– 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Oil, for frying (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli:
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Chop the raw shrimp into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten egg, mayonnaise, parsley, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Combine: Gently mix all ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a light touch works best for maintaining a tender texture.
4. Form Cakes: Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
5. Heat Oil: In a skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom and heat over medium heat.
6. Cook the Cakes: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp cakes in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
7. Drain: Remove the cakes from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. Prepare the Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
9. Serve: Plate the shrimp cakes and drizzle or serve with the lemon aioli on the side.
Enjoying this dish is simple; the flavors come together beautifully, making it a standout choice for any meal.