Shrimp Cakes with Zucchini Salad –Crowd-Pleasing Dish

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion, these shrimp cakes with zucchini salad are sure to become a favorite. Light yet satisfying, these crispy shrimp patties pair beautifully with a cool, crunchy salad for a dish that feels gourmet but comes together quickly. Whether you’re planning shrimp recipes for a party, searching for leftover cooked shrimp recipes, or want a healthy weekday meal, this recipe hits the mark.

The shrimp cakes are seasoned to perfection and baked or pan-fried until golden brown. When served with a lemony zucchini ribbon salad, the combination of textures and flavors feels elegant and refreshing. These are ideal as appetizers, a light dinner, or even a make-ahead lunch option.

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Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Cakes with Zucchini Salad

• Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Versatile – Make them small for mini shrimp recipes or larger for a full meal.
• Light and healthy – Low in carbs and rich in protein and fiber.
• Party-friendly – Perfect for serving as shrimp recipes appetizers at gatherings.
• Customizable – Great with fresh, frozen, or even canned shrimp recipes.

Ingredients for Baked Shrimp Cakes & Zucchini Salad

For the Shrimp Cakes:

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (or use cooked or canned if preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or brushing before baking)

For the Zucchini Salad:

• 2 medium zucchinis, shaved into ribbons with a peeler
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh mint or basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this delicious dish with shrimp, you’ll need:

• Food processor (for shrimp)
• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan or baking sheet
• Vegetable peeler (for zucchini ribbons)
• Spatula
• Zester

How to Make Shrimp Cakes Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

1. If using raw shrimp, pulse it in a food processor 3–4 times until finely chopped but not a paste.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, mayo, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Form and Cook the Cakes

1. With damp hands, shape the mixture into small patties (2 tbsp for mini cakes or ¼ cup for larger ones).
2. For pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook shrimp cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cakes on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

How to Prepare the Zucchini Salad

1. Use a vegetable peeler to slice the zucchinis into long, thin ribbons.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the zucchini ribbons in the dressing. Add fresh herbs and parmesan if using. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to absorb flavors.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Cakes

• Avoid overprocessing shrimp – It should be finely chopped, not pureed.
• Chill the patties – If you have time, refrigerate them for 10 minutes before cooking for better shape retention.
• Use a hot pan – This ensures a golden, crisp crust without drying out the inside.
• Drain excess moisture – If using canned or cooked shrimp, pat them dry before mixing.

Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

These prawn cakes recipes are flexible and can be adapted easily:

• Use canned shrimp – Drain well and chop before mixing into the batter.
• Add spice – A bit of chili paste or cayenne gives a nice kick.
• Try different herbs – Swap parsley for dill or cilantro for a flavor change.
• Change up the salad – Add spiralized carrots, arugula, or cucumber ribbons.
• Serve with a sauce – Try sriracha mayo, garlic yogurt, or avocado crema.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter – This can make the cakes dense and tough. Mix gently!
• Shrimp not chopped properly – Too chunky and the cakes won’t hold; too pureed and the texture will be off.
• Too much liquid – Wet ingredients can cause the cakes to fall apart. Adjust with a bit more breadcrumbs if needed.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Store shrimp cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked cakes individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
• The zucchini salad is best served fresh, but it can be kept in the fridge for 1 day.

What to Serve with Shrimp Cakes and Zucchini Salad

Complete the meal with these additions:

• Crusty bread or pita – Ideal for scooping the salad and shrimp cakes.
• Rice or quinoa – A more filling side for dinner portions.
• Roasted veggies – Pair with sweet potatoes, broccoli, or asparagus.
• Dipping sauce – Garlic aioli, lemon tahini, or chili-lime mayo all work beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to finely chop and pat dry before mixing into the batter.

Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the patties up to 24 hours ahead and store them uncooked in the fridge.

Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F yields a healthier version without sacrificing crispiness—just flip halfway for even browning.

Can I use a different salad?
Yes. A simple arugula salad or slaw also pairs well if zucchini isn’t your favorite.

Conclusion

These shrimp cakes with zucchini salad are light, zesty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing dishes with shrimp for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends and want crowd-pleasing shrimp recipes appetizers, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.

Give this recipe a try and tell us what you think! If you loved it, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe for more creative and easy shrimp recipes for party or meal prep ideas.

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