These Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli are an irresistible treat! The shrimp cakes are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with gooey cheese creating a golden crust. Pair it with the creamy lemon aioli sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for an appetizer or a side to any meal. The lemon aioli adds the perfect tangy twist to these savory shrimp fritters.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp Cakes/Fritters:

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups shredded)

  • 1 large egg

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped, plus more to garnish)

  • ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)

  • ⅛ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

  • 2 tbsp light olive oil (or high-heat cooking oil of choice)

• For the Lemon Aioli Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 garlic clove (pressed or finely minced)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp Mixture:
   Pat dry the shrimp and dice them into pea-sized pieces. Place the chopped shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded mozzarella, egg, mayonnaise, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well and then add the flour, mixing until smooth and combined.

2. Cook the Shrimp Cakes:
   Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of the shrimp mixture and form into patties, about ½ inch thick. Cook each patty for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Lemon Aioli Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. Stir to combine and set aside.

4. Serve:
   Serve the shrimp cakes warm with the lemon aioli sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 258 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4 g

• Protein: 21 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 85 mg

• Sodium: 379 mg

• Potassium: 194 mg

The Allure of Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp cakes are a classic seafood dish that brings together the delicate sweetness of shrimp with a crispy exterior that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The beauty of shrimp cakes lies in their texture and flavor profile. They are crispy and golden on the outside, thanks to the frying process, but remain tender and juicy on the inside, with the shrimp providing a natural, delicate seafood flavor.

What sets this particular recipe apart is the addition of mozzarella cheese, which melts into the cakes and forms a gooey, cheesy layer that adds richness and depth to each bite. This balance of flavors—crunchy exterior, tender shrimp, and melted cheese—makes for a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.

The ease of preparation is another reason why shrimp cakes are so beloved. They don’t require complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making them accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated appetizer for a dinner party, these shrimp cakes will always impress.

The Magic of Mozzarella in Shrimp Cakes

Mozzarella cheese plays a crucial role in the shrimp cakes, providing not only flavor but texture as well. When mixed with the shrimp, egg, and mayonnaise, mozzarella adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. As the shrimp cakes cook, the cheese melts, creating a golden, gooey crust that enhances the cakes’ texture and flavor. The mild, creamy flavor of mozzarella complements the delicate shrimp, without overpowering it. This combination of seafood and cheese might seem unexpected, but it works beautifully, offering a balanced and comforting taste.

The cheese also contributes to the shrimp cakes’ tenderness. Without it, the shrimp cakes might be more prone to drying out. Instead, the cheese helps retain moisture, ensuring that the shrimp cakes remain juicy and succulent, even after they’re fried to golden perfection.

The Zesty Lemon Aioli: A Tangy Complement

No shrimp cake would be complete without the perfect dipping sauce, and this lemon aioli does the job splendidly. Aioli, a rich garlic mayonnaise sauce, is a staple in many Mediterranean dishes. However, by adding fresh lemon zest and lemon juice to the traditional aioli base, you create a refreshing, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp cakes.

The acidity of the lemon provides a much-needed contrast to the richness of the shrimp cakes, cutting through the buttery flavor of the shrimp and the creamy texture of the cheese. The garlic adds depth to the aioli, creating a complex, flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp cakes without overwhelming them. This balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors in the aioli elevates the dish and enhances the overall experience.

The beauty of lemon aioli lies in its simplicity—just a few ingredients come together to create a sauce that is flavorful yet subtle enough to not overpower the shrimp cakes. The zesty lemon gives the aioli a refreshing quality that makes it an ideal match for seafood, and it also adds an extra layer of brightness that ties the whole dish together.

A Dish for All Occasions

Shrimp cakes with lemon aioli are a versatile dish that works for a variety of occasions. They make an excellent appetizer, perfect for serving at a party or gathering. Their size and shape make them easy to pick up and enjoy with one hand, allowing your guests to snack without missing a beat. The shrimp cakes are satisfying enough to be a starter but light enough to leave room for the main course.

As a side dish, these shrimp cakes pair beautifully with many different entrees, especially those that feature seafood or fresh vegetables. They also complement a wide range of sauces, from light vinaigrettes to richer, creamier options. If you’re serving shrimp cakes as part of a larger meal, they can be plated alongside grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded, flavorful dining experience.

If you want to enjoy the shrimp cakes as a main dish, they can be served alongside a bed of greens or rice for a more substantial meal. The combination of shrimp cakes and lemon aioli will provide all the flavors you need, whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner at home or entertaining guests for a special occasion.

The Perfect Texture: Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

Achieving the perfect texture is essential when making shrimp cakes. The outer crust must be crispy, while the inside remains tender and moist. To get this right, it’s important to fry the shrimp cakes on medium heat, allowing the exterior to crisp up without overcooking the inside. By cooking the shrimp cakes for just the right amount of time—about three minutes per side—you create the perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, juicy shrimp interior.

The key to this texture is in the ingredients. The mozzarella cheese helps bind the mixture together, ensuring that the shrimp cakes hold their shape as they cook. The addition of mayonnaise and egg also contributes to the moisture and richness of the cakes, making them soft on the inside while still holding together when fried.

This delicate balance of crispiness and tenderness is one of the reasons why shrimp cakes are so enjoyable. When done correctly, the texture of these shrimp cakes is a satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

A Customizable Dish

One of the best things about shrimp cakes with lemon aioli is their versatility. While the recipe as it stands is a winner, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes. For example, if you prefer a spicier kick, you could add a touch of hot sauce or finely chopped chili peppers to the shrimp mixture. A bit of finely grated Parmesan could also be added to the cakes for an extra layer of flavor, bringing some sharpness and richness to the dish.

You can also experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Dill, tarragon, or chives would complement the shrimp beautifully, adding freshness and subtle herbal notes to the cakes. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise in the aioli, you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option that still provides creaminess and tang.

Additionally, while the recipe calls for large shrimp, you can experiment with different types of seafood, such as crab or scallops, to create variations of the dish. The aioli, too, can be customized with different citrus, such as lime or orange, depending on your preferences.

Conclusion: A Delightful Dish for Every Seafood Lover

Shrimp cakes with lemon aioli are a versatile, flavorful dish that’s sure to please any seafood lover. The combination of crispy, cheesy shrimp cakes and the tangy, creamy lemon aioli creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, these shrimp cakes are a crowd-pleasing choice that can elevate any meal.

The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich flavors and textures, makes it a great option for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes impressive, making it the perfect option for entertaining or enjoying a special meal at home.

The adaptability of shrimp cakes with lemon aioli means you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re adding a little heat to the cakes or experimenting with different citrus in the aioli, this dish is a wonderful base for culinary creativity.

In the end, shrimp cakes with lemon aioli offer the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, making them a must-try for any seafood enthusiast. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a tasty weeknight dinner, they’re sure to be a hit every time.