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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Seafood / Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes

Published April 29, 2024 by Lauren Vavala Harris

Thanks for sharing!

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A plate of shrimp cakes and bowl of aioli with text overlay.
A plate of shrimp cakes with text overlay.
A shrimp cake being dipped into roasted garlic aioli with more shrimp cakes on the plate with text overlay.
A shrimp cake being dipped into roasted garlic aioli with more shrimp cakes on the plate with text overlay.
A white plate with shrimp cakes and a bowl of aioli on it with a towel and lemons around it with text overlay.

Move over crab, there’s a new cake in town! This easy recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes are packed with so much garlicky, lemony flavor. They make an absolutely delicious summer appetizer or dinner.

A white plate with shrimp cakes and a bowl of aioli on it with a towel and lemons around it.

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Very rarely do I talk out loud when no one is around, but when I first tested the recipe for these Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes, I kid you not, I said “Oh my, these are good…”  

These little cakes are full of fresh lemon and garlic, but not so much that the shrimp flavor gets lost.

While the shrimp cakes are delicious on their own, I find that Roasted Garlic Aioli enhances the flavor even more. It really is the icing on the cake!  I could almost eat it by the spoonful…almost.

I usually use frozen, pre-cleaned shrimp. I have made this recipe with both raw and cooked shrimp and both options work out perfectly.

Why This Recipe Works

Shrimp cakes are not just for dinner – they also can be served as appetizers or hors d’oeuvres.

They are quick and easy to prepare and full of delicious shrimp, garlic and lemon flavor.

You can use either raw or precooked shrimp for this recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make shrimp cakes on a marble background with text overlay.

  • 1 pound shrimp: peeled, deveined and roughly chopped: you could also use a food processor to make the shrimp cakes, though in my experience they come out more dense.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 lemon (zested)
  • 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • oil for frying

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them under cold water first and remove the shells and/or tails, if necessary.

Create!

Chopped shrimp, bread crumbs and spices combined in a glass bowl with a spoon in it over a marble background.

Roughly chop the shrimp and combine in a medium size bowl with the garlic, egg, lemon zest, bread crumbs, onion powder, salt, paprika and pepper.

Chef’s Tip: to save time, you can also add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse a few times until the shrimp are finely chopped and everything is well combined. Just be aware that this typically results in a denser cake.

Formed shrimp cakes on a white plate on a marble background.

Make 8 shrimp cakes by rolling small handfuls of the mixture into a tightly packed ball, then flattening.

Shrimp cakes frying in a black skillet on a marble background.

Heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp cakes and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You may have to work in batches.

Remove to a plate.

Present

Close up on shrimp cakes on a white plate with a white bowl of aioli in the back.

Enjoy larger shrimp cakes for dinner, or you can make them smaller and serve as an appetizer with a little drop of aioli.

Tips and Techniques

  • To save time, you can add all of the ingredients for the shrimp cakes (except for the olive oil) to a food processor fitted with a blade and pulse a few times until the shrimp are finely chopped and the ingredients are all well blended. The shrimp cakes will be more dense, so if you want them lighter, hand chop the shrimp.
  • To serve shrimp cakes as appetizers, make them smaller and serve with a drop of aioli on each one.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.

FAQ’s

Can You Use Frozen Shrimp Yo Make Shrimp Cakes?

Yes, but you will want to thaw them first. You can use either raw or cooked shrimp for this recipe.

Can You Freeze Shrimp Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp cakes. Allow them to cool, then freeze on a baking sheet and transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Consume within 6 months for best results.

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Love this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes recipe?  Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

A white plate with shrimp cakes and a bowl of aioli on it with lemons around it.
Print

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes

Move over crab, there's a new cake in town! This easy recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes are packed with so much garlicky, lemony flavor. They make an absolutely delicious summer appetizer or dinner.
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Gluten Free, Seafood
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 187kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined and roughly chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 lemon (zested)
  • 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • oil for frying

Instructions

  • Roughly chop the shrimp and combine in a medium size bowl with the garlic, egg, lemon zest, bread crumbs, onion powder, salt, paprika and pepper.
    1 pound shrimp, 2 cloves garlic, 1 egg, 1 lemon, 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Make 8 shrimp cakes by rolling small handfuls of the mixture into a tightly packed ball, then flattening.
  • Heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp cakes and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You may have to work in batches.
    oil for frying
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Serve, as desired.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • To save time, you can add all of the ingredients for the shrimp cakes (except for the olive oil) to a food processor fitted with a blade and pulse a few times until the shrimp are finely chopped and the ingredients are all well blended. The shrimp cakes will be more dense, so if you want them lighter, hand chop the shrimp.
  • To serve shrimp cakes as appetizers, make them smaller and serve with a drop of aioli on each one.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. It does not include the oil used for frying since this can vary greatly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 1249mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2mg

This recipe was originally published on March 24, 2016. It was updated with new images, step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in April 2024.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Main Dish, Recipes, Seafood

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    August 16, 2019 at 9:59 pm

    Love the idea of shrimp cakes! They’re so perfect for the end of summer!

