Pan-Golden Shrimp Cakes with Fresh Lemon Aioli

At Table Number Seven, these golden shrimp cakes are crafted to be delicately crisp on the outside and tender within, infused with bright notes of garlic and fresh lemon that echo the freshness of the sea.

★★★★☆ 4 from 3 ratings
Prep20 mins
Cook10 mins
Total30 mins
Serves4
Energy kcal

The recipe

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp with the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, garlic, and a generous seasoning of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into small, neat patties (about 8–10 in total) and place them on a plate. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow them to chill for 15–20 minutes, helping the cakes firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the lemon aioli. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavours to develop.
  4. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the shrimp cakes into the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through.
  5. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the bright lemon aioli on the side.

A few details make all the difference

01

Mix gently for the best texture

Chop the shrimp finely but avoid turning it into a paste. Gentle mixing keeps the cakes tender and gives them a pleasant texture once cooked.

02

Chill the shrimp cakes before frying

Refrigerating the patties helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart in the skillet.

03

Cook until deeply golden on both sides

Allow the shrimp cakes to develop a rich golden crust before turning. This creates the best flavour and texture.

Why this recipe works

Served alongside a silky, zesty lemon aioli, they offer a refined yet effortless dish — perfect as an elegant starter or a light supper that feels quietly indulgent without complication.

Cook’s notes

Allow the shrimp cakes to chill briefly before cooking

A short rest in the refrigerator helps the patties firm up so they hold their shape beautifully in the pan, while also giving the flavours time to meld together.

Use fresh or properly thawed raw shrimp for the best texture and flavour

Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated, so starting with raw shrimp ensures the cakes remain tender and delicate. Finely chop the shrimp rather than blending it into a paste—this preserves a gentle, rustic texture and gives each bite a satisfying, succulent character.

Build the perfect bowl

  • Shrimp
  • Lemon Aioli
  • Breadcrumbs

Made this recipe?

Rate this dish to help other cooks.

Current rating: 4 from 3 ratings

Cooking mode

Pan-Golden Shrimp Cakes with Fresh Lemon Aioli

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp with the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, garlic, and a generous seasoning of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small, neat patties (about 8–10 in total) and place them on a plate. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow them to chill for 15–20 minutes, helping the cakes firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
Meanwhile, prepare the lemon aioli. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavours to develop.
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the shrimp cakes into the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through.
Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the bright lemon aioli on the side.
A letter from table number seven

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