Taste the Sea: Delicious Shrimp and Crab Cakes Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Photo byAngie Bright

If you're a seafood enthusiast looking for a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the ocean, shrimp and crab cakes are a perfect choice. These crispy, golden cakes combine the sweet and delicate flavors of shrimp and crab into one mouthwatering dish. Whether you're planning a seafood night at home or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, shrimp and crab cakes are always a hit. Their simplicity in preparation, coupled with the depth of flavor, makes them a delightful addition to any meal.

The Perfect Blend of Shrimp and Crab
Shrimp and crab cakes bring together the tender texture of shrimp and the rich flavor of lump crab meat. This combination is enhanced with the subtle heat of Old Bay seasoning, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. The key to this recipe lies in maintaining the perfect balance of ingredients, so the natural sweetness of the seafood shines through. The use of breadcrumbs helps bind everything together, while the egg and mayonnaise add a creamy texture that keeps the cakes moist on the inside while achieving a crispy crust during frying.

Shrimp and Crab Cakes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Shape the seafood mixture into 6 patties, making sure each one holds its form.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp and crab cakes to the pan. Fry each cake for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure the cakes are cooked through in the center.
4. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a tangy remoulade.

Enjoying Shrimp and Crab Cakes

Shrimp and crab cakes can be enjoyed on their own as a savory appetizer or paired with a light salad for a full meal. These cakes also make great sliders or sandwiches when placed on a soft bun with some lettuce and a spread of mayonnaise. Their versatility is one of the reasons why they're so popular — whether you're serving them at a casual dinner or a fancy seafood feast, these cakes will quickly become a favorite.

The combination of tender shrimp and crab, seasoned with herbs and spices, creates a harmony of flavors that truly captures the essence of coastal cuisine. Each bite is a perfect blend of savory seafood, fresh herbs, and a slight tang from the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. The crispy, golden-brown crust gives way to a moist, flavorful center, making these shrimp and crab cakes an unforgettable dish for seafood lovers everywhere.

Here are some helpful sources for your Shrimp and Crab Cakes recipe:

1. Allrecipes offers a version of shrimp and crab cakes that incorporates both seafood and binds them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and seasonings like dill and garlic powder. This version also uses canned crabmeat and shrimp, making it accessible and easy to prepare​(Allrecipes).
2. Taste of Home presents a simple and delicious shrimp and crab cakes recipe, with panko breadcrumbs for a crisp texture. Their version includes sweet red and yellow peppers, adding a fresh, flavorful twist​(Taste of Home).
3. EatingWell features a healthy take on shrimp and crab cakes, using Dijon mustard and a light breadcrumb coating. This recipe ensures that the cakes are both flavorful and lower in calories, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters​(EatingWell).
4. Insanely Good Recipes shares a list of best crab and shrimp dishes, including a shrimp and crab Alfredo, offering more ways to enjoy these seafood staples in different formats beyond cakes​(Insanely Good Recipes).

These sources should provide you with plenty of variety and inspiration for your shrimp and crab cakes!