    Reply
  2. Alexandra says

    August 16, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    Such a great and delicious idea – lemon and garlic is such a winning combination of flavours, and so perfectly suited with shrimp! Yum!

    Reply
  3. Noel Lizotte says

    August 16, 2019 at 8:34 pm

    What a great idea! I love crab cakes, but sometimes we want something “new” and “different”. This seems like something my family will like, because it’s familiar flavors and shape … but different.

    Reply
  4. Krissy Allori says

    August 16, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    I think I just drooled a little on my keyboard. This looks delicious!

    Reply
  5. Danielle says

    August 16, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    Lemon + garlic + shrimp – deliciousness, and no matter how you mix those three 🙂 I haven’t had shrimp cakes for a long time, so really keen to fix that with your recipe!

    Reply
  6. Tamara says

    June 29, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    I’ve never tried shrimp cakes and I’m keen to give these a go. They look delicious, Lauren!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      June 29, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      Thank you Tamara! They were pretty new to me too when I first made them and now they are one of my favorite recipes yet! I hope you try them! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  7. Krysten says

    July 24, 2016 at 2:50 am

    I have never thought of making shrimp cakes.
    I’ve done all of the regular- crab, salmon, tuna, but shrimp seems like such a great idea.
    I’m definitely using your recipe sometime in the next week!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 24, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  8. Abby says

    July 23, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    These look great! My husband has been on a shrimp kick ever since he visited Boston. I am sure he would be very excited to eat these! I am putting them on the menu for next week 🙂

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 8:36 pm

      Yay! Hope you guys love them! We have them on this weeks menu!

      Reply
  9. Jacki says

    July 23, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Oh my gosh yes!! These sound amazing!!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks Jacki!

      Reply
  10. Tonya says

    July 23, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Gonna definitely try the Garlic Aioli! Yum!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 8:38 pm

      Oh yes! It’s my favorite!

      Reply
  11. Project Couture says

    July 23, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    I love crab cakes and salmon patties, but I never would have thought shrimp cakes.
    Definitely trying this tomorrow, it looks so yummy I can’t wait. Thanks!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      It’s different but so good! I’m surprised they aren’t more popular!

      Reply
  12. M says

    July 23, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Aww, dear, now my heart (and tummy) aches for shrimp… Very fine and so yummy, great photos too!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  13. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

    July 23, 2016 at 9:41 am

    These look SO good! I can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Hope you love them!

      Reply
  14. Heather Davis says

    May 6, 2016 at 11:59 am

    I’ve made crab cakes but never shrimp cakes. That sounds great.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 6, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Thanks Heather! They are really good!

      Reply
  15. Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says

    May 5, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    Looks delicious! I’ll totally make these with GF breadcrumbs! Perfect

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 6, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Thanks Natalie!

      Reply
  16. janella panchamsingh says

    May 5, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    I love shrimp so this recipe has to be saved thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 6, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      You’re welcome Janella!

      Reply
  17. Klauss says

    May 5, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Lovely crunchy crust 🙂 Looks delightful!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 6, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      Thanks Klauss!

      Reply
  18. Maggie Unzueta says

    May 5, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    I might be drooling. Your shrimp cakes look delicious!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks Maggie!

      Reply
  19. Kristen says

    May 5, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    this looks amazing! I’ve never made my own shrimp cakes before! I LOVE garlic aioli so much. I’m pinning this for later! Thanks! xx

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      It’s so easy! I hope you like them if you make them!

      Reply
  20. andrea says

    May 5, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    Garlic Aioli is one of my favorites. I have made crab cakes but never shrimp cakes I can imagine they are much more affordable too. Thanks for sharing:)

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      I don’t like crab, so shrimp worked for me! I imagine it would be a nice change 🙂

      Reply
  21. Christine says

    May 5, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    These look so yummy. I love shrimp and garlic. I have never had shrimp cakes. But I am going to pin these and give it a try.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      I hadn’t either until recently, now it’s one of my favorite things to make! Hope you like them too!

      Reply
  22. Holly says

    May 5, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    These look really good. I’ll have to try making them.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Hope you like them!

      Reply
  23. Kamara says

    May 5, 2016 at 11:18 am

    These look absolutely delicious, and healthy too! I love garlic aioli…any aioli, really. Thanks for sharing!

    Euriental

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 12:30 pm

      I am addicted to this garlic aioli! I’ve started using it for so many other things now too!

      Reply
  24. Mary says

    May 5, 2016 at 11:13 am

    These look delicious and fairly easy. They will be a wonderful addition to my Mother’s Day brunch. Thank you.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      Never thought to have them with brunch! What a great idea!

      Reply
  25. Lauren says

    May 5, 2016 at 10:33 am

    These look amazing! I am pinning for later since I love everything about this recipe!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 5, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks Lauren! Last time I made a half batch and ate them all myself (within two days lol!)

      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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