot add 8 cups water, place over high heat, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and simmer until pink, about 2-3 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp. Drain and transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and let cool. Drain and pat dry.
- Place the cooked shrimp in the bowl of a food processor, fitted with a blade attachment. Pulse until coarsely chopped, do not grind into a paste. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and add the panko breadcrumbs, yellow pepper, scallions, jalapeño, chives, salt, pepper, eggs, and lemon zest. Stir gently to combine. Place a baking sheet lined with paper towel near your workstation.
- Using your hands, form the shrimp mixture into 8 patties. Place a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and when hot but not smoking, add the shrimp patties in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Place the cooked shrimp cakes on the prepared baking sheet to drain.
- Serve immediately, topped with sour cream and additional chopped chives. Garnish with lemon wedges
