The Asian flavors in these Thai Shrimp Cakes, filled with big chunks of shrimp, sweetened coconut, fresh ginger, and a squeeze of lime, paired with a splash of Sriracha and chopped serranos, makes this the perfect summertime (can you say tropical?) dish!
I think you can never fully understand the importance of how a recipe is written until you’ve made it several times and mess it up, every single time. Finally, you realize it’s the recipe, and not you.
That was the way it was for me and these Thai Shrimp Cakes. It’s been a love/hate relationship from day one. But their flavor profile had me from the 1st time I made them – and I’ve kept going back to re-try multiple times until I got them just right. Have you ever been there?
I’m not going to lie. These are amazing. But, they can be temperamental to cook. Some of the best foods in life are, you know?
So, if you are a beginning cook… = please don’t start here. 🙂
And for the more seasoned chef? Be ready to alternate between medium-high and medium heat to get the crisp just right without burning or over-cooking them.
But, the good news is…, you no longer need to worry about how the recipe is written, because I’ve re-written it for a more ample portion size and for ease of reading. And you, my dear reader, will not be subject to having to do math.
I know, right? You’re welcome. 🙂
Trust me, I wouldn’t post this if we didn’t love it. I’m telling you ~ we absolutely do love this recipe and make it several times over the course of summer because it’s light and filling, yet so flavorful. Which is why I kept trying over and over again. If there’s one thing I am ~ it’s persistent!
Even though these Thai Shrimp Cakes have Sriracha and chopped serrano peppers – they are not spicy (are you listening Lindsey?)! All the flavors mellow out – especially with the sweetened coconut and tart lime. You will love them ~ especially those of you that are spice-challenged.
FYI: the patties when prepared (before breading them) will be quite wet ~ so refrigerate them before you saute them to help them stick together and behave themselves.
Here are a few tips:
- After you thaw and rinse the shrimp, pat them dry before chopping them to remove excess water.
- Refrigerating the patties (before adding the breading) will help them firm up so they don’t fall apart when cooking.
- Adjust your cooking temperature between Medium-High and Medium as they cook to ensure they don’t over (or under!) cook
- Use a spatula with a thin surface area, so they are easy to get under to turn them over
Enjoy!
Thai Shrimp Cakes
Ingredients
Shrimp Cakes
- 2/3 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced sweetened dried coconut
- 4 tablespoons minced green onions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Thai basil
- 2 teaspoons chopped serrano peppers
- 4 teaspoons fish sauce
- 4 teaspoons Sriracha hot chile sauce
- 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound 16 ounces peeled, deveined shrimp (tails removed), finely chopped
Breading
- 2/3 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced sweetened dried coconut
Prep
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
Garnish
- 2 limes quartered (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the first 10 ingredients in a large bowl; add chopped shrimp and stir until just combined. Set aside.
- Combine remaining panko and coconut in a shallow dish.
- Using wet hands, shape shrimp mixture into 8 equal balls and flatten into patties. Place on a waxed paper covered baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow patties to firm up.
- Remove patties from refrigerator and coat shrimp patties in panko/coconut mixture.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat. Add 4 shrimp patties and cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove from pan and allow to drain on paper towels. Repeat for the remaining 4 shrimp patties. Serve garnished with lime.
Recipe modified from Cooking Light @ Thai Shrimp Cakes.
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
These look delish Kristi! And I love the dishes. So pretty.
Bet the whole family would love these!
Happy Monday!
Kristi says
Thanks Melanie – they are so good. Have a wonderful week & Happy Monday to you too!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Listening! I think the flavors sound perfect!! I happen to have all these ingredients in my cupboard and fridge! I bought more shrimp several weeks ago in anticipation of you posting another delicious shrimp recipe I need to try / remake the spicy bbq shrimp!! Do you think it would work if I processed the shrimp in a food processor? I’m feeling ridiculously lazy. Pinned 🙂
If only I had such pretty dishes t serve them on!! Gorgeous!
Kristi says
Yes! I definitely think it would work if you used a food processor. They would be smaller pieces and more likely to stay together. I love my shrimpys… they are SO easy and so fast and just make life better, you know? And darling – you KNOW I love you for the pin. Who am I kidding? I love you anyway! 🙂
marcie says
I’m loving your shrimp recipes, Kristi, and these cakes sound incredible — I love the tropical flavors and the spice! I’m not afraid of these babies — I need to try them ASAP!
Kristi says
Thanks Marcie! I am so hooked on these shrimp. How else can you put a tasty dinner on the table so fast? And, the tropical flavors? With summer leaving us – girl, we need to hang on to what we’ve got!!! 🙂
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Kristi, these look INSANELY good! Such a fantastic combination of flavors! I’m sooooo glad you kept fighting with this recipe to get it just right! (And that you saved us from some math – lol!) Great tips to make the prep easier, too! Off to pin, pin, pin … 😀
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Shelley! Yes, this recipe has been in my list for a while – but boy, getting them just right was a challenge! I hope you love the flavors as much as we did! Cheers!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
Shrimp cakes are SO delicious, so I’m kinda sad they are that hard to make 😉 I’ll definitely give them a try once, because thee look too good! Yum!
Kristi says
Josefine!!!!! I’m so glad you’re back! I’ve ssssoooo missed you, girl!! 🙂 I’m kinda not happy these shrimp cakes are hard to make either 🙂 but they are so tasty, they are worth it! Welcome back from vacation! Don’t leave us again – we miss you to much! 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Delicious looking shrimp cakes, might have to eat more than one. 😉
Kristi says
Thanks Pamela! Oh, I didn’t stop at just one either. It’s ok…one or a dozen, who’s counting. No judgement here! 🙂
[email protected] says
These look amazing, Kristi! I ADORE thai food and I’m just picturing several of these gorgeous cakes over a bed of rice for my dinner tonight. 😀
Kristi says
Thanks Sarah! I’m so glad you like it. I love Thai flavors too – and if you’re making these for dinner, place another setting, because girl I am coming over!!! 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
i make a mean thai fish cake but i have never tried making a shrimp cake before. definitely will be giving this recipe a go, thanks kristi!
Kristi says
Gahhhhh!!! Thalia – did you share your Thai Fish Cake recipe on your site? Because girl, I need a link! I want to try it!!! And, thanks for the compliments, but I want to try yours now! 🙂
Kelly says
Oh Kristi, these look absolutely mouthwatering! I love love love these Thai shrimp cakes and thank you for testing out the recipe so many times for us 🙂 The flavors sound amazing and I am definitely not afraid of any spice and am actually drooling just thinking about these! Mmm…can’t wait to try these girl, pinning 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Kelly! You will absolutely love the blend of flavors – they are so good. Even though they’re tough to make, they are so worth it. Have a beautiful day!
Monica says
Love your shrimp recipes . These shrimp cakes look as amazing as they sound. I love shrimp every which way but I’m intimidated by the very idea of shrimp cakes. I appreciate your honesty and tweaks to the recipe to make it easier. I swear, I could taste that crunch of the crust and the sweet spice within from your pictures. You make it look worth the challenge!
Kristi says
Hahahaha! Thanks Monica – that’s such a beautiful comment – I love that you could taste the crunch of the crust and the sweet spices. That totally made my day! Have a beautiful week!
Cheryl says
Mmmm, these look (and sound!) positively delicious. Reading the list of main ingredients alone makes my stomach rumble!
Kristi says
Thanks Cheryl – it really is a delicious recipe – the flavors are spot on!
Annie @Maebells says
This look seriously amazing! I am loving the flavors you used! Delish!
Kristi says
Thanks Annie! They really do blend beautifully together!
Juliana says
These shrimp cake look delicious Kristi…I love the panko with the the coconut…what a yummy recipe.
Thanks for sharing it!
Have a lovely week 😀
Kristi says
Thanks Juliana! The coconut so makes it! I’m glad you like it!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Kristi thank YOU for rewriting this recipe because they sound incredible! We absolutely love seafood in this household and I’d imagine this would be a most requested list 😀
Kristi says
Thanks Lorraine! They are really good and we love seafood too!!!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron says
These shrimp cakes look amazing. They look so perfectly crisp! I love that there’s coconut and lime with the sriracha… mmm I’m drooling!
Kristi says
Thanks Ruby – they do have a great crisp on them – and you’re right – the coconut, lime and sriracha really add something!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
Oh my goodness, these sound amazing. I am such a sucker for shrimp cakes and am always on the lookout for a new recipe. Pinned and drooling!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Elizabeth! I love shrimp too – and we’ve made these several times. Even though they’re tempermental to make, they’re worth it!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Thai flavors really are the best aren’t they? Definitely trying these babies.
Kristi says
Yes! They are the best Ashley – I just love this combination! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com says
Wow!! These look so pretty and delicious!! LOVELY recipe!! That plate is so beautiful as well…hahah great recipe!
Kristi says
Thanks Cailee! I think if you try it, you will love it – such a great flavor combo. And, thanks for the compliments on the plates! 🙂 Have a beautiful week!
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
I am total seafood lover.. I absolutely love this shrimp cake recipe!! Looks incredible. . Can’t wait to give it a try! ! 🙂
Kristi says
Ooooooooo me toooooo Arpita! Seafood is my friend and shrimp especially because they are so easy! I’m glad you love it and I hope you get a chance to try it! Have a beautiful week!
Monet says
We had a hard time with corn fritters a few weeks ago. They were delicious but temperamental! Looks like they have good company with these cakes!
Kristi says
Isn’t that the worst Monet? When you’re trying to make something lovely and it’s just not cooperating! I so hope your Corn Fritters worked out like these Thai Shrimp Cakes!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oooh – YUM. These cakes would be the perfect thing for dinner around here. I bet the coconut adds such a great flavor to them! Pinning! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Alyssa! Yes, the coconut & lime take these over the top! Have a great day!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
Yay I’m so happy you got to make the recipe perfect in the end! These cakes do look fabulous and I’m sure both the texture and the flavor are unreal 🙂 Loooove these!
Kristi says
YESSSSS, girl!!! Amen! Right? The texture and flavor combo were out of this world. Consuelo, you’d LOVE them!
ananda says
i seriously need to make 100 of these and freeze them – they’d be the perfect snack! thank you for the recipe that combines so many of my fav! =)
Kristi says
I’m so glad you love them! Can you hear my heart singing at your compliment? Because I am!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
These look awesome! I totally hear you on the temperamental recipes – I think this one looks like it’s worth the extra effort, for sure!
Kristi says
Thanks Sarah. Some recipes are just so worth it! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
[email protected] says
Love the blue plates and I love shrimp cakes – the flavors sound wonderful.
Kristi says
Thanks Christin.
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Woooowie Kristi, I am LOVING these shrimp cakes!!!!!! I love love LAAAAAAVE the fact that you always take the heat up a notch!!!!!! It’s my favorite way of eating anything savory so this is just PERFFFECT! Also loving those tips that you’ve compiled to make the cakes crisp! Mine somehow end up getting soggy and now I know why, thanks to you!! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Samina. I’ve made these cakes so many times – and I love them, but they are temperamental. I’m so glad you found the tips helpful!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I adore fish cakes of all kinds, but I think shrimp are the most elegant — love the colors in your photos!
Kristi says
Thanks Sue! I love fish cakes too! I don’t make them often enough, but every time I do, I remember how much I love them!
Yankee Kitchen Ninja (Julianne) says
Seems like just the right recipe for bringing tropical thoughts to a dreary winter’s night!
Kristi says
You’re so right Julianne! Its so strange to think many parts of the country are having bad weather right now – especially when our weather is so gorgeous!
Nicole @ Or Whatever You Do says
Some of my favorite recipes are pretty finicky. Its like the recipe lottery. Will it work this time? Won’t it? Makes the times it turns out JUST right that much better!!
Kristi says
I am so with you Nicole! OMG…how many times has that happened to me? Have you ever seen my kitchen disaster posts? YIKES! It happens all the time! LOL