Shrimp Cake Recipe
Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Barbara
I have always had a deep and unwavering love for seafood in all its forms. For years, my kitchen has been home to the steady rotation of Maryland crab cakes and golden salmon croquettes. They have become my absolute go-to’s when I want something savory and soulful. But every once in a while, a new recipe comes along that earns a permanent spot on my “favorites” list, and these Shrimp Cakes did exactly that.
What I love most about these cakes is how they manage to feel special without requiring an extra trip to the store. They’re made with simple, honest ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The result is a tender, flavorful bite that can be customized to your heart’s content. Whether you are serving them as a quick appetizer or a light main course, these shrimp cakes with their satisfying crunch and juicy center are unforgettable. Let me show you how I pull these together:
How to Make Shrimp Cakes
Step 1: Ingredients for Shrimp Cakes
Shrimp, Mayonnaise, Panko Bread Crumbs, Olive Oil, Scallion, Egg, Fresh Parsley, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Dijon Mustard and Cayenne Pepper.
Step 2: Make the Aioli Sauce
I start off by making a tasty aioli sauce. To make the sauce, in a small bowl combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Add the garlic, lemon juice, black pepper and cayenne pepper then mix until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
Using a sharp knife cut the shrimp into small evenly sized pieces. Add the shrimp to a large bowl then season with the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add the the mayonnaise, egg, parsley, scallion and bread crumbs then mix until all your ingredients are well Incorporated.Â
Step 4: Form the Shrimp Cake
Form them into patties and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Cake
Using medium heat bring your pan to temperature then add the olive oil. Add the cakes to the pan and allow them to cook for 4 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to remove the excess oil before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Cake:
- For a more flavorful shrimp cake, you can add other ingredients to the mixture, such as chopped bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or chopped green onions.
- You can fry the shrimp cakes or cook them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the shrimp cakes for 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Shrimp cakes can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, remoulade or aioli sauce. They are great appetizers or can be served as a main dish paired with black bean salad, greek salad or potato salad.
Soul Food Cooking 101 — Classic Soul Food Recipes: Preserving the Legacy of Authentic Southern Cooking.
Join the SFC Family and Sign up for updates and recipes sent directly to your inbox!
Shrimp Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 Scallion
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
- 1-1/2 tsps Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- Aioli Sauce
- 2/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Method
- To make the aioli sauce, in a small bowl combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Add the garlic and lemon juice.
- Add the black pepper and cayenne pepper then mix until well combined.
- Using a sharp knife cut the shrimp into small even-sized pieces.
- Add the shrimp to a large bowl then season with the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise, egg, parsley, scallion and bread crumbs then mix until all your ingredients are well Incorporated. Form them into patties and place them on a baking sheet.
- Using medium heat bring your pan to temperature then add the olive oil.
- Add the cakes to the pan and allow them to cook for 4 minutes on each side.
