Zesty Shrimp Cakes With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe Magic

Crispy, golden shrimp cakes burst with flavor that dance across your palate like a delightful coastal melody.

These delectable homemade shrimp cakes with cilantro lime sauce bring restaurant-quality seafood straight to your kitchen.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of tender shrimp, delicate herbs, and zesty seasonings.

The cilantro lime sauce adds a bright, tangy complement that makes these cakes absolutely irresistible.

Light and packed with fresh ingredients, these shrimp cakes work wonderfully as an appetizer or main course.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive this recipe can be for any gathering or quiet dinner at home.

Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every mouthwatering moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Shrimp Cakes With Cilantro Lime Sauce

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet ocean protein that adds robust seafood flavor and delicate texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cake together with rich, creamy consistency.
• Onion: Provides sharp, aromatic undertones and crisp vegetable complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent depth and classic savory punch.
• Mayo: Contributes creamy moisture and helps create smooth cake texture.
• Corn Starch: Creates light, crispy exterior and helps ingredients adhere perfectly.
• Chives: Introduces mild onion-like freshness and elegant green color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spicy undertone.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood blend that elevates maritime taste with complex spice notes.

• Cooking Oil: Enables golden, crispy exterior with even heat distribution.

• Lime Juice: Bright, zesty citrus element that cuts through richness.
• Mayo: Creates smooth, creamy sauce base with rich consistency.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic punch to sauce.
• Chili Sauce: Introduces gentle heat and tangy complexity.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant green color.
• Salt: Balances and heightens sauce flavors.
• Pepper: Provides subtle, warming spice undertone.

Tools to Shape and Cook Shrimp Cakes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all shrimp cake ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for frying shrimp cakes to golden perfection.
• Measuring cup: Helps create uniform 1/4 cup shrimp cake portions.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing the zesty cilantro lime sauce.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from cooked shrimp cakes.
• Spatula: Helps flip shrimp cakes evenly without breaking them.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping ingredients like chives and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing shrimp, garlic, and herbs.

Instructions for Shrimp Cakes with Tangy Sauce

• Seafood Foundation

Chop shrimp into fine pieces and blend with aromatic herbs and binding ingredients in a mixing bowl. The goal is creating a smooth, cohesive mixture that will hold together perfectly when cooking.

• Shaping and Cooking

Form small, compact patties from the seafood blend. Heat a skillet with oil and gently place each cake, allowing them to develop a golden crispy exterior. Cook until edges turn beautifully brown and centers become firm.

• Flavor Enhancer

Whip together a zesty sauce combining tangy lime juice, fresh herbs, and creamy elements. This bright accompaniment will elevate the delicate seafood cakes and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, crispy texture.

• Serving Suggestions

Transfer the golden-brown seafood cakes onto a clean plate. Drizzle or serve the vibrant sauce alongside, inviting diners to customize their dipping experience. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor complexity.

• Quick Tips

Work with cold ingredients for better binding. Allow patties to rest briefly before cooking to help them maintain structural integrity. Use medium heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the delicate seafood mixture.

Tips for Juicy Shrimp Cakes Every Time

• Chop shrimp into small, uniform pieces using a food processor for consistent texture and easier cake formation.
• Replace corn starch with panko breadcrumbs for added crispiness and enhanced binding of shrimp cake ingredients.
• Adjust spiciness by increasing or decreasing chili sauce in the cilantro lime sauce, or add diced jalapeños to the shrimp mixture.
• Bake shrimp cakes at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a healthier option with less oil.
• Substitute shrimp with crab, salmon, or white fish to create diverse seafood cake variations that suit different taste preferences.

Serving Shrimp Cakes with the Right Sauce

• Entertaining Night Delight: Serve these golden shrimp cakes as a stunning appetizer during game nights or casual dinner parties with friends, creating an irresistible conversation starter.
• Beachy Picnic Platter: Pack these crispy shrimp cakes in a portable container for a seaside lunch, pairing them with the zesty cilantro lime sauce that brings a refreshing coastal flavor.
• Brunch Sensation: Transform your weekend brunch by presenting these shrimp cakes alongside poached eggs and a light mixed green salad, offering a gourmet twist to traditional morning fare.
• Tapas-Style Spread: Arrange the shrimp cakes on a wooden board with small ramekins of cilantro lime sauce, creating an interactive and shareable dining experience that encourages socializing.

Storing Shrimp Cakes for Later Meals

• Flavor Fusion Storage: Wrap cooled shrimp cakes in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delicate taste.
• Sauce Safekeeping: Transfer cilantro lime sauce to a sealed jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, keeping the vibrant flavors intact and ready for quick snacking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp cake mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. This technique allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating more delicious results.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Uncooked shrimp cake patties can be frozen between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook fresh when ready to enjoy, ensuring maximum seafood freshness and quality.

Crispy Shrimp Cakes With Cilantro Lime Sauce

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp cakes bring coastal flavors to home kitchens with crisp edges and zesty cilantro lime sauce. Seafood enthusiasts discover a quick dinner solution that delivers bold flavor profiles and impressive restaurant-quality results you can easily recreate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, deveined, peeled, and minced
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsps corn starch
• ½ yellow onion, finely minced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 tbsps oil for frying
• 1 tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ tsp hot chili sauce (Sriracha or Tabasco)
• 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Finely mince shrimp into uniform pieces, ensuring consistent texture for optimal cake formation.
2. Mixing: Combine eggs, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, corn starch, chives, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning in a large bowl, whisking until ingredients integrate seamlessly.
3. Incorporation: Gently fold minced shrimp into the seasoned mixture, maintaining a delicate balance without overworking the blend.
4. Cooking Setup: Heat a skillet with a thin oil layer over medium heat until surface ripples with culinary anticipation.
5. Cake Formation and Cooking: Shape shrimp mixture into uniform patties using a 1/4 cup measure, then carefully place them in the hot skillet. Sear until each side develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Sauce Creation: While cakes crisp, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, chili sauce, and finely chopped cilantro in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finishing: Remove shrimp cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then plate immediately with the vibrant cilantro lime sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Precision Chopping: Finely dice shrimp to ensure uniform texture and prevent crumbly cakes that fall apart during cooking.
• Binding Technique: Use cornstarch and eggs as critical binding agents to help shrimp cakes hold their shape and create a tender interior.
• Pan Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the delicate shrimp mixture.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust cilantro lime sauce ingredients to taste, ensuring a zesty complement that enhances the shrimp cakes’ flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